Betty White’s memory to be honored at ‘Golden Girls’ parody show at Oakmont’s Oaks Theater
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Part of Andrew Gold’s song “Thank You For Being A Friend” became the theme for the show “The Golden Girls.”
The sitcom created by Susan Harris featured four previously married women who live together in Miami, Fla. They experienced many issues still relevant today.
The show debuted in 1985 on NBC and ran for seven seasons, but has been re-aired on several channels for years.
There is a verse that isn’t used in the show’s introduction … but it’s fitting for the recent loss of actress Betty White.
She played Rose Nylund, one of the four characters — along with the late Beatrice Arthur as Dorothy Zbornak, Rue McClanahan Blanche Devereaux and Estelle Getty as Sophia Petrillo.
“And when we die and float away
Into the night the Milky Way
You’ll hear me call as we ascend
I’ll say your name then once again
Thank you for being a friend.”
Hearing the all-too-familiar tune will certainly bring tears to Boston Michaels’ eyes. The drag performer will portray the lovable Nylund in “Match Gayme: The Golden Girls of Drag” at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 21 at The Oaks Theater in Oakmont.
Michaels was interviewed for this story in full Betty White regalia.
Michaels found out that White died on Dec. 31 at the age 99, weeks before her 100th birthday, from “Match Gayme” show host Joe King.
“It didn’t hit me at first,” said Michaels of the North Shore, as she sat wearing a teal dress and blond wig with matching earrings and statement necklace, as well as several bracelets and a ring, inside StudioME, a production studio in East Liberty. “I guess, I just couldn’t believe it.”
Neither could King.
He lit one of the “Saint Rose” candles he had bought on Etsy, which was to be a prize for the game show but chose to light it to honor White’s memory.
“I cried when I heard about Betty,” King said. “Betty White was such a beloved icon. We remember her like she is still alive. She had such a zest for life.”
White represents an instrumental piece of why the television show worked, Michaels said. He pointed out the episode where Nylund might have been infected with HIV/AIDS from a blood transfusion.
“She is the last person you think would have HIV/AIDS,” Michaels said. “She humanized the show.”
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Michaels plays a perfect Nylund, King said.
Michaels memorized Nylund’s phrases and often ad-libs during the game show just like White did on the television show. The directors and producers allowed White to make up St. Olaf, Minn., stories — the more far-fetched the better.
The “Match Gayme” cast includes Robin Hearts Love as Devereaux, Blade Matthews as Zbornak and Art Barker as Petrillo — and special guest “singing dentist” Howard Elson as Stan Zbornak, Dorothy’s ex-husband.
The “Golden Girls” are the celebrity panelists and members of the audience compete to “match” the answers of the panelists to “fill-in-the-blank questions” like in the former CBS’ “Match Game” show from 1973-82. Contestants receive one point for each correct answer.
King of Regent Square created “Match Gayme” more than 10 years ago. It’s Pittsburgh’s longest-running game show parody.
Past guests on “Match Gayme” have included: Miss Pennsylvania Courtney Thomas, Billy Porter and former Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto.
A special prize is a package that includes an autographed photo of “Saint Betty White,” which comes with a certificate of authenticity to verify the signature, courtesy of Richard Parsakian, owner of Eons Fashion Antique in Shadyside.
This will be the first time the show will be held at The Oaks.
It’s a 21-and-over event. Part of the proceeds from a 50/50 raffle will benefit a local animal shelter. The show is 90 minutes with an intermission.
Jessica Long, manager at The Oaks Theater said people most likely will be emotional the night of the show but that this is a way to honor White’s legacy.
“Betty White has been an integral part of cinema,” Long said. “’The Golden Girls’ television show is so entertaining and we are fortunate to match these things together—remembering Betty White through this ‘Golden Girls’ show.”
And, yes, Long said, “there will be cheesecake,” a favorite snack of the “Golden Girls.”
A second “Match Gayme” show will be at the Hard Rock Café Pittsburgh in Station Square on Pittsburgh’s South Side on Jan. 20. “Match Gayme: Schitt$ & Giggles” is based on the show “Schitt’s Creek.”
It will feature Patrick Jordan as Johnny Rose and Elizabeth Matthews will play Moira Rose, along with other area entertainers rounding out the cast.
It benefits Barebones/Bingo O’Malley Productions.
Both shows will follow all Centers for Disease Control and Prevention covid-19 recommendations and specific policies of the venues.
Michaels said she has watched hundreds of re-runs of “Golden Girls,” especially while getting into character. She will do her makeup while looking at the character to get it just right.
Along with the singing, there might be some tears from hearing that all too familiar tune “Thank You For Being A Friend.”
Tickets are available for the Hard Rock Cafe Show here and The Oaks Theater show here.