The Golden Girls is the balm you need this season

This was going to be a different review a week ago. But I was reminded while in the middle of writing it why shows like The Golden Girls have such a continuous following, why we watch the episodes over and over and gravitate towards these character’s universe on stage or screen. It’s because when life falls apart, and hope and happiness feel so very far away, you can watch Sophia, Dorothy, Blanche and Rose and be reminded of all the good in the world.

Hell in a Handbag Productions opened their “Obligatory Holiday Show”, The Golden Girls: The Lost Episodes Nov. 26 (running until Dec. 30) at The Hoover-Leppen Theatre at The Center on Halsted. The story follows your four favorite, best-friend/grandma icons on stage as they see old friends, face the possible closing of Shady Pines Retirement Community, and even showcase never seen before talents. All culminating in the happy ending we all desperately need.

David Cerda, Grant Drager, Ed Jones, and Ryan Oats pulled off spot on renditions of Dorothy, Blanche, Rose and Sophia, respectively. The supporting characters almost stole the show from the adored foursome. With Michael Rashid as the upbeat, cheerleader (who will also share your secrets with gusto) Esther, and Jamie Smith as Bob Hope, a laugh track was never needed, and they breathed freshness into the familiar.

The production held true to their inspiration and kept fan favorites like the intro and between scene or commercial break sound tracks. The actors showcased the beloved and individual facial expressions that always warranted a close up on screen. What was lost with this staging was being able to see all of those faces. Since the seats were not tiered on risers, if you were not in the front rows you lost the expressions that make the moments hit the hardest if the characters were sitting down.

Did some of the jokes go too far, losing the nuance from the show that inspired the staging? Yes. Did some of them cause uncomfortable laughter? Sometimes. Was it a little long? Sure. But it still held true to the original sitcoms oh-so-charming schtick. Shows like The Golden Girls aren’t meant to make us think, I shouldn’t be critiquing the intellectual merits. It is meant to make us not think at all and be enfolded in the enviable friendships.

So as my life unraveled I remembered what The Golden Girls meant to me. I remembered why I turn to them again and again. Misery loves company after all. And the company you need when fully down is the company of four good friends who support, love, and end their days with a hug and a friendly tune every time. It’s not complicated, and isn’t supposed to be. It’s meant to be a balm, a warm blanket, a comforting bosom pressed against your cheek. This time of year, when everything should be cheery, when all should be tear free, every moment joyous, do yourself a favor and take a breath with your girls. Don’t think, just sit and watch and forget about the outside world for a little while.