Hollywood divas, musical numbers and plenty of laughs take center stage as the troupe’s newest production opens at Evergreen Theatre.
By Ray Rico | All photos by Ray Rico
Friends of George’s is back with Mamma Dearest! Here We Joan Again, bringing Hollywood divas, outrageous comedy and a little ABBA-inspired fun to Evergreen Theatre in Memphis.
I had the opportunity to attend preview night, and what a fun evening it was! The cast kept us in stitches throughout the show, delivering the kind of humor and over-the-top performances that have made Friends of George’s a favorite among Memphis theatre audiences.
This production also marks a first for the troupe. While Friends of George’s is known for its original drag comedies, Mamma Dearest! introduces live musical numbers featuring the cast performing together. It was a welcome addition to the company’s familiar style, bringing even more energy to an already entertaining evening.
A Hollywood Family Reunion Like No Other
Written by Blake Fountain, Mamma Dearest! follows Christina Crawford as she searches for the identity of her birth mother. Joan Crawford’s diaries point to three legendary Hollywood personalities: Bette Davis, Judy Garland, and Eartha Kitt.
What follows is a wildly entertaining holiday gathering filled with larger-than-life personalities, musical performances and plenty of unexpected moments.
The cast and crew did an amazing job bringing this production together. The comedic timing, costumes, and chemistry among the performers made for a night of nonstop laughter.
And without giving too much away, I’ll leave you with a few things to watch for.
There are lots of bananas being consumed, a Ring Pop, and some cheap nails. I’ll leave those little Easter eggs for you to discover on your own.
Trust me, you’ll understand when you see the show.
Supporting Queer Theatre and Community
One of the things I appreciate about Friends of George’s is that their productions do more than entertain. They also give audiences an opportunity to support organizations making a difference in our community.
OUTMemphis is the company’s beneficiary for the 2026–27 season, with ticket proceeds helping support LGBTQ+ programs and services throughout the Mid-South.
As OUTMemphis prepares for the opening of its new headquarters and community center in 2027, that support is especially meaningful. The organization recently celebrated a major milestone with the groundbreaking of its new facility, a project that will expand services and create additional space for the LGBTQ+ community.
Focus previously covered this important development in Building What Comes Next: OUTMemphis Breaks Ground on a New Home.
It’s another great reason to spend an evening enjoying local queer theatre while supporting the people and organizations that help our community thrive.
Catch the Show at Evergreen Theatre
Mamma Dearest! Here We Joan Again opens Friday, November 6, and runs through November 21 at Evergreen Theatre, 1705 Poplar Avenue in Memphis.
Evening performances begin at 8 p.m. on November 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 and 21. Sunday matinees are scheduled for November 8 and 15 at 2 p.m.
Tickets are $35, with reserved seating. A pre-show cocktail hour begins one hour before curtain.
I had a wonderful time at preview night, and if you’re looking for a fun evening filled with laughter, music, and some wonderfully ridiculous moments, this is a show worth seeing.
Grab some friends, support local queer theatre and enjoy the show!
Learn more about Friends of George’s and its community work, or visit OUTMemphis to learn about its programs and services.
Read more about the stories we’ve done on Friends of George’s.
