Windy City Media Group Frontpage News

THE VOICE OF CHICAGO'S GAY, LESBIAN, BI, TRANS AND QUEER COMMUNITY SINCE 1985

home search facebook twitter join
Gay News Sponsor Windy City Times 2023-12-13
DOWNLOAD ISSUE
Donate

Sponsor
Sponsor
Sponsor

  WINDY CITY TIMES

Hell in a Handbag Productions Announces 2020 Season
2020-03-24

This article shared 2306 times since Tue Mar 24, 2020
facebook twitter google +1 reddit email


CHICAGO, IL ( March 23, 2020 ) — Hell in a Handbag Productions is pleased to announce its 2020 Season, plus a move to Stage 773, where Handbag is now a resident company for 2020.

This spring, Chicago's favorite drag seniors return in THE GOLDEN GIRLS: The Lost Episodes, Vol. 4, written by Artistic Director David Cerda and directed by Spenser Davis. Dorothy, Rose, Blanche, Sophia and their whacky friends and relatives are back for two brand new lost episodes. David Cerda*, Grant Drager*, Ed Jones* and Ryan Oatesreprise their roles as the geriatric Fab Four. Performance dates are subject to change as Handbag continues to monitor the coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) pandemic.

This winter, ring in the holidays with a Handbag favorite, Christmas Dearest — a musical adaption of A Christmas Carol starring Miss Joan Crawford as the most glamourous Ebenezer Scrooge EVER, featuring book and lyrics by David Cerda, music by Cerda with Scott Lamberty and direction by Derek Van Barham. David Cerda* and Ed Jones*return to their roles as Joan Crawford and Carol Ann.

The 2020 season will also include a soon-to-be-announced fall production ( because it wouldn't be Halloween without a Handbag show! ).

All productions will be performed at Handbag's new resident home, Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave. in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood. Tickets for THE GOLDEN GIRLS: The Lost Episodes, Vol. 4 are currently available at stage773.com or handbagproductions.org .

Comments Artistic Director David Cerda, "Our 2020 season is scheduled to begin on May 7, 2020, however the safety and well-being and of our audiences, actors and theater staff is our top prioriety. In response to the coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) pandemic, we are closely monitoring state and local health guidelines in conjunction with Stage 773 and will adjust our performance dates as necessary. We thank you for your support and concern and hope to provide you with Handbag ridiculousness as scheduled.

Hell in a Handbag Productions' 2020 Season includes:

May 7 — August 1, 2020*

The Golden Girls: The Lost Episodes, Vol. 4

By Artistic Director David Cerda*

Directed by Spenser Davis

Featuring: David Cerda*, Grant Drager*, Ed Jones*, Michael Miller*, Ryan Oates,Michael Rashid*, Tyler Anthony Smith and Danne Taylor* with Lori Lee* as Mistress of Ceremonies.

Press opening: Friday, May 15 at 7:30 pm

*Performance dates are subject to change as Handbag continues to monitor the coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) pandemic.

Handbag's long-running parody of the classic TV sitcom returns with two new original episodes:

Episode 1: The girls are thrilled to be a part of the local community theater's productions ofA Streetcar Named Desire. Everybody except Blanche, who feels like she was robbed of the part she was born to play.

Episode 2: The girls' favorite game show — Password — is coming to Miami and they all want to be on it, but will the audition process tear them apart? And who's going to tell Rose nobody wants her as a teammate?

November 27 — December 27, 2020

Christmas Dearest

Book and Lyrics: Artistic Director David Cerda*

Music by David Cerda* with Scott Lamberty

Directed by Derek Van Barham

Featuring Alexa Castelvecchi, David Cerda*, Caitlin Jackson*, Ed Jones* and Nicky Mendelson. Additional casting to be announced.

Press opening: Sunday, November 29 at 7 pm

Handbag is getting to ready to deck the halls with all things JOAN. In this Handbag adaptation of A Christmas Carol, Joan Crawford ( David Cerda ) is starring in an MGM musical adaptation of the life of the Virgin Mary, 'Oh, Mary!', and she desperately needs a hit to revitalize her stalled career. Ever the perfectionist, she demands the same of those she works with including her daughter Christina. Joan's outlandish behavior even tests her loyal maid and secretary, Carol Ann ( Ed Jones ). After cancelling rehearsal and demanding the cast and crew work on Christmas Day, Joan is visited by three spirits ( besides Smirnoff ), and is forced to face herself! Christmas Dearest originally premiered in 2013 and turned into a Handbag favorite for those who prefer a little more in their stocking for the holidays.

*Denotes Handbag ensemble members and artistic associates

About Hell in a Handbag Productions

Hell in a Handbag is dedicated to the preservation, exploration, and celebration of works ingrained in the realm of popular culture via theatrical productions through parody, music and homage. Handbag is a 501( c )( 3 ) Not for Profit.

—From a press release


This article shared 2306 times since Tue Mar 24, 2020
facebook twitter google +1 reddit email

Out and Aging
Presented By

  ARTICLES YOU MIGHT LIKE

Gay News

City Lit Executive Artistic Director Brian Pastor talks theater, comics, queerness 2024-03-26
- City Lit Theater has announced its programming for the 2024-25 season—which will be the company's 44th. It will also be the first season to be programmed under the leadership of Brian Pastor (they/them), who will assume ...


Gay News

The Jeff Awards announces the 50th anniversary awards for non-equity theater 2024-03-26
--From a press release - A complete list of recipients can also be found online in the Non-Equity and News and Events sections at www.jeffawards.org. (March 25, 2024 - Chicago) — Celebrating its 50th anniversary awarding recognition for Non-Equity theater, the ...


Gay News

SHOWBIZ Queer musicians, Marvel situation, Elliot Page, Nicole Kidman 2024-03-21
- Queer musician Joy Oladokun released the single "I Wished on the Moon," from Jack Antonoff's official soundtrack for the new Apple TV+ series The New Look, per a press release. The soundtrack, ...


Gay News

THEATER Chicago's City Lit has anxiety on tap with 'Two Hours in a Bar' 2024-03-21
- Two Hours in a Bar Waiting for Tina Meyer by Kristine Thatcher with material by Larry Shue Text Me by Kingsley Day (Book, Music and Lyrics). At: City Lit Theater, 1020 W. Bryn Mawr Ave.. Tickets: ...


Gay News

Jamie Barton brings nuances of identity to her Lyric Opera 'Aida' performance 2024-03-18
- Chicago's Lyric Opera is currently featuring a production of Giuseppe Verdi's Aida starring Michelle Bradley as Aida, Jamie Barton as Amneris and Russell Thomas as Radamès. The opera runs through April 7, 2024, with Francesca Zambello ...


Gay News

Queer Eye's Jai Rodriguez is set to slay at The Big Gay Cabaret 2024-03-05
- Out and proud performer Jai Rodriguez is set to play at The Big Gay Cabaret this March for three days. Presented by RuPaul Drag Racer Ginger Minj, this monthly series highlights the wide world of cabaret ...


Gay News

THEATER 'R & J' puts a female, queer spin on Shakespeare 2024-03-05
- Romeo and Juliet is the theatrical gift that keeps on giving. It's been reworked for the masses numerous times, whether in direct adaptations or musicals such as West Side Story. Shakespeare's plotline points have even inspired ...


Gay News

Center on Halsted hosts 6th Annual Intergenerational Talent Show 2024-03-03
- On the evening of Feb. 29, Center on Halsted held its 6th Annual Intergenerational Talent Show in front of a packed audience at the Hoover-Leppen Theater. The event brought together participants of the Center's youth and senior ...


Gay News

THEATER When growth is paramount: Jim Corti helps fuel Aurora theater expansion 2024-03-01
- Out actor/director/choreographer Jim Corti made his Broadway debut in 1974, in the ensemble of Leonard Bernstein's musical Candide. Director Harold Prince's acclaimed Tony Award-winning revival is often cited as a ...


Gay News

Theater Review: Billy Elliot, The Musical 2024-02-19
- Book and Lyrics: Lee Hall; Music: Elton John. At: Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora Tickets: 630-896-6666 or Paramountaurora.com; $28-$79. Runs through March 24 Billy Elliot: The Musical may nearly be two decades old, but ...


Gay News

'West Side Story' gets a sex-positive spin with new burlesque show 2024-02-19
- In partial observance of National Condom Day, which was Feb. 14, Los Angeles-based AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) presented A West Side Story Burlesque at the Harris Theater for two hour-long performances on Feb. 17. The show, ...


Gay News

Second Glance Productions hosts LGBTQupid Soiree 2024-02-16
- In celebration of Valentine's Day, Chicago based film and media production company Second Glance hosted The LBGTQupid Soiree. The event, which was focused on spinning attitudes on this particular day, was presented at The iO ...


Gay News

Carisa Hendrix mesmerizes as Lucy Darling in Teatro ZinZanni 2024-02-12
- Since 2019, Teatro ZinZanni has gathered together amazing performers from all over the world to create an experience in Chicago under the Spiegeltent in the Cambria Hotel building, 32 W. Randolph St. Over the years, ticket ...


Gay News

THEATER Dot-Marie Jones talks Goodman production, 'Glee,' 'Bros' 2024-02-12
- Running through Feb. 18 at the the Goodman Theatre, the production Highway Patrol works with a script conceived entirely from Emmy-winning actor Dana Delany's (TV's China Beach) digital archive of hundreds of tweets and direct messages ...


Gay News

Dr. Lady J explains how opera can be a drag 2024-02-10
- On Feb. 8, Center on Halsted, in partnership with Lyric Opera of Chicago, presented a lecture by historian, drag activist, podcaster and curator Dr. Lady J. The event, titled "Castrated Superstars, Cross Dressed Divas, and Queer ...


 


Copyright © 2024 Windy City Media Group. All rights reserved.
Reprint by permission only. PDFs for back issues are downloadable from
our online archives.

Return postage must accompany all manuscripts, drawings, and
photographs submitted if they are to be returned, and no
responsibility may be assumed for unsolicited materials.

All rights to letters, art and photos sent to Nightspots
(Chicago GLBT Nightlife News) and Windy City Times (a Chicago
Gay and Lesbian News and Feature Publication) will be treated
as unconditionally assigned for publication purposes and as such,
subject to editing and comment. The opinions expressed by the
columnists, cartoonists, letter writers, and commentators are
their own and do not necessarily reflect the position of Nightspots
(Chicago GLBT Nightlife News) and Windy City Times (a Chicago Gay,
Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender News and Feature Publication).

The appearance of a name, image or photo of a person or group in
Nightspots (Chicago GLBT Nightlife News) and Windy City Times
(a Chicago Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender News and Feature
Publication) does not indicate the sexual orientation of such
individuals or groups. While we encourage readers to support the
advertisers who make this newspaper possible, Nightspots (Chicago
GLBT Nightlife News) and Windy City Times (a Chicago Gay, Lesbian
News and Feature Publication) cannot accept responsibility for
any advertising claims or promotions.

 
 

TRENDINGBREAKINGPHOTOS







Sponsor


 



Donate


About WCMG      Contact Us      Online Front  Page      Windy City  Times      Nightspots
Identity      BLACKlines      En La Vida      Archives      Advanced Search     
Windy City Queercast      Queercast Archives     
Press  Releases      Join WCMG  Email List      Email Blast      Blogs     
Upcoming Events      Todays Events      Ongoing Events      Bar Guide      Community Groups      In Memoriam     
Privacy Policy     

Windy City Media Group publishes Windy City Times,
The Bi-Weekly Voice of the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Trans Community.
5315 N. Clark St. #192, Chicago, IL 60640-2113 • PH (773) 871-7610 • FAX (773) 871-7609.