Playwright: David Cerda At: Mary's Attic, 5400 N. Clark St. Tickets: 800-838-3006; www.handbagproductions.org; $15-$22. Runs through: June 16
Hell in a Handbag Productions is at it again. Formed in 2002, these campy theater souls have tackled the holidays with Rudolph, the Red-Hosed Reindeer, flown south with cinema spoof on Hitchcock's The Birds and even turned it upside down for Poseidon! Now, we enter the wide world of children's pageants while celebrating the group's 10th anniversary.
The brainchild of creator David Cerda opening night packed the house with a line down the street outside of Hamburger Marys attesting to the following his troupe has built.
Baby started with video spotlighting past cast members that was a hoot to watch and something different for the group although it did make you wish some of them had parts in this production. Ed Jones, as Mary Kay, come ring my doorbell!
The jokes started coming fast and furious with star Swann Black playing off of the original pageant princess, JonBenet Ramsey, while singing the peppy "When I Was Five." Her mother Robin is played with white trash gusto by Heather Currie.
John Cardone hits the stage a shade darker than the "tanning mom" but less orange than Snooki, to loud guffaws. Just the look is so pitch-perfect, complete with tight white pants and a skunk wig. I haven't seen him since his stint in Naked Boys Singing, but it's good to have him back onstage.
The show features men in drag playing kid competitors, as the show borrows from the movie Waiting for Guffman and reality shows such as Dance Moms. "Go-go juice" and Pixy Stix are free-flowing, along with a hilarious skit ( presented by Beyansay Riddle ) inspired by the movie Obsessed. Little Miss Sunshine had nothing on this show, where things continue to go over the top. Where else can audience members see a dancing Pop Tart and wear their own tiaras?
The musical works well in the Attic space but could be even better in a large school auditorium or even a church basement.
This show has something for everyone, whether you feel a little twisted watching children compete or want to be a star yourself. The cast has a lot of fun with the campy material, making this a strong addition to the company's repertoire. Proceed with caution when crossing Clark Street to see the Sexy Baby pageantit may cause laugh-out-loud moments or, at least, a few nightmares.
Take a break during intermission for $6 Baby Crack drinks made with tasty citrus vodka. Also, look for an upcoming benefit performance of Sexy Baby Wed., June 6, for the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame.