CHICAGO (Jan. 15, 2021) — Hell in a Handbag Productions is pleased to present the campy comedyOut, Darn Spot!, written by and starring ensemble member Tyler Anthony Smith* and directed, filmed and edited by Stephanie Shaw. The Shakespearean send-up will stream Feb. 12 — March 21, 2021(Thursdays, Fridays & Saturday at 8 p.m.; Sundays at 3 p.m.) via Vimeo. Tickets ($17) are currently available at handbagproductions.org or directly through Eventbrite. The press opening is Friday, Feb. 12 at 8 p.m. CST.
Out, Darn Spot! stars Tyler Anthony Smith* as Lady Marcia Macbeth with David Cerda* (Jacqueline Susann), Caitlin Jackson* (Lesley Gore), Sydney Genco* (Pre-Boiled Boiled Water Wanda) Ed Jones*(Fish Stick Phil), Elizabeth Lesinski* (Voiceover for Toe Hair Flairâ„¢), David Lipschutz* (Charles Manson), Ryan Oates (The Milkboy), Michael Rashid* (Voice of Misters Gellmans) and Robert Williams*(Voice of Marcia's Cameraman).
1969 was a year to remember. We saw the arrival of the 747, the departure of The Beatles. The first human landed on the moon, and a family named Brady moved into our televisions, as well as our hearts.
Some would say these events pale in comparison to the final episode of Lady Marcia Macbeth's long-running lifestyle program "I'm Not a Suppressed Homemaker!" Why was it the last episode? In a nutshell, after helping her husband commit murder, she opened the show covered in blood and on the verge of multiple nervous breakdowns. Ever the professional, she managed to find the time to bake a chicken pot pie and kidnap Lesley Gore! The episode was immediately banned from syndication, and the footage was long-rumored to be lost in Omar Sharif's underwear drawer. However, Hell in a Handbag's Tyler Anthony Smith risked life and limb to learn the truth. This is the story of Lady Marcia Macbeth — the original real housewife.
Fair is foul, and foul is fair, what happened that day live on air?
Comments Handbag Artistic Director David Cerda, "I'm happy to share Tyler Anthony Smith's voice with our audience. His absurdist vision adds a fresh element to Hell in and in a Handbag and helps us expand upon our mission statement."
The production team includes Stephanie Shaw (videography, editing), Tyler Anthony Smith* (editing),Dakota Hughes (Lady M's make-up design), Keith Ryan* (wigs design), Pamela Parker* (props and puppet design) and Lara Garay, Dakota Hughes & Keith Ryan (production assistants).
*Denotes Handbag ensemble members and artistic associates
About the Artists
Tyler Anthony Smith (Writer, Editor, Lady Marcia Macbeth) has the artistic integrity of an unvaccinated child that has gone rogue inside of a Party City. He was once told by Uta Hagen that, "Microwaves aren't sincere." Tyler is a proud HIAH ensemble member, and is unrepresented by all talent agencies. To educate yourself on his past, present and future creative stuff, take your fingers and eyeballs to Instagram: @judithnightlight
Stephanie Shaw (Director, Videographer, Editor) is an alumni of the Neo-Futurists, writing and performing for Too Much Light Makes The Baby Go Blind from 1995-1999, and a founding member of the Solo Performance ensemble BoyGirlBoyGirl from 2005-2016. She is a Professor of Instruction at Columbia College Chicago, where she teaches Solo Performance, Musical Theatre and Directing, among other things.
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. For additional information, visit handbagproductions.org .