Hell in a Handbag Productions Presents THE GOLDEN GIRLS – THE LOST EPISODES Review – Biting Humor

Hell in a Handbag - THE GOLDEN GIRLS - THE LOST EPISODES
(left to right) AJ Wright, Ed Jones, David Cerda and Adrian Hadlock in Hell in a Handbag Productions’ world premiere THE GOLDEN GIRLS – THE LOST EPISODES by David Cerda, directed by Shade Murray. Photo by Rick Aguilar Studios.

Hell in a Handbag Productions has given fans of The Golden Girls a summertime gift with their production of THE GOLDEN GIRLS - THE LOST EPISODES. Picture a lively group of women all dressed as their favorite golden girl lounging on couches waiting for this hilarious experience. This world premiere parody of the popular sitcom gets every nuance of each character and doesn’t miss a single opportunity to exploit them.

Hell in a Handbag Concept,

The Hell in a Handbag concept is simply to use well-known characters to create new, and far more raunchy stories for fans to enjoy. Dorothy, Rose, Blanche and Sophia are all accounted for, as well as a variety of side characters and one-time appearances that the seasoned fan will eat up. The rapid-fire references will satisfy any die-hard fan’s yen for more golden adventures. The format is that of the vast amounts of clip shows from the show’s history. The girls are enjoying cheesecake around the kitchen table, reminiscing about past events. And yes, the transition music is used abundantly.

The stories are a bit more adult than what you will find in the reruns of the television show. They involve drugs, satanism, the corruption of youth, and violence. The harmlessly sassy quips you might be used to have been replaced with hard-hitting insults, which result in long bouts of laughter from the audience. There is rarely a quiet moment from the crowd.

Hell in a Handbag - THE GOLDEN GIRLS - THE LOST EPISODES
(left to right) Ed Jones, David Cerda, Adrian Hadlock, AJ Wright, Grant Drager, Terry McCarthy, Michael S. Miller, Lori Lee, David Lipschutz, Robert Williams, Chazie Bly and Kristopher Bottrall in Hell in a Handbag Productions’ world premiere THE GOLDEN GIRLS – THE LOST EPISODES by David Cerda, directed by Shade Murray. Photo by Rick Aguilar Studios.

Comedic Timing and Parody

All four actors in the main roles absolutely shine in recreating the beloved characters. David Cerda, who is also responsible for the wit and hilarity of the script, gives Dorothy’s deadpan coarseness an affectionate taunt with his performance. AJ Wright gives the tawdry Blanche the lusty performance she deserves. The ensemble often steals scenes as side characters and relatives of the girls. Chazie Bly stands out with his performance as Lily, Rose’s blind sister. His purposely over the top portrayal never fails to get an uproarious laugh.

Besides the hilarity on stage, you can expect a lively crowd experience as well. Prizes are given out for playing trivia, so bone up on your knowledge before attending. There were even audience members dressed as their favorite characters. This is a Golden Girls experience more than just seeing a parody of the show. If you have friends who love the show as much as you do, you absolutely do not want to miss this.

Photos by Rick Aguilar Studios

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Top Pick For: Golden Girls lovers
Not recommended for: Children or Those wanting a quiet night of theatre

Note: This is now added to the Picture this Post round up of BEST PLAYS IN CHICAGO, where it will remain until the end of the run. Click here to read — Top Picks for Theater in Chicago NOW – Chicago Plays PICTURE THIS POST Loves.

When:

June 14 - August 26, 2017

Wednesday and Thursdays at 7:30PM
*No performance on Thursday, July 6

Where:

Mary’s Attic
5400 N. Clark St., Chicago

Tickets:

$16 in advance, $20 at the door
VIP Tickets with cocktail $30 and up

Online at www.handbagproductions.org
Phone: 800-838-3006

Note: An excerpt of this review appears in Theatre in Chicago.

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