REVIEW: L'Imitation's The Real Deal via Hell in a Handbag at Stage 773 Through 5/6/18

Chi, IL Live Shows On Our Radar: 

Hell in a Handbag Productions Presents

L'IMITATION OF LIFE

Adapted by Ricky Graham and Running with Scissors

Directed by Stevie Love

Through May 6, 2018 at Stage 773

Running time: 1:40, including intermission

(left to right) Robert Williams, Katherine Bellantone, Chazie Bly and Ed Jones in Hell in Handbag Productions’ revival of L’IMITATION OF LIFE. Photo by Rick Aguilar Studios.

Review:

Hell in a Handbag Productions' latest is a revival of their 2013 hit L’IMITATION OF LIFE, a terrifically timely parody of the 1959 film Imitation of Life. This show is classic drag and high camp of the highest order, exploring race and class, mothers and daughters, and looking fabulous in your dead aunt of questionable fashion sense's size 22 wardrobe!

(left to right) Katherine Bellantone, Ed Jones, Ashley J. Hicks and Robert Williams 

Photo by Rick Aguilar Studios.

Handbag ensemble member Ed Jones* (Lana Turner) and Robert Williams (Annie Johnson) killed it as the classic movie diva and domestic duo. L'Imitation is full of amusing affectations, a script to die for, and talent to spare. Daughters Katherine Bellantone (Suzie Turner) and Ashley J. Hicks (Sara Jane Johnson) are also standouts in their Hell in a Handbag debut. 

(left to right) Katherine Bellantone, Ashley J. Hicks and Robert Williams 

Photo by Rick Aguilar Studios.

The parody goes far beyond the original movie, with witty wordplay galore on theatrical and movie titles. The backdrop screen work is a wonder, and too much fun, from the first rolling credits through the altered iconic photo shoots. 

L’imitation-2 (left to right) Ed Jones and Katherine Bellantone in Hell in Handbag Productions’ revival of L’IMITATION OF LIFE. Photo by Rick Aguilar Studios.

L'imitation manages to hit on the cringeworthy themes of prejudice, pedophilia, homicidal children, closeted gay boy toys, self absorption, parental neglect, passing for white, racism, runaways in the sex industry, and even a racially motivated hate crime attack, with more than a measure of hilarity. This retro favorite is perfect fodder for a drag makeover and Handbag does it with panache!

(left to right) Ed Jones and Robert Williams 

Photo by Rick Aguilar Studios.

Hell in a Handbag Productions is a true Chicago treasure and a fun favorite of ours here at ChiIL Live Shows. L'imitation of Life is highly recommended and now playing at Stage 773 through May 6th.

Hell in a Handbag Productions is pleased to kick off its 2018 Season with a revival of its 2013 hit L’IMITATION OF LIFE, a dead on parody of the 1959 film Imitation of Life about race, mothers and daughters – and looking fabulous! Adapted by Ricky Graham and Running with Scissors and directed by ensemble member Stevie Love*, L’IMITATION OF LIFE will play March 31 – May 6, 2018 at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave. in Chicago. Tickets are currently on sale at www.handbagproductions.org (through Stage 773) or by calling (773) 327-5252. 

L’IMITATION OF LIFE features Handbag ensemble member Ed Jones* as Lana Turner with Robert Williams as Annie Johnson, two very different women raising their daughters in a world made for a man. Ensemble member Chazie Bly* plays Steve Martin, Lana’s hunky boy toy. New to Handbag are Katherine Bellantone, playing Suzie Turner and Ashley J. Hicks playing Sara Jane Johnson – the daughter that was “born to be hurt.” Allison Petrillo and Chase Wheaton-Werle round out the cast as various characters.

(left to right) Ashley J. Hicks and Robert Williams

 Photo by Rick Aguilar Studios.

In this hilarious parody of the 1959 film Imitation of Life, Lana Turner is a determined white widow and single mother with aspirations of becoming a Broadway sensation. When Lana meets Annie Johnson, a struggling single African-American mother, the two team up and take on the world as Lana does “whatever it takes” to make it in show business – while Annie takes care of the homestead and raises both daughters.

The two women face insurmountable challenges led by their daughters. There's the blonde, perky and “so white it's frightening" Suzie, daughter of Lana Turner, and the raven-haired rebellious light-skinned beauty, Sara Jane, daughter of Annie. Sara Jane learns the hard truth about acceptance and the color of your skin – especially when she tries to “pass” as white.

The production team for L’IMITATION OF LIFE includes: Samantha Gribben (scenic design), Garry Nocco (costume design), Rachel Lake (lighting design), Sebby Woldt (sound design), Keith Ryan* (wig design), Sydney Genco* (make-up design), Adrian Hadlock* (props design), Lana Whittington (violence coordinator) and AJ Wright* (production manager).

*Denotes Handbag ensemble member.

(left to right) Ed Jones and Chazie Bly

Photo by Rick Aguilar Studios.

PRODUCTION DETAILS:
Location: Stage 773 (Black Box Stage), 1225 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago
Dates: Sunday, April 8 – Sunday, May 6, 2018
Curtain Times: Thursday, Fridays and Saturday at 7:30 pm; Sundays at 3 pm. Please note: there will be an added performance on Monday, April 30 at 7:30 pm.

Tickets: 
Regular run $29 in advance, $34 at the door. Group rates $25 for 10 or more. Tickets are currently on sale at www.handbagproductions.org (through Stage 773) or by calling (773) 327-5252.

About the Director
Stevie Love is a Handbag ensemble member. Creative credits include last year's production of Lady X (director/choreographer, HIAH), Northlight Theatre's production of Charm (choreographer), Caged Dames (choreographer, Jeff nomination). Performing credits include Miracle! (Helen) with HIAH (Jeff nomination); Kin Folk (Arethin) and Stanley in the Name of Love (Stanley) with The New Colony. Stevie has worked on stages on the East Coast, the Midwest and throughout the Caribbean aboard Disney Cruise Lines. He also works as a teaching artist for the professional teen performers of The Talent Machine Co. on the East Coast.





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.

 (left to right) Katherine Bellantone, Ed Jones, Ashley J. Hicks and Chazie Bly 

Photo by Rick Aguilar Studios.