The Golden Girls: The Lost Episodes, Vol 2 is a hoot. It is laugh out loud funny, totally irreverent, full of sarcasm, innuendo, and explicit explicitness.

Are You Ready to Laugh?

The Golden Girls: The Lost Episodes, Vol 2 is a hoot. It is laugh out loud funny, totally irreverent, full of sarcasm, innuendo, and explicit explicitness. In other words, it bears little resemblance to the original sitcom, which ran from 1985-1992.

For one thing, forget any idea of a through line. It is a series of scenes and vignettes, where one usually has nothing to do with any other one. No matter. They’re all funny, even the ones that aren’t as funny as some of the other ones. If you know what I mean. For another thing, the women were all played by men, since Jessica Rasp, who usually plays Sophia, was not present at the performance I saw. Her part was taken by Matthew Rittler, who did a stellar job as that ancient Sicilian lady with her yellow purse on her arm.

The Girls are Back

Each character has the same personality as the original, but more so. Blanche, played to the hilt by Michael BeBe Blasdell, has a wonderful time making obscene gestures and vamping with the audience. Joey Bucheker is a riot as the dim-witted Rose, whose restless-leg syndrome plays a major part in the proceedings. Michael Wachowiak is Dorothy, she of the dry wit and pithy commentary, and carries that fine lady well.

Mark Montondo, Man 2, and a Sunshine Cadet (don’t ask) acts as the MC, regaling us with song and bizarre commercials for personal products that can be purchased for a mere $14.99. He also hosts Golden Girls Jeopardy, wherein audience members compete for a t-shirt. Note that if you saw the Holiday version, the questions are the same, in case you get to be a contestant. MM is great fun and very good at ad-libbing.

Rounding out the cast, Collin Ranney stepped in as Man 1, and did a fine job as a bear and a doctor. He was particularly moving as the bear.

Todd Warfield directed this mayhem that was written by David Cerda, who is Artistic Director of Hell in a Handbag Productions in Chicago. Mr. Warfield keeps the girls moving at a fast pace. Christopher Rhoton’s set has a great Miami 80’s look, including a beige wall phone and wicker furniture.

That’s Entertainment!

I loved the girls’ version of “It’s Raining Men” but have no idea why it was there. On the other hand, so what? One doesn’t come to a farce with the expectation that anything will make any sense. That is, if one has any sense.

Great costumes and wigs by Todd Warfield, too. Rose’s wig tends to have a life of its own. Lighting is by Emma Schimminger.

If you are looking for a respite from whatever stress may be going on in your life, and you want to be entertained without having to think at all, and you like bawdy humor and goofy setups, this is the show for you. The sold-out audience the night I saw it had a great time. Lots of hooting and hollering in addition to all the laughter. It is great fun.