Unicorn Theatre’s Designing Women broadcasts timeless voices with timely reinvention
The Unicorn Theatre will open its highly anticipated production of Designing Women on September 6, offering audiences a fresh and relevant interpretation of the beloved 1980s sitcom.
This reimagined version, penned and updated by the show’s original creator, Linda Bloodworth-Thomason, brings the iconic characters and their witty banter into the tumultuous landscape of 2020, promising both nostalgic charm and contemporary insight.
Originally airing from 1986 to 1993, Designing Women was celebrated for its sharp humor, progressive viewpoints, and unforgettable ensemble of Southern belles running an interior design firm in Atlanta. Audiences were captivated by Julia Sugarbaker, the eloquent and politically astute matriarch; her ditzy yet endearing sister, Suzanne Sugarbaker; the pragmatic Mary Jo Shively; and the sweet-natured Charlene Frazier, whose strong opinions and unwavering friendships defined the series. 
The Unicorn Theatre’s decision to set the play in 2020 is a bold move that speaks to the enduring relevance of the show’s themes. The year 2020 brought unprecedented change and challenge, marked by a global pandemic, significant social justice movements, and a highly polarized political climate. By placing the characters in this context, the production explores how their classic personalities might respond to a world in crisis. What might Julia’s impassioned monologues sound like when addressing today’s social issues? How would Suzanne’s often-insensitive remarks land in a more socially conscious era? And how would the camaraderie of the design firm provide solace and strength amidst widespread uncertainty?
While the essence of the characters remains intact, the dialogue and storylines have been updated to reflect the realities of the chosen setting. This modernization isn’t merely cosmetic; it delves into how the characters’ established traits and dynamics would manifest when confronted with issues like mask mandates, virtual meetings, social distancing, and the heightened discourse surrounding racial equality.
Fans will appreciate the script’s familiar rhythm, which honors decades-long friendships while adding timely relevance. Bloodworth-Thomason, a member of the Missouri Hall of Fame, approached the Unicorn Theatre to create this new production. Her writing has been described as “delicious with dialogue and funny with a capital F U N N Y.” The updated script promises to be a conversation starter, inviting audiences to reflect on how issues from the original series remain relevant today, and how effectively Linda has “brought the characters to NOW.” The production features “witty, pointed political humor with riotous moments,” including discussions on contemporary racism at the heart of the Black Lives Matter movement.
Artistic director Ernie Nolan hopes that audiences will “laugh, have a good time, start deep conversations, and recognize the history we have experienced in the last five years.” He noted that some surprising challenges during rehearsals involved grappling with the new material and introducing the show to a newer generation. Among Nolan’s favorite moments is a discovery just before the end of Act 1—a detail he keeps under wraps to surprise the audience—and a hilarious scene between Julia Sugarbaker and her love interest, made comical by COVID-era restrictions on physical contact. The set for the production was created in partnership with Nell Hills, a local interior design firm described as “a smart, sophisticated design firm” much like the one run by the characters in the play. Nolan shared that “the show has been a KC lovefest of collaboration.”
Designing Women at the Unicorn Theatre offers a theatrical experience that bridges generations—a testament to the timeless appeal of well-crafted characters and incisive social commentary. Don’t miss the opportunity to see how these beloved Southern women tackle the challenges of a new era. The production opens on September 6, promising an evening of laughter, reflection, and perhaps a few tears, as the Sugarbakers and their friends remind us that even in the most trying times, friendship and fierce individuality can see us through. You can purchase your tickets here.
