Interview with actor Vince Kelley, portraying Blanche ‘It’s not just for old ladies anymore!’
Described by the production team as a “female impersonation show,” the “Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue” offers a theatrical adaptation of the classic TV series. From Nov. 29 to Dec. 1, “Golden Girls” comes to the Hult Center’s Soreng Theater, with multiple scheduled showtimes.
Vince Kelley, who portrays Blanche, shared insight into the production with The Torch, saying, “Men in dresses are just plain funny. Drag is an art form that deserves respect — we’re just doing what we can with our makeup skills. While we don’t officially call what we do ‘drag,’ it’s all about having fun and creating a show.”
The preparation for the production involved a significant effort to portray the well-known characters accurately. “To portray them on stage, you can’t just jump in and start having fun. You need a very grounded impression of them. For example, we had to perfect their voices, walks and mannerisms,” Kelly said.
Reflecting on the rehearsal process, Kelley described a key moment when Adam Graber, who plays Rose, fully embodied the character that made Betty White famous. “About a week and a half into rehearsals, Adam came in, said his first line, and it was like all the stars aligned. We all just snapped and said, ‘You found her. You are Rose!’ By opening night, audiences agreed that Adam’s portrayal was spot-on,” Kelly said.
Kelley also discussed the challenges of portraying Blanche, particularly mastering her distinctive accent, saying, “Blanche’s accent was a challenge. Rue McClanahan once said she based it on a cousin from the deep South who pretended to be British. That exaggerated Southern charm was tricky to capture, but once I found it, it became easier. The real challenge comes during improv, where I have to maintain her character while creating new dialogue.”
The show is designed to appeal to both younger and older audiences. Kelley noted that while it is easy to draw in older fans familiar with “The Golden Girls,” younger viewers are often hesitant because they aren’t familiar with the original show. Kelley emphasized that the production caters to both groups, saying, “I hope people come to see the show! It’s not just for moms or grandmas — college students will love it, even if they’ve never seen “The Golden Girls.” the show is limited to those 18 years and older.
Kelley also described the camaraderie among the cast, saying, “It’s almost aggravating how close we are! This isn’t like other tours where you clock in and out. We genuinely enjoy spending time together —lunches, days off, everything. It’s very Golden Girls-esque, like life imitating art,” a connection that enhances their onstage performances.
“The Laughs Continue” is an entirely new production that builds on the classic series rather than remaking old episodes. Kelley mentioned that each show “incorporates unique content tailored to the city it is performed in, adding an element of surprise and making every performance distinct.”
This 18+ event (valid ID required) takes place in the Soreng Theater at the Hult Center, with tickets starting at $44.50. Tickets are available at hultcenter.org.
