Designing Women at Unicorn Theatre tackles political controversy with quick-witted humor

Photo by Don Ipok

Directed by Abe Reybold, Designing Women, revised, debuted at Unicorn Theatre on Saturday, Sept. 6.

With Linda Bloodworth Thomason, the original creator of the esteemed sitcom, coming back to be the playwright of this production, the piece revives the sharp Southern charm of the original TV series for the present. For those unfamiliar with the original show, it follows a tight-knit group of friends running an Atlanta interior design firm.

The show focuses on themes of friendship, an exploration of women’s issues, and the use of humor to tackle larger, controversial political and social problems throughout Southern culture. 

The play keeps these themes and introduces new characters, but is set in the tumultuous year 2020. This production brings a sharp, biting sense of humor and unapologetic characters into a mix of modern satire and social commentary. Even when some cultural references surrounding 2020 feel a bit forced, the performances and sharp wit make this an engaging watch. The fast-paced dialogue and quirky character dynamics keep the energy high, making for a hilarious and at times, unexpectedly poignant, evening.

Designing Women explores the dynamics of a close group of friends forced to quarantine together due to a health crisis. Amidst humorous moments and intensely personal revelations, we learn about long-hidden secrets—like an infamous encounter with Donald Trump—and personal growth and struggles related to race, politics, and relationships. 

Overall, the production mainly focused on COVID-19’s impact on the world. The group has to navigate their differences while forced to quarantine together. On a more meaningful, substantial side of the play, we hear a video sent by Charlene Frazier while she has COVID that emotionally impacts the audience. One of my favorite quotes from her speech was, “Courage is an ordinary trait in a woman waiting to be brought out,” when describing what Julia Sugarbaker has taught her.

The director captures the quick-witted, fast-paced energy of the script, effectively harnessing the cast’s comedic talents. The direction balances humor and emotional depth, especially in Act Two, where more profound moments emerge amidst the chaos.

As far as the acting goes, it felt like the audience had stumbled upon the group of friends. Hayley McPhee was a newly added character to the universe of Designing Women, but I couldn’t imagine the show without her. Dri Hernaez (Hayley) was energetic and lovable, bringing an infectious humor to the role. Though her morals may be questionable initially, you can’t help but fall in love with her and her charms. Her commitment to the character was strong; even when she wasn’t speaking, she was fully engaged in her character. Hernaez’s nerves were somewhat noticeable initially, but once she found her footing, she became one of my favorite characters. Nerves couldn’t detract from Hayley’s charming, bubbly, and comedic presence.

Julia Sugarbaker is known for her iconic, influential, and sometimes lengthy feminist speeches, as well as her articulate and razor-sharp wit. Jen Mays (Julia) did not disappoint in this regard. She masterfully delivers a strong southern presence with perfect comedic timing and biting humor. Her strong stage presence demands your attention. Mays carries on the tradition of powerful monologues, with a noteworthy speech on using the word “pussy” for weakness, and called back to her most infamous monologue ending with “The night the lights went on in Georgia.” Mays was a tremendous standout, showcasing her character’s power and wit.

Suzanne Sugarbaker is a flamboyantly self-centered character with poor morals, but in a hilariously entertaining way. Heidi Van (Suzanne) brought this complex character back to life through long, dictated speeches, highlighting the faults of the character while letting us into her hidden vulnerabilities—not to mention impeccable comedic timing.

The supporting cast was just as strong as the leading ladies. While it was a more minor role, Mary Jo Shively (Cinnamon Schultz) shines with her warm presence and solid comedic timing. I personally loved her talk about the therapy she’s gone through and being “diagnosed as Southern”. Cleo Bouvier was another new character added to the world, and the actor who played her, Amber A. had a strong and impactful presence. When she confronted Suzanne and got to speak on racism and the police in the height of the Black Lives Matter movement, she was a standout. Wynn Dollarhyde’s (Scott Cordes) character was difficult to pin down. The actor’s somewhat aggressive delivery could have been more nuanced, but it contributed to an enigmatic quality. Cordes delivered one of my favorite lines in the production to Julia Sugarbaker, stating, “When you enter a room, the weather changes”. 

Caulder Tipton III (Collin Vorbeck), Suzanne’s soon-to-be ex-husband, represented a problematic, Trump-supporting character. His presence serves as a stark contrast to the others. It’s never easy to play a villain, but his character was less engaging than the stellar cast. And Cori Anne Weber’s portrayal of Charlene Frazier was a beautiful, emotional performance, an essential production highlight.

If you’re looking for quick wit, strong character dynamics, and a mix of comedy and drama that tackles modern issues, this play is a must-see. Whether you’re in the mood for laughter or a deeper reflection on societal issues, Designing Women delivers both in spades.

Kansas Citians can see Designing Women at Unicorn Theatre through Sept. 28.

Photos by Don Ipok: