Last month, “Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue” came to Playhouse Square and it was a riot. Set in the present day, the play follows what the ladies have been up to since the show went off air. Hilarious and raunchy, it was a perfect ode to “The Golden Girls” sitcom.
“The Golden Girls,” for those who do not know, revolved around the lives of four older women sharing a house in Miami: Starring Sophia (Estelle Getty), Blanche (Rue McClanahan), Rose (Betty White) and Dorothy (Bea Arthur). It ran from 1985 to 1992 and has received critical acclaim for its humor, portrayal of aging and way of addressing big-ticket issues.
“Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue” opens with Sophia, the sharp-tongued 80-year-old matriarch of the house, under house arrest for dealing drugs to her fellow senior citizens. Undeterred, the self-proclaimed “El Chapo of Shady Pines” continues selling her LSD-laced cheesecakes from t he comfort of her home, unbeknownst to the other ladies. Meanwhile, Blanche and Rose, both in their mid-50s, have launched CreakN, a thriving hookup app for older adults. Dorothy gets roped into the app and meets an enthusiastic younger man, all the while worrying about her mother Sophia’s upcoming trial.
The actors portrayed their characters to a tee. Christopher Kamm nailed Sophia’s mannerisms, shuffling along with her wicker purse, oversized spectacles and ankle monitor. Vince Kelley exuded Blanche’s Southern charm and penchant for flirting. Adam Graber flawlessly depicted Rose’s endearing naivety and distinct Minnesotan accent. And Ryan Bernier had Dorothy’s strong will and dry humor down perfectly. It being an all-men and openly gay cast only heightened the fun–with their dance moves, stellar costumes and fourth wall-breaking jokes making the show a masterpiece.
Throughout the two-hour show, the audience was laughing, whether they had watched “The Golden Girls” before or not. Some of the best jokes were the corniest. Phone notifications from CreakN sounded like creaking joints. Rose’s dream sequence after eating a cheesecake was hilariously silly. And, of course, learning the identity of Dorothy’s new lover was an unforgettable climax.
The show’s intermission was just as fun. They played songs from the ’80s and ’90s, and the predominantly middle-aged audience danced and sang along together. Many visited the open bar and merchandise shop. The merriment in Hanna Theatre was infectious. Yet to my surprise, nearly half of the theater was empty. Despite the universal love for “The Golden Girls” and the hilarity of the play, only a smattering of Clevelanders showed up. It was a shame—there should have been far more people in the audience taking in and cheering on the phenomenal performances.
We should all support the arts. Witnessing the creativity and storytelling of others is a gift that we must not undervalue. It inspires us, brings us joy and brings us together like nothing else. So please consider catching a show at Playhouse Square—you’ll be sure to have a fun evening. And while “Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue” is not showing in Cleveland anymore, you never know when the golden girls will be back.