World Premiere! THE GOLDEN GIRLS: THE LOST EPISODES The Obligatory Holiday Special Via Hell in a Handbag Through December 30, 2022

 ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

World Premiere!

Hell in a Handbag Productions Presents

THE GOLDEN GIRLS: THE LOST EPISODES

The Obligatory Holiday Special

By Artistic Director David Cerda

Directed by Spenser Davis

November 26 – December 30, 2022 at The Center on Halsted

Here at ChiIL Live Shows, we've adored Hell in a Handbag Productions original comedies for decades! David Cerda has a penchant for penning parodies and legs to die for. The hellions at Handbag Productions do incomparably hilarious drag parodies of classic films, but our hands down handbag favorites are always The Golden Girls. Grab a few friends and get thee to The Golden Girls: The Lost Episodes – The Obligatory Holiday Special. Don't miss this!

Hell in a Handbag Productions is thrilled to ring in the holiday season with the return of its favorite seniors in The Golden Girls: The Lost Episodes – The Obligatory Holiday Special, playing November 26 – December 30, 2022 at The Hoover-Leppen Theatre at The Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted St. in Chicago. Dorothy, Rose, Blanche, Sophia and their whacky friends and relatives return in all new episodes, written by Artistic Director David Cerda* and directed by Spenser Davis. Tickets are now on sale at handbagproductions.org or buytickets.at/hellinahandbagproductions/775153. 

The production stars original cast members David Cerda*, Grant Drager*, Ed Jones* and Ryan Oates as the Geriatric Fab Four, joined by Lori Lee*, Terry McCarthy*, Michael Miller*, Michael Rashid*, Coco Sho-Nell, Jamie Smith and Danne W. Taylor*. 

The holidays take an unexpected turn for the gals when they find out that the infamous Shady Pines Retirement Community is on the verge of closing, leaving most of Sophia’s friends homeless for the holidays. Can the girls step in and save the day in time for Christmas? Will Rose be able to make it to St. Olaf in time for the ever-popular Herring Bowl Parade? These questions, and many more you never asked will be answered this newest installment of The Golden Girls: The Lost Episodes.

The production team includes Robert-Eric West (Costume Design), Liz Cooper (Lighting Designer), DJ Douglass (Sound Designer), Devon Green (Props Designer), Sydney Genco* (Make-Up Design), Keith Ryan* (Wig Designer), Christopher Rhoton (Scenic Design Consultant) and Veronica Kostka (Stage Manager).

 

COVID safety: Masking is recommended, but not required. COVID guidelines may change in accordance with public health guidelines.

*Denotes Handbag Ensemble Member

Cast (in alphabetical order): David Cerda* (Dorothy), Grant Drager* (Blanche), Ed Jones* (Rose), Lori Lee* (Host, Clara), Terry McCarthy* (Nurse Ursula) Michael Miller* (Councilman Hardin), Ryan Oates* (Sophia), Michael Rashid* (Esther Shapiro), Coco Sho-Nell (Wanda), Jamie Smith (Bob Hope) and Danne W. Taylor* (Nancy Drew).

 

Location: The Hoover Leppen Theater at the Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted St., Chicago

Previews: Saturday November 26 at 7:30 pm, Sunday November 27 at 3 pm and Thursday, December 1 at 7:30 pm

Regular run: Sunday, December 4 – Friday, December 30, 2022

Curtain Times: Thursday, Fridays and Saturday at 7:30 pm; Sundays at 3 pm. Please note: there will be added performances on Sunday, December 18 at 7 pm and Wednesday, December 21 at 7 pm; there will not be performances on Saturday, December 3, Saturday, December 10, Saturday, December 24 or Sunday, December 25.

Tickets: $24 previews, $29 advanced general admission, $34 at the door, $48 VIP/reserved seating with drink ticket. Group rates $24 for 10 or more. Tickets are now on sale at handbagproductions.org or buytickets.at/hellinahandbagproductions/775153.

About the Artists

David Cerda (Playwright) is a founding member and Artistic Director of Hell in a Handbag Productions, now celebrating its 20th year anniversary. As resident playwright, he has written many Handbag productions as well as acted in them. His play, The Drag Seed was recently produced at LaMaMa Experimental Theater and his Golden Girls Lost Episodes parody shows have been produced around the country and was featured in Golden Con: Thank you for being a Fan, the world’s first fan convention dedicated to all things Golden Girls at Chicago’s Navy Pier. Cerda is a proud inductee into the Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame and recipient of a Jeff Award for lifetime achievement for his 25 years (and counting) of work and service to the community. He lives in Chicago with his partner, Christopher.

Spenser Davis (Director) is excited to be back at Hell in a Handbag, where he previously directed 'the Girls' in their virtual "Lockdown!" special. An award-winning director and playwright, he was the 2020/21 Maggio Directing Fellow at the Goodman Theatre, where he worked alongside Bob Falls on Rebecca Gilman's Swing State and Adam Rapp's The Sound Inside. Regionally, he's worked at South Coast Repertory, the Colorado New Play Festival, and Street Corner Arts in Austin, TX. Chicago directing credits include Labyrinth, Plainclothes (with Kanomé Jones), At The Table, From White Plains, Mare and A Phase (Broken Nose Theatre); The Spin (Interrobang Theatre Project); May the Road Rise Up, Adventures of Spirit Force Five and the upcoming Kelly Girls (The Factory Theater); and Blue Stockings (Promethean Theatre). His production of At The Table was named "One of Best of the Decade" by Storefront Rebellion and "One of the Year's Best" by the Chicago Tribune. His honors include the Jeff Award for Best Director, the B. Iden Payne Award for Best Director, the Elizabeth George Commission, the M. Elizabeth Osborn New Play Award and being named finalist for the Harold & Mimi Steinberg New Play Award from the American Theatre Critics Association. He's currently developing projects for television with Orion/MGM, among others. He’s represented by both William Morris Endeavor + Heroes and Villains Entertainment.

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.

 

REVIEW: THE GOLDEN GIRLS: The Lost Episodes, Vol. 5 – SEX! Via Hell in a Handbag Productions Through October 23, 2021

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar: 

Hell in a Handbag Productions

Opens Its 20th Anniversary Season with

THE GOLDEN GIRLS: The Lost Episodes, Vol. 5 – SEX!

By Artistic Director David Cerda

Directed by Madison Smith

(left to right) Grant Drager, David Cerda and Lori Lee. 

Now Playing Through October 23, 2021 at the Leather Archives & Museum

Running Time: 90min including intermission

 *COVID POLICY: Handbag will require proof of vaccination and masking at all performances. The entire cast and crew is vaccinated.

(left to right) Ryan Oates, Ed Jones, Danne W. Taylor, David Cerda and Grant Drager in Hell in a Handbag Productions’ The Golden Girls: The Lost Episodes, Vol. 5 – SEX! All photos by Rick Aguilar Studios

 Guest Review by 

Catherine Hellmann

A “Thank you for being a friend!” sing-along opens this fun, much-anticipated return to live theater from Hell in a Handbag Productions. And it is like welcoming back an old friend to see our favorites on stage again after a looooong 18 months. The HIAH team did produce a couple streaming shows during the pandemic, but their outrageousness is so much better enjoyed in person. The multi-talented David Cerda and his high-spirited troops have been entertaining us for twenty years, as this is their anniversary season! Two decades of laughter and merriment!   

This latest parody of “Golden Girls” takes place in a beautiful, intimate theater of 160 seats set in the Leather Archives & Museum in Rogers Park where paintings of hunky men with massive packages in their trousers (some contained, some blatantly revealed) look down on us like sexy angels. Tickets to the show include a 30-day membership to the LA&M so you can return another day to gawk at the displays of leather and kinky props. I want to go back! 

In episode one, “The Pleasure Dome,” Rose and her boyfriend Miles need more than a game of “Hungry, Hungry Hippos” to get their game on. So Miles books them a couple’s trip to Miami’s new spicy spot, The Pleasure Dome. Crashing the party are Blanche and Dorothy who accompany them for “moral support.” Sophia has been working some wild hours to make some extra cash…(her costume here is just the funniest gag ever), and the girls discover Sophia is not out delivering for DoorDash. 

In the next act, “Blanche Makes a Deal,” Sophia nearly kicks the bucket in an accident that leaves Blanche so guilt-ridden that she takes a Vow of Chastity! She holds out longer than we suspect she will... but at one point, Blanche describes herself as “uncomfortably horny,” which was my friend’s favorite line in the show. :-) As Blanche finally succumbs to her desires, Sophia refers to Blanche’s moves on the repairman as “the courtship ritual of the ‘Geriatric Skank.’” (my favorite line in the show!)

The script is penned by David Cerda, who plays Dorothy. There are so many wonderful lines, like referring to the tv show from our childhood “Wild Kingdom” and quipping,”Nobody under fifty will understand that reference.” When Blanche asks what she should do when she can’t fall asleep, she’s advised to “go home,” which is followed by a joke that the dialogue was stolen from an original episode. 

In between acts, Cast Member Lori Lee runs a Golden Girls Trivia contest with fun prizes like GG napkins, buttons, and “sensual arousal gel.” (My best friend from college won a “Golden Girls” Trivia Contest in Boston years ago---the prize was tickets to see a Judy Garland impersonator. He described it as “the gayest night of my life.”)  

We loved the jello molds along the walls of the set. There is great eye candy with a hot cop moving the set pieces very deliberately in a provocative manner as if he works at the Pleasure Dome.  

HIAH regulars Cerda and the always-hilarious Ed Jones both received cheers and applause upon their entrances. So wonderful to see them in person again! Also of note is Grant Drager as Blanche. We saw him after the show and praised his performance, and he was so gracious and lovely. We asked about a particular line, and he immediately recited the words with his Southern-drawl Blanche Voice. We were charmed, indeed. 

Treat yourself, be a friend, and support a wonderful Chicago institution by seeing “Golden Girls.” You’ll be glad you did! “Your heart is true, you’re a pal and a confidant.” 

The Golden Girls runs through October 23 at 6418 N. Greenview Ave. 

Be aware that Handbag is requiring proof of vaccination at the door and masking at all performances. The entire cast and crew is vaccinated. 

Cath Hellmann is a teacher, theater lover, and a true friend who once washed her bestie’s bloody sheets after a homebirth. 

(left to right) Max McKune, Grant Drager and Danne W. Taylor 

(left to right) Grant Drager, David Cerda, Ed Jones and Ryan Oates

Hell in a Handbag Productions is pleased to welcome back audiences this fall with the return of Chicago’s favorite drag seniors in its long-running parody The Golden Girls: The Lost Episodes, Vol. 5 – SEX!, written by Artistic Director David Cerda* and directed by Madison Smith. Dorothy, Rose, Blanche, Sophia and their whacky friends and relatives explore their naughty side now playing through October 23, 2021 at the Leather Archives & Museum’s 160-seat auditorium at 6418 N. Greenview Ave. in Chicago’s Rogers Park neighborhood (must be 18+ for entry). Single tickets are currently available at goldengirls5sex.eventbrite.com (includes 30-day membership to Leather Archives & Museum). Season subscriptions are on sale at www.handbagproductions.org. 

The Golden Girls stars original cast members David Cerda*, Grant Drager*, Ed Jones* and Ryan Oates as the Geriatric Fab Four, joined by Lori Lee*, Max McKune, Michael Rashid* and Danne W. Taylor*. 

 In episode one, “The Pleasure Dome,” Rose and Miles’ relationship needs spicing up and what better way to do that than a trip to the latest Miami hotspot, The Pleasure Dome! Of course, Blanche and Dorothy accompany her to provide “emotional support.” Meanwhile, Sophia has a mysterious part-time job that keeps her out all hours of the night.

 In episode two, “Blanche Makes a Deal,” following a household accident that nearly kills Sophia, Blanche’s guilt drives her to do the unthinkable: take a vow of celibacy! Can Blanche keep her promise to God? Will the truth about what actually happened come out? Will the Smurfs get Rose, or can she outwit them? See for yourself in Chicago’s irreverent long-running parody show.

The production team includes Pamela L. Parker* (scenic design, production manager), Gregory Graham (costume design), Liz Cooper (lighting design), DJ Douglass (sound design), Andrew Milliken (incidental music), Mealah Heidenreich* (props design), Rick Gilbert & Victor Bayona (violence coordinators), Keith Ryan* (wig design), Jack Mink (technical director) and Drew Donnelly* (stage manager).

*Denotes Handbag Ensemble Member

(left to right) Michael Rashid and Ed Jones

(left to right) Ryan Oates and Grant Drager 

PRODUCTION DETAILS:

Cast (in alphabetical order): David Cerda* (Dorothy), Grant Drager* (Blanche), Ed Jones* (Dorothy) Lori Lee* (Host, Emcee), Max McKune (Jeff, Chip), Ryan Oates (Sophia), Michael Rashid* (Miles) and Danne W. Taylor* (Nancy Drew). Understudies: Miles Brindley, Spenser Douglas Clark, Jamie Smith and Nick Strauss.

Location: Leather Archives & Museum, 6418 N. Greenview Ave., Chicago (must be 18+ for entry)

Regular run: Friday, September 24 – October 23, 2021

Curtain Times: Fridays & Saturday at 7:30 pm; Sundays at 3 pm. Please note: there will be an added performances on Thursday, October 21 at 7:30 pm

Tickets: $27 general admission. $35– $45 VIP/reserved seating. Group rates $23 for 10 or more. Tickets are currently available at goldengirls5sex.eventbrite.com (includes 30-day membership to Leather Archives & Museum). Must be 18+ with proof of vaccination.

 

(left to right) Danne W. Taylor, Ed Jones, Ryan Oates, David Cerda and Grant Drager

About the Artists     

David Cerda (Playwright) is a founding member and Artistic Director of Hell in a Handbag Productions. As resident playwright he has written many a Handbag production as well as acted in them. As a Latinx queer individual, he is a proud inductee in the Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame and recipient of a Jeff Award for lifetime achievement for his 25 years (and counting) of work and service to the community. He lives in Chicago with his partner, Christopher.

Madison Smith (Director) is a director and producer who hails from Nebraska. She is also the Artistic Director of the scrappy new-works focused company Death & Pretzels. Besides directing for D&P, Madison has had the pleasure of working with companies such as The House Theatre, RedTwist, Summer Place, Team StarKid and Three Cat Productions, among others, and she’s delighted to be working with Hell in a Handbag once again. Thank you for being a friend!

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.

(left to right) Ed Jones, David Cerda, Grant Drager and Ryan Oates in Hell in a Handbag Productions’ The Golden Girls: The Lost Episodes, Vol. 5 – SEX! Photo by Rick Aguilar Studios.

OPENING: Hell in a Handbag's THE GOLDEN GIRLS: The Lost Episodes, Vol. 3 is Back at Mary's Attic

Hell in a Handbag Productions Presents

THE GOLDEN GIRLS: 

The Lost Episodes, Vol. 3

By Artistic Director David Cerda

Directed by Miles Brindley

(left to right) Adrian Hadlock, Ed Jones, David Cerda and Grant Drager in a publicity image for Hell in a Handbag Productions’ parody THE GOLDEN GIRLS: The Lost Episodes, Vol. 3. 

Photo by Rick Aguilar Studios.

April 25 – August 31, 2019 at Mary’s Attic

Don't miss this! Chicago’s self described geriatric “Fab Four” return in 
THE GOLDEN GIRLS: The Lost Episodes – Vol. 3! 

I'll be ChiILin' with these comedic queens, for the Opening/Press performance: Saturday, April 27 at 7:30 pm, so check back soon for my full review. I adore Hell in a Handbag's fabulous parody tributes to the adventures of Dorothy, Rose, Blanche, and Sophia and I catch every show I can. 

This little gem came across my facebook feed last week and cracked me up, with it's absolute truthiness. 

Wise words for all of us regardless of age, gender, or marital status... I want in, and I'm starting that mission with a spring dose of inspiration via GOLDEN GIRLS: The Lost Episodes!

Join Dorothy, Rose, Blanche, Sophia and their whacky friends and relatives for all new adventures – including the first-ever musical episode. Written by Artistic Director David Cerda and directed by Miles Brindley, the latest installment of Handbag’s hit sitcom parody will play April 25 – August 31, 2019 at Mary’s Attic, 5400 N. Clark St. in Chicago’s Andersonville neighborhood. Tickets are currently available at www.handbagproductions.org or by calling (or by calling (800) 838-3006. The press opening is Saturday, April 27 at 7:30 pm.

THE GOLDEN GIRLS: The Lost Episodes – Vol. 3 will feature Adrian Hadlock* as Sophia, Ed Jones* as Rose, David Cerda* as Dorothy and Grant Drager* as Blanche with Chazie Bly*, Lori Lee*, Michael Rashid, Danne Taylor and Robert Williams as various silly characters.

Episode One: Caged Miami Heat – Find out what happens when the girls are arrested and thrown in jail for the murder of their long-lost cook, Coco (Michael Rashid).

Episode 2: Singing in the Pain – Can Rose (Ed Jones) overcome her crippling stage fright and perform a duet with her idol, Lyle Waggoner for the big Miami’s Ladies’ Auxiliary fundraiser? This is the first Golden Girls musical episode, so be prepared for songs like, ‘Back in St. Olaf’, ‘You’re a Tramp, Blanche’, and many more.

THE GOLDEN GIRLS: The Lost Episodes series began in 2017 and has been going strong ever since. Chicago loves Handbag’s long-running parody of the classic TV sitcom with original scripts.

The production team includes Christopher Rhoton (scenic design), Gregory Graham (costume design), Danny Rockett (sound design), Keith Ryan* (wigs design), Pam Berman (props design) and Noah Watkins (technical director).

*Denotes Handbag ensemble member.


Cast (in alphabetical order): Chazie Bly* (Baby/Ensemble), David Cerda* (Dorothy), Grant Drager* (Blanche), Adrian Hadlock* (Sophia), Ed Jones* (Rose), Lori Lee* (Host/Ensemble), Michael Rashid (Coco/Ensemble), Danne Taylor (Lottie) and Robert Williams (Miss Jenkins/Ensemble)

Location: Mary’s Attic, 5400 N. Clark St., Chicago

Dates: Previews: Thursday, April 25 at 7:30 pm and Friday, April 26 at 7:30 pm

Regular run: Thursday, May 2 – Sunday, August 31, 2019

Curtain Times: Thursdays at 7:30 pm (through May 30); Friday and Saturday at 7:30 pm (through June 29, plus Friday, August 30 & Saturday August 31); Sundays at 5 pm (June 16, plus June 30 – August 25). Please note: there will be added performances on Sunday, May 26 at 5:30 pm, there will not be a performance on Sunday, July 7 or Sunday, August 4.

Tickets: Previews: $19. Regular run $27 in advance, $31 at the door. Group rates $20 for 10 or more. Tickets are currently available at www.handbagproductions.org or by calling (or by calling (800) 838-3006.

About the Artists
David Cerda (Playwright) is the Artistic Director and co-founder of Hell in a Handbag Productions. Cerda has written or collaborated on POSEIDON! An Upside Down Musical, Caged Dames, Sexy Baby, Lady X: The Musical, Christmas Dearest, Rudolph the Red-Hosed Reindeer, SCARRIE-The Musical, The Golden Girls: The Lost Episodes (Volumes 1 & 2), The Golden Girls: The Lost Episodes: The Holiday Edition, The Halloween Edition, and many others. He has also worked as a songwriter with Amazon Studios and as an actor around Chicago. In 2016, Cerda was in inducted into the Chicago GLBT Hall of Fame and in 2017 he received a Lifetime Achievement Jeff Award for his contributions to the Chicago theater community and philanthropic efforts.

Miles Brindley (Director) is a director, actor and stage manager originally from South Dakota. After graduating from the University of South Dakota with a BFA in Acting, Miles has worked as a stage manager for Long Beach Opera, a company actor for The Black Hills Playhouse, a music theatre director for the International Music Camp, a drama instructor for both Campbell County High School and Freeman Academy, as well as various rolls with several community theaters. Miles' most recent directing projects include Steel Magnolias, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Beauty and the Beast Jr. and The Music Man.




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.

SAVE THE DATES: Hell in a Handbag Productions Announces 2019 Season

ChiIL Live Shows on our radar:

Season Subscriptions Now On-Sale!

 GoldenGirls (left to right) Ed Jones, David Cerda, Adrian Hadlock and Grant Drager in a publicity image for Hell in a Handbag Productions’ parody THE GOLDEN GIRLS: The Lost Episodes. Photo by Rick Aguilar Studios.

Save the dates for 7 deadly funny drag shows: 

Hell in a Handbag Productions' 2019 Season

POSEIDON! An Upside Down Musical

An Unauthorized Musical Parody

Book & Lyrics by Artistic Director David Cerda

Music by David Cerda and Scott Lamberty

Directed by Derek Van Barham

Music Direction by Andrew Milliken

Choreography by Breon Arzell

THE GOLDEN GIRLS: The Lost Episodes, Vol. 3

By Artistic Director David Cerda

THE DRAG SEED

Book & Lyrics by Artistic Director David Cerda

Music by David Cerda and Scott Lamberty

Directed by Cheryl Snodgrass

THE GOLDEN GIRLS: The Lost Episodes

Bea Afraid Too – The Halloween Edition

By Artistic Director David Cerda

THE FACTS OF LIFE: The Lost Episodes

Satan’s School for Girls

By Artistic Director David Cerda

BETTE: XMAS AT THE CONTINENTAL BATHS

A Musical Tribute Starring Caitlin Jackson

Adapted by Artistic Director David Cerda & Caitlin Jackson

Music Direction by Tommy Ross

THE GOLDEN GIRLS: The Lost Episodes

The Holiday Edition, Vol. 2

By Artistic Director David Cerda

Hell in a Handbag Productions is pleased to announce its 2019 Season, launching this winter with the show that started it all: POSEIDON! An Upside Down Musical, an unauthorized musical parody of the classic granddaddy of all disaster films, 1972’s The Poseidon Adventure. The much-anticipated revival of Handbag’s very first show features a book, music and lyrics by Artistic Director David Cerda* with Scott Lamberty, direction by Derek Van Barham, music direction by Andrew Milliken, and choreography by Breon Arzell. The cast includes ensemble members Sydney Genco*, Caitlin Jackson*, Elizabeth Lesinski*, David Lipschutz*, Stevie Love* and a boatload of others. POSEIDON will play at a venue befitting of an ocean liner: The Edge Theater, 5451 N. Broadway in Chicago’s Edgewater neighborhood.

Following closely on the heels of the SS Poseidon, Chicago’s favorite drag seniors return in THE GOLDEN GIRLS: The Lost Episodes – Vol. 3. Dorothy, Rose, Blanche, Sophia and their whacky friends and relatives are back for all new adventures – including the first-ever musical episode. Written by Artistic Director David Cerda*, THE GOLDEN GIRLS stars original cast members Chazie Bly*, David Cerda*, Grant Drager*, Adrian Hadlock* and Ed Jones*. The Girls return to Mary’s Attic, 5400 N. Clark St. in Chicago’s Andersonville neighborhood.

Summer 2019 brings another world premiere Handbag musical! Inspired by our changing times, THE DRAG SEED is an unauthorized musical parody of the 1956 psychological horror-thriller film The Bad Seed. Ensemble member Kristopher Bottrall stars as little Carson Langus, the perfect little boy who likes to dress like the perfect little girl. Featuring book, music and lyrics by Artistic Director David Cerda* with Scott Lamberty and direction by Cheryl Snodgrass (The Birds, The Rip Nelson Halloween Spooktacular), THE DRAG SEED will also play at Mary’s Attic.

Handbag conjures up double the scares for the Halloween season! The geriatric “Fab Four” return with scares and hilarity in THE GOLDEN GIRLS: The Lost Episodes – Bea Afraid Too, written by Artistic Director David Cerda*. This Halloween tradition (almost) will play at Mary’s Attic. Meanwhile, across town at Stage 773 (1225 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago), another beloved TV sitcom is resurrected Handbag style: THE FACTS OF LIFE: The Lost Episodes – Satan’s School for Girls. Ensemble member Ed Jones* stars as Mrs. Edna Garrett, the house mother with a deep dark secret, in this new parody by Artistic Director David Cerda*.

Handbag wraps up its season with another double whammy for the holidays. Handbag diva Caitlin Jackson* reprises her role as Bette Midler in BETTE, XMAS AT THE CONTINENTAL BATHS, a recreation of the Divine Miss M’s historic concert at New York’s Continental Baths – with a holiday twist. The show enjoyed a sold-out run in 2017 as part of the LookOut Series at Steppenwolf’s 1700 Theatre. Handbag’s steamy cabaret sensation features music direction by Tommy Ross. Also, enjoy some eggnog and cheesecake on the lanai at THE GOLDEN GIRLS: The Lost Episodes – The Holiday Edition, Vol. 2, another round of festive sketches featuring the Handbag Golden Girls. BETTE and THE GOLDEN GIRLS will play concurrently at Mary’s Attic.

Season subscriptions and single tickets for all the shows are currently available at www.handbagproductions.org.

*Denotes Handbag Ensemble Member.

Hell in a Handbag Productions’ 2019 Season includes:


Poseidon (pictured) The cast of Hell in a Handbag Productions’ 2009 revival of POSEIDON! An Upside Down Musical. Photo by Rick Aguilar Studios.

March 15 – April 28, 2019
Title: POSEIDON! An Upside Down Musical
Book and Lyric by Artistic Director David Cerda*
Music by David Cerda* with Scott Lamberty
Directed by Derek Van Barham
Music Direction by Andrew Milliken
Choreography by Breon Arzell
at The Edge Theater, 5451 N. Broadway Ave., Chicago
Featuring ensemble members Sydney Genco*, Caitlin Jackson*, Elizabeth Lesinski*, David Lipschutz*, Stevie Love* and Michael S. Miller* with Katherine Bellantone, Frankie Leo Bennett, Brittney Brown, Tommy Bullington, Josh Kemper, Nicky Mendelson, Courtney Dane Mize, Elissa Newcorn, Marc Prince, Shane Roberie, Scott Sawa, Patrick Stengle and Maiko Terazawa.

It’s New Year’s Eve and a group of hardcore fans have gathered for their annual viewing of the greatest film ever – The Poseidon Adventure, the story of the capsize of the SS Poseidon on New Year’s Eve, and the handful of misfit passengers that decide to climb to the top of the ship – which is now the bottom. As the story progresses the viewers become one with the film. POSEIDON! An Upside-Down Musical is part parody, part homage – and a look at how movies can leave their mark on you.

First produced by Handbag 17 years ago, POSEIDON! An Upside-Down Musical enjoyed an extended five month-run, went to the 2002 New York International Fringe Festival and was the most attended show of the festival. Remounted in 2009, the show had another extended run and garnered critical acclaim.

February 8 – March 10, 2019 – Off-Season Special! (not included in season subscriptions)
THE GOLDEN GIRLS: The Lost Episodes – The Valentine Edition
Written by Artistic Director David Cerda*
Directed by: Jon Martinez
at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago
Featuring ensemble members Chazie Bly*, David Cerda*, Grant Drager*, Adrian Hadlock* and Ed Jones* with Miles Brindley, Casey Coppess, Steve Kimbrough, Ryan Oates, Michael Rashid, Ryan Tang and Danne Taylor.

Poor Dorothy can’t find a date for the Sadie Hawkins dance at the Miami Senior Center. When Rose sets her up with a man with a colorful past, the evening takes a turn for the bizarre. Meanwhile Sophia locks horns with her arch rival, Sylvia Martinelli and the two engage in a steamy battle of wits.

April 18 – August 25, 2019
THE GOLDEN GIRLS: The Lost Episodes, Vol. 3
By Artistic Director David Cerda*
at Mary’s Attic, 5400 N. Clark St., Chicago
Featuring ensemble members Chazie Bly*, David Cerda*, Grant Drager*, Adrian Hadlock* and Ed Jones*.

Dorothy, Rose, Blanche, Sophia and their whacky friends and relatives are back for all new adventures – including the first-ever musical episode.

July 5 – August 25, 2019
THE DRAG SEED
Book and Lyrics: Artistic Director David Cerda*
Music: David Cerda* with Scott Lamberty
Directed by Cheryl Snodgrass
Featuring ensemble member Kristopher Bottrall*
at Mary’s Attic, 5400 N. Clark St., Chicago
Casting to be announced.

Inspired by our changing times, THE DRAG SEED is an unauthorized musical parody of the 1956 psychological horror-thriller film The Bad Seed. Carson is a perfect little boy who likes to dress like the perfect little girl. Carson loves drag and prides himself on being the best child drag queen in the greater Chicago area. Carson always gets what he wants, and he really wants to win the drag pageant at his very progressive school – The Josephine Baker Academy for Gifted Students. When Carson doesn’t win, he vows to get that crown – one way or another…

September 27 – November 2, 2019
THE GOLDEN GIRLS: The Lost Episodes – Bea Afraid Too
By Artistic Director David Cerda*
at Mary’s Attic, 5400 N. Clark St., Chicago
Featuring ensemble members Chazie Bly*, Grant Drager*, Adrian Hadlock* and Michael Miller*

Last year Sophia was possessed by the devil. Did anyone even notice? Stay tuned to find out what spooky adventures Artistic Director David Cerda* conjures up for our heroines in what’s quickly becoming a Chicago Halloween tradition.

October 5 – November 3, 2019
The FACTS OF LIFE: The Lost Episodes – Satan’s School for Girls
By Artistic Director David Cerda*
at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago
Featuring ensemble members David Cerda* and Ed Jones*

Ed Jones* stars as Mrs. Edna Garrett – the house mother with a deep dark secret in this parody of the beloved TV sitcom The Facts of Life. The Eastland seemed to be the place for the best and the brightest girls. But when a series of girls die mysterious accidental deaths, ace reporter Claudia Collins (David Cerda*), who is as beautiful as she is talented – goes undercover to avenge her kid sister’s death.

November 27 – December 28, 2019
THE GOLDEN GIRLS: The Lost Episodes, The Holiday Edition, Vol. 2
By David Cerda
at Mary’s Attic, 5400 N. Clark St., Chicago
Featuring ensemble members David Cerda*, Grant Drager*, Ed Jones* and Adrian Hadlock*

Celebrate the season in sunny Miami, as Dorothy, Rose, Blanche and Sophia return for brand new holiday episodes of Chicago’s beloved TV sitcom parody.

December 6 – 28, 2019
BETTE: XMAS AT THE CONTINENTAL BATHS
Adapted by Artistic Director David Cerda* and Caitlin Jackson*
Musical Direction by Tommy Ross
at Mary’s Attic, 5400 N. Clark St., Chicago
Featuring ensemble member Caitlin Jackson*

Handbag diva Caitlin Jackson recreates Bette Midler’s concert at New York’s Continental Baths. This loving recreation of the beginning of Ms. Midler’s stellar career features the fabulous songs she sang for the boys in the bathhouse, including Chattanooga Choo-Choo, Superstar – plus holiday ditties done in Bette’s inimitable style.

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.

RETURNING THIS SUMMER WITH ALL NEW EPISODES: THE GOLDEN GIRLS: The Lost Episodes, Vol. 2 Via Hell in a Handbag Productions at Mary’s Attic

Chi IL Live Shows On Our Radar:

Ready to go to Hell in a Handbag this summer...

Hell in a Handbag Productions Presents 

THE GOLDEN GIRLS: The Lost Episodes, Vol. 2

By Artistic Director David Cerda

Directed by Becca Holloway

June 19 – September 7, 2018 at Mary’s Attic

(left to right) Ed Jones, David Cerda, Adrian Hadlock and Grant Drager in a publicity image for Hell in a Handbag Productions’ parody THE GOLDEN GIRLS: The Lost Episodes, Vol. 2. All Photos by Rick Aguilar Studios.

This summer, Hell in a Handbag Productions is pleased to bring back Dorothy, Rose, Blanche and Sophia for THE GOLDEN GIRLS: The Lost Episodes, Vol. 2. Following last year’s sold-out, seven-month run, Handbag’s parody of the beloved TV sitcom returns with all new adventures written by Artistic Director David Cerda* and directed by Becca Holloway. THE GOLDEN GIRLS will play June 19 – September 7, 2018 at Mary’s Attic, 5400 N. Clark St. in Chicago’s Andersonville neighborhood. Tickets are now on sale brownpapertickets.com or by calling (800) 838-3006. The press opening is Friday, June 22 at 7:30 pm.

The 2017 cast returns with David Cerda* as Dorothy, Grant Drager* as Blanche, Adrian Hadlock* as Sophia and Ed Jones* as Rose with Chazie Bly*, Michael Rashid and Michael S. Miller* as various silly characters.

When THE GOLDEN GIRLS – THE LOST EPISODES debuted in June 2017, it was supposed to be a short summer treat for Handbag audiences, but quickly turned into one of the biggest hits in the company’s history. Now, these lovely women from the classic TV sitcom return with new stories of friendship, love and cheesecake – all with the Handbag twist audiences have come to love!

The all new episodes include Machiavellian mayhem when Dorothy, Rose and Blanche are all nominated for Women of the Year by the Miami Women’s Auxiliary League; Sophia’s mysterious part-time job; and a deep dark secret from Rose’s past that shocks the girls to their core!

The production team for THE GOLDEN GIRLS: The Lost Episodes, Vol. 2 includes: Roger Wykes (scenic design), David Cerda* (costume design), Cat Wilson* (lighting design), Isaac Mandel (sound design), Keith Ryan* (wig design), Adrian Hadlock* (props design), Lana Whittington (violence coordinator), AJ Wright* (production manager) and Amanda Kay Wyatt (stage manager).

*Denotes Handbag ensemble member.

Location: Mary’s Attic, 5400 N. Clark St., Chicago
Dates: Previews: Tuesday, June 19 at 7:30 pm, Wednesday, June 20 at 7:30 pm and Thursday, June 21 at 7:30 pm. 
Opening/Press performance: Friday, June 22, 2018, 7:30 pm
Regular run: Wednesday June 27 – Friday, September 7, 2018 
Curtain Times: Wednesdays, Thursday and Fridays at 7:30 pm through August 10, 2018; Fridays at 7:30 pm August 17 – September 7, 2018. Please note: there will not be performances on Wednesday, July 4 at 7:30 pm or Friday, July 6 at 7:30 pm.
Tickets: Previews $19. Regular run $25 in advance, $27 at the door. Group rates $20 for 10 or more. Tickets are currently on sale at brownpapertickets.com or by calling (800) 838-3006. 



About the Artists

David Cerda (Playwright) is the Artistic Director and co-founder of Hell in a Handbag Productions. Cerda has written or collaborated on POSEIDON! An Upside Down Musical, Caged Dames, Sexy Baby, Lady X: The Musical, Christmas Dearest, Rudolph the Red-Hosed Reindeer, SCARRIE-The Musical, and many others. He has also worked as a songwriter with Amazon Studios and as an actor around Chicago. In 2016 Cerda was in inducted into the Chicago GLBT Hall of Fame and in 2017 he received a Lifetime Achievement Jeff Award for his contributions to the Chicago theater community and philanthropic efforts. He is most definitely a Dorothy. 

Becca Holloway (Director) is thrilled to be back with Hell in a Handbag for her 5th production with them, after working on Bewildered, L'imitation of Life, and directing Rudolph (2017) and Bette: Xmas at the Continental Baths. Other directing credits include, 44 Plays for 44 Presidents (Oil Lamp Theater), Cut to the Chase Festival (Artistic Home) and The RBP's 13th Birthday Party Showcase (Right Brain Project). Becca has been lucky enough to have worked with Broken Nose, Brown Paper Box Co., The Comrades, Refuge Theatre Project, and Big Noise Theater. Oh and in case you're wondering, she's a Dorothy.

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.