BASICS — The Golden Girls: The Lost Episodes, Vol. 3 — Alleyway Theatre, 1 Curtain Up Alley, Buffalo; 716-852-2600; June 1 – 24— 7:30 performances on Thursdays – Sundays. Call box office for tickets or go to www.alleyway.com
RUNTIME — 2 hours – including one intermission
THUMBNAIL SKETCH — This is a parody of the sitcom The Golden Girls. The hit comedy returns with two new “episodes” of naughty drag hilarity just in time for Pride. If you haven’t been able to snag a ticket the last two times these girls have hit the stage, here’s your warning: this production will sell out. Join Dorothy, Rose, Blanche and Sophia for another definitely-leave-the-kids-at-home night out. Script by David Cerda. Directed by Todd Warfield.
THE PLAYERS, THE PLAY, AND THE PRODUCTION —
The Golden Girls was an award winning sitcom that aired from 1985 – 1992 and is still popular in reruns. Four 50+ year old women share a house in Miami and support each other through both happy and hard times. Golden Girls drag parodies have been popping up all over the country. There are musical versions and there is even a puppet show version. We are fortunate here in WNY to get David Credo’s new “volumes” regularly.
As Dorothy, the leader of the pack, Mike Seitz is never over the top. His is a believable interpretation of the role. Mr. Seitz does a fine job and slings out those caustic one-line putdowns in true Bea Arthur fashion.
Michael (BeBe Bvlgari) Blasdell is a luscious Blanche who especially shines in Act 2 when the plot takes an incredible twist! No spoilers here, but the show builds to a really fun and unexpected sequence.
I believe that Joey Bucheker has been Rose in every incarnation of Golden Girls at Alleyway Theatre. Mr. Bucheker has absolutely nailed this character – a dewy-eyed darling in a dirndl – and he is always endearing as the perpetually befuddled Rose.
This production sports the best Alleyway Theatre Sophia to date. Matt Rittler looks and sounds just like Estelle Getty and he does amazing work throughout the show. The mambo sequence is sensational and it left me agog with glee!
In supporting roles are genial Tim Goehrig, lively Michael Wells, and zany Collin Ranney.
The script full of quips is by Chicago playwright, David Cerda, and it is one of the series of his Golden Girls productions. Built into his plays are Golden Girls trivia games and TV commercials to help the audience go back in time and get into the mood. Welcome to the 80’s!
Director Todd Warfield is known around town as The Go To Guy for directing imaginative campy parodies. I remember Posiedon: The Upside Down Musical and L’imitation Of Life with great fondness. Golden Girls 3 is fast-paced and very funny and another feather in Mr. Warfield’s cap.
Adding to this entertaining evening are interactive choreography by Joey Bucheker, the well detailed Golden Girls set by Christopher Rhoton, and fabulous costumes by Todd Warfield.
For an amusing (albeit adult’s only) evening – perfect for a summer night — I recommend The Golden Girls: The Lost Episodes, Vol. 3. A laugh filled evening of theatre is one of life’s greatest treasures.
*HERD OF BUFFALO (Notes on the Rating System)
ONE BUFFALO: This means trouble. A dreadful play, a highly flawed production, or both. Unless there is some really compelling reason for you to attend (i.e. you are the parent of someone who is in it), give this show a wide berth.
TWO BUFFALOS: Passable, but no great shakes. Either the production is pretty far off base, or the play itself is problematic. Unless you are the sort of person who’s happy just going to the theater, you might look around for something else.
THREE BUFFALOS: I still have my issues, but this is a pretty darn good night at the theater. If you don’t go in with huge expectations, you will probably be pleased.
FOUR BUFFALOS: Both the production and the play are of high caliber. If the genre/content are up your alley, I would make a real effort to attend.
FIVE BUFFALOS: Truly superb–a rare rating. Comedies that leave you weak with laughter, dramas that really touch the heart. Provided that this is the kind of show you like, you’d be a fool to miss it!
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