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.

OPENING: Valentine Fun Abounds With THE GOLDEN GIRLS: The Lost Episodes – The Valentine Edition Via Hell in a Handbag Productions February 8, 2019 – March 10, 2019 at Stage 773

ChiIL Live Shows on our radar

Hell in a Handbag Productions Presents

THE GOLDEN GIRLS: The Lost Episodes – The Valentine Edition

By Artistic Director David Cerda

Directed by Jon Martinez

February 8, 2019 – March 10, 2019 at Stage 773

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

Chicago’s favorite drag seniors start 2019 with LOVE in Hell in a Handbag Productions’ beloved parody THE GOLDEN GIRLS: The Lost Episodes – The Valentine Edition, written by Artistic Director David Cerda and directed by Jon Martinez. Dorothy, Blanche, Sophia and Rose return February 8 – March 10, 2019 at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave. in Chicago. Tickets are currently available at www.handbagproductions.org or www.stage773.com, by calling (773) 327-5252. 

I'll be ChiILin' with Chi, IL's Hell in a Handbag for the press opening of THE GOLDEN GIRLS: The Lost Episodes – The Valentine Edition, February 10th, so check back soon for my full review. Hell in a Handbag is a long time favorite of ours here at ChiIL Live Shows, and their Golden Girls parodies are something to see! 

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. Get your tickets early and bring a sweetheart!

THE GOLDEN GIRLS: The Lost Episodes – The Valentine Edition will feature Adrian Hadlock* as Sophia, Ed Jones* as Rose, Michael Rashid and David Cerda as Dorothy and Grant Drager* as Blanche. The ensemble also includes Chazie Bly*, Miles Brindley, Casey Coppess, Steve Kimbrough, Ryan Oates, Ryan Tang and Danne W. Taylor as various characters.

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.

The production team includes: Christopher Rhoton (scenic design), Danny Rockett (sound design), Keith Ryan* (wig design), Adrian Hadlock* (props design) and Si Squires-Kasten (stage manager).

*Denotes Handbag ensemble member.

Cast (in alphabetical order): Chazie Bly* (Ensemble), Miles Brindley (Ensemble), David Cerda* (late night Dorothy), Casey Coppess (Ensemble), Grant Drager* (Blanche), Adrian Hadlock* (Sophia), Ed Jones* (Rose), Steve Kimbrough (Ensemble), Ryan Oates (Ensemble), Michael Rashid (Prime time Dorothy), Ryan Tang (Ensemble) and Danne Taylor (Ensemble).

Location: Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave. in Chicago. 

Dates: Previews: Friday, February 8 at 8 pm and Saturday, February 9 at 8 pm
Opening/Press performance: Sunday, February 10 at 3 pm

Regular run: Thursday, February 14 – Sunday, March 10, 2019
Curtain Times: Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm; Sundays at 3 pm. Please note: there will be an added Valentine’s Day performances on Thursday, February 14 at 8 pm; there will be added late night performances on Saturday, February 23 at 10:30 pm, Saturday, March 2 at 10:30 pm and Saturday, March 9 at 10:30 pm.

Tickets: Previews: $22. 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 www.stage773.com, by calling (773) 327-5252.

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.

Jon Martinez (Director) is glad to be back on board after directing and choreographing Snowgirls – The Musical with Handbag. Other credits include: The Buddy Holly Story (American Blues); Crumbs From The Table of Joy (Raven Theatre); The View Upstairs (Circle Theater); In The Heights (Civic Theatre);On A Clear Day… (Porchlight Music Theater); It’s Only a Play, Priscilla Queen of the Desert (Joseph Jefferson Award nomination) (Pride Films & Plays); Rock of Ages (Timberlake Playhouse); Tonya & Nancy The Rock Opera (Chicago Premiere) (Underscore Theatre); 3C (Red Orchid); We’re Gonna Die (Haven Theater/Steppenwolf); LIZZIE (Firebrand Theatre); Xanadu (ATC); Carrie, Murder Ballad (Bailiwick Chicago). His first ballet, Le Apache, premiered in 2016 at The Harris Theater in Chicago. Next up, he will be directing and choreographing the regional premiere of Be More Chill at Playhouse Square Cleveland. 

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.

REVIEW: Underscore Theatre Scores With Campy Carrie 2: The Rage (An Unauthorized Musical Parody) World Premiere

Chi, IL LIVE Shows On Our Radar:

Underscore Theatre Company Presents the World Premiere of

CARRIE 2: THE RAGE

(AN UNAUTHORIZED MUSICAL PARODY)

Book, Music and Lyrics by Preston Max Allen

Co-Directed by Isaac Loomer and Rachel Elise Johnson

Music Direction by T.J. Anderson 

October 13 – November 19, 2017 at The Arkham

(left to right) Michael Idalski, Britain Gebhardt, Annie Pfohl, Taylor Snooks, Alex Newkirk, Amanda Giles, Carissa Gonzalez, Joe Wesolowski, David Kaplinsky and Sam Button-Harrison in Underscore Theatre Company’s world premiere musical CARRIE 2: THE RAGE (An Unauthorized Musical Parody). All Photos by Evan Hanover.

Review:
Halloween season is ripe for gory stories, and Underscore delivers, in a hidden little storefront, Arkham theatre in Uptown, named specifically for this production. Note: The Arkham was the asylum in the Carrie-verse, which is in turn named for H.P. Lovecrafts' fictional town. Don't forget to "check in" to the asylum on social media! 

Underscore Theatre's macabre musical parody takes place 10+ years after the fateful, pig blood infused prom night, when bullied Carrie White went homicidal. What this low budget production lacks in stage blood it more than makes up for with laugh inducing melodrama, soaring songs, and copious use of the word telekinesis. Underscore Theatre scores again with a creative, over the top parody that makes poking fun at it's subpar namesake far more fun than the original. With plenty of catchy tunes, dramatic gestures, and larger than life characters, Carrie 2: The Rage (An Unauthorized Musical Parody) makes for a fun night out. 

(front, l to r) Taylor Snooks and Demi Zaino with (back l to r) Alex Newkirk, Sam Button-Harrison, Michael Idalski, Joe Wesolowski and Amanda Giles

We were already booked on the press preview, so we ducked in last night for their packed house, Monday show. We caught two understudies, Miki Byrne as Amy and Taylor Snooks as Lisa/Monica. The whole cast was tight and a delight to see, particularly the women. The boy band moves of the football team are a hoot, too, even as they sing about threatening with physical violence. 

(left to right) Amanda Giles, Carissa Gonzalez and Britain Gebhardt

(left to right) Annie Pfohl, Taylor Snooks and Sam Button-Harrison

Standouts were the traumatized guidance counselor, Sue Snell (Britain Gebhardt), the religious nut mother, Barbara (Annie Pfohl), with a tiny but mighty role and fierce vocals, mean girl supreme, Tracy (Amanda Giles), and scary Carrie's little half sister, Rachel (Demi Zaino).


(left to right) Demi Zaino and Michael Idalski with the cast of Underscore Theatre Company’s world premiere musical CARRIE 2: THE RAGE (An Unauthorized Musical Parody). 

Until human beings learn to quit being so awful to each other, mean girls, rapey jocks, adults with mental issues, and vengeful teens with preternatural powers are always in season. Catch this wacky world premiere while you can. Rachel (AKA: Carrie 2) will be raging through November 19th. 

**Note: If your weekends are crazy busy, this show runs 

Monday nights too!**

Back in the mid 90's, I played Carrie in a haunted house for two seasons, moving kitchen drawers and banging cupboards with my mental powers (and a little help from backstage). It was huge fun donning my deliciously bloody prom dress and air brushed makeup and scaring full grown adults into screaming idiots. I'd never made anyone pee themselves before, run shrieking into walls, or completely lose their minds. So, I'll always have a soft spot for the Carrie character.

Just in time for Halloween, Underscore Theatre Company is pleased to launch its 2017-18 Season with the world premiere of with CARRIE 2: THE RAGE (An Unauthorized Musical Parody), an irreverent, rock-infused send-up of Stephen King’s iconic horror film Carrie and its subsequent spin-off The Rage: Carrie 2, featuring a book, music and lyrics by Preston Max Allen. Co-directed by Isaac Loomer and Rachel Elise Johnson, with music direction by T.J. Anderson, CARRIE 2: THE RAGE will play through November 19, 2017 at The Arkham, 4609 N. Clark St. in Chicago. Tickets on sale at underscoretheatre.org.

CARRIE 2: THE RAGE (An Unauthorized Musical Parody) will feature Demi Zaino as Rachel, Alex Newkirk as Jesse, Britain Gebhardt as Sue Snell and David Kaplinsky as Producer/Arnie with Sam Button-Harrison, Amanda Giles, Carissa Gonzalez, Michael Idalski, Annie Pfohl, Taylor Snooks and Joe Wesolowski.

(left to right) Joe Wesolowski, Taylor Snooks, Sam Button-Harrison, Demi Zaino, Michael Idalski and Carissa Gonzalez 

More than a decade after Carrie White burned her high school to the ground with her mind, goth teenager Rachel Lang has her own issues to deal with, and Sue Snell, Carrie’s former classmate and Rachel’s guidance counselor, must grapple with surprising similarities between the two outcasts before history repeats itself. Framed as a backer’s auction for a ridiculously ambitious Broadway production, this irreverent meta-musical pokes fun at the entire “Carrie” canon through a punchy, rock-infused score.

The production team for CARRIE 2: THE RAGE (An Unauthorized Musical Parody) includes: Eric Luchen (scenic design), Rachel Johnson and Isaac Loomer (costume design), Erik Barry (lighting design), Timothy McNulty (sound design), Mealah Heidenreich (props design), Andrew Lynn (production manager), Karla Meyer (sound engineer), Elias Nelson (stage manager) and Josh Prisching (technical director, master electrician).

Location: The Arkham, 4609 N. Clark St., Chicago

Regular run: Friday, October 20 – Sunday, November 19, 2017

Curtain Times: Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm; Sundays at 4 pm. Please note: there will be an added Halloween performance on Tuesday, October 31 at 7:30 pm.

Tickets: $20 Sundays & Mondays; $25 Fridays & Saturdays. Tickets on sale at underscoretheatre.org.

Artist Biographies
Preston Max Allen (Book, Music and Lyrics) is a writer, composer, lyricist and bizarrely avid Carrie fan based in New York City. Their work has been featured at the New York Musical Festival, Musical Theatre Factory, Feinstein's/54 Below, Joe's Pub, Laurie Beechman Theatre, Signature Theatre, York Theatre ("Tune In Time" winner), Gallery Players and Second City Chicago. Preston conceived and wrote book, music and lyrics for We Are The Tigers, A New Musical (Hudson Backstage Theatre, L.A. Stage Alliance Ovation winner for Best Lyrics/Composition, nominee for Best Production and Music Direction), Remission (NYMF Developmental Reading Series), CARRIE 2: THE RAGE (An Unauthorized Musical Parody) (Feinstein's/54 Below) and My Gay Killer Husband: A Lifetime Original Musical (Boo Festival Award Winner). Additional projects include book/lyrics for Franklin Pierce: Dragon Slayer (composer Will Buck, Sound Bites 4.0 Selection), music/lyrics for Bradical and the Pink Socks (Diverging Elements), music/lyrics for The Hunted: Encore (LA Webfest Outstanding Score), book/music/lyrics for The Untitled Agent 355 Project with collaborator Jessica Kahkoska (Marion International Fellowship Recipient) and a collaboration with composer/lyricist Rob Rokicki. Preston is a graduate of the Second City Chicago Comedy Studies Program and alum of the BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theater Workshop.

Isaac Loomer (Co-Director) Originally from MN, he is excited to be putting on his director hat with long time friend Rachel Johnson for the first time since moving to Chicago. He has been obsessed with musical theatre for as far back as he can remember and is thrilled to be working on the world premiere of The Rage: Carrie 2. One of the the things that drew him to the project is a love of the famously flopped musical version of Carrie, and after reading the script to The Rage knew that it would succeed where it's predecessor had failed. It's a show that relishes in the Carrie-verse's successes and flops while still maintaining a clear relevant message for any era.

Rachel Elise Johnson (Co-Director) most recently assistant directed Underscore’s world premiere of My Name is Annie King. She also serves as Underscore’s Company Manager and has been performing in the Chicago theatre community since moving here from California.

T.J. Anderson (Music Director) Recent music direction credits include Shockheaded Peter (Black Button Eyes Productions), Now. Here. This., [title of show], A New Brain (Brown Paper Box Co.) and Borderlands (Underscore Theatre Company). He has also recently been seen onstage as an actor in productions with Brown Paper Box Co., City Lit Theater Company and 20% Theater Company. T.J. is an artistic associate with Brown Paper Box Co. and a trumpet player throughout the city.

OPENING: Spamilton at Chicago's Royal George Theatre

Chi, IL LIVE Shows On Our Radar:

PREVIEWS NOW RUNNING FOR THE CHICAGO PREMIERE OF “SPAMILTON” AT 

ROYAL GEORGE THEATRE

Original Cast Recording of “Spamilton” Released Today on DRG Records

Chris Anthony Giles, Nicholas Edwards, Dan Rosales, Juwan Crawley and Nora Schell in "Spamilton." (Carol Rosegg)

Here at ChiIL Live Shows, we're HUGE Hamilton fans. The soundtrack has been in heavy rotation before and after we had front row seats to the live show. Now, like most super successful productions, Hamilton has spawned several spoof spinoffs. We're quite excited to check out Spamilton. Check back soon for our full review. 

“Spamilton,” the critically acclaimed off-Broadway parody of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s sensation, “Hamilton,” begins previews tonight at the Royal George Theater (1641 N. Halsted). Created by Tony Award honoree Gerard Alessandrini, the mastermind behind “Forbidden Broadway,” the “smart, silly and compulsively funny show” (The New York Times) features an all-Chicago ensemble including Donterrio Johnson, Michelle Lauto, Eric Andrew Lewis, Yando Lopez and David Robbins with musical direction by Adam LaSalle, and special guest star: Sirius Radio Broadway Channel’s Christine Pedi. The Press Opening is set for Sunday, March 12 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets ($59 – $99) can be purchased at the Royal George Theater’s box office online or by calling 312.988.9000.

In addition to the start of Chicago performances, the Original Cast Recording of the New York cast of “Spamilton” launches today from DRG Records (Hugh Fordin, President). The cast recording features original Off-Broadway cast members Dan Rosales, Nicholas Edwards, Juwan Crawley, Chris Anthony Giles, Nora Schell, along with special guest stars Christine Pedi and Glenn Bassett and Music Director Fred Barton at the piano. To learn more about the Original Cast Recording, including where to purchase, click here.

“Spamilton” celebrates, roasts and eviscerates the Broadway blockbuster with its versatile cast of seven. Its world-premiere production off-Broadway in New York has been extended three times and is now in its ninth smash month at the Triad. The New York production earned rave reviews across the board, hailed as "The next best thing to seeing ‘Hamilton’” (The New York Post), “So infectiously fun!” (The Hollywood Reporter) and had Lin-Manuel Miranda exclaiming, “I laughed my brains out!”

In addition to Alessandrini, the creative team includes Gerry McIntyre (Choreography), Dustin Cross (Costume Design), Fred Barton (Musical Director), and Richard Danley and Fred Barton (Musical Arrangements). “Spamilton” is produced in Chicago by John Freedson, David Zippel, Gerard Alessandrini, Margaret Cotter and Liberty Theatricals, in association with JAM Theatricals. Chuckie Benson and Arielle Richardson are the understudies the production.

The performance schedule for “Spamilton” is as follows: Tuesdays through Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.

For more information, visit Spamilton.com.