The girls are back for one weekend only

Ever since I moved to Atlanta, I have wanted to see The Process Theatre Company and Onstage Atlanta Theatre Company’s Designing Women Live. Finally, during their seventh run of this television to stage installment, my dreams came true. And it was everything I thought it would be. The hair, the clothes, the punchlines, and the ladies behind it all brought all those childhood memories back of sitting on the couch with my mother (most likely in shoulder pads), watching talented, strong women.

If you have seen this production before, then you know that there is a big casting choice that is a bit unexpected for these iconic women. But if you haven’t, then be happily informed that all the Designing Women behind Sugarbaker’s are played by men. DeWayne Morgan as Suzanne pulled off Delta Burke’s famous pout and sashay  without even single male tendency interrupting the suspension of belief. Greg Morris as Mary Jo made me miss those quippy lines. Stuart Scheluse as Charlene portrayed the naivety, positivity and kindness that this blonde embodied on the show. But above all, was Topher Payne as Julia. The tone of voice, gestures of the face and elegant movements of this powerful lady were pure homage to the original.

The show ran in the 80’s and 90’s and though dated in fashion and pop culture references, depth of content still had a contemporary hold. The production is actual episodes put to the stage so each one contains the walk on favorite roles that put a little bit of a wrench in these ladies every day happenings. All the jokes and dramas even seemed a bit more humorous, whether because of the fact that many issues are still occurring, or because there is a hilarity involved in watching a man play women and speak of women’s issues and worries so effortlessly and adding double meanings.

These companies and actors have made an Atlanta set television classic into a current stage must see in this beloved and complicated city of ours. If I had one wish, it would be for this show to run more frequently. If you have not seen it, and even if you were not a fan of the television original, do not miss this one weekend (April 11 – 14) run of Designing Women Live.

For tickets and show times, visit onstageatlanta.tix.com.