Hell In A Handbag Presents CHRISTMAS DEAREST Review – A Christmas with Joan

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It’s Christmas Eve and one of the meanest people on earth has come home after a long day at work. They’ve cried BAH HUMBUG and scoffed at the idea of their employees not working on Christmas Day. It’s Ebeneezer Scrooge obviously, you might be thinking. But here is where you’re in for an awakening (much as Scrooge was).   In this Christmas Carol adaptation, the Scrooge-esque character in need of some change is none other than the notorious Crawford. Joan Crawford fans will recognize the many references to her career and infamous personality

Hell in a Handbag CHRISTMAS DEAREST
(left to right) Nicky Mendelsohn, Spencer Douglas Clark, Marissa Williams, Tyler Anthony Smith, Marc Prince and Mark Barty

Hell In A Handbag’s Christmas Carol

Decked in a bright turquoise gown with a pink head scarf draped loosely over her red curls, Joan, played by David Cerda, poses center stage. She’s glittering from head to toe. Surrounding her is the cast of her newest motion picture where she stars as Mary the mother of God. But the picturesque moment is ruined as Joseph trips over her and they have to reset. The cast grumbles at having to do it all over again and Joan is as grouchy as ever. 

When the ghost of Christmas Passed Out shows up in a flurry of high pitched squeals and “whoopsies!” It’s Olive LaLake in a glitzy blue dress to harken back to Joan’s flapper days. 

Hell in a Handbag CHRISTMAS DEAREST
(left to right) Marc Prince, Coco Sho-Nell, Tyler Anthony Smith and Ed Jones

The MGM bigwig shows Joan how her assistant Carol Ann (played by Ed Jones) covers for Joan to keep Joan’s old friends close.  When later a spotlight shines across the house to the church balcony in the back to reveal the ghost of Christmas Future - her nemesis Bette Davis! the fun ratchets up yet another level, especially tickling all in the audience who get the chock full of Joan Crawford references.  

Hell in a Handbag CHRISTMAS DEAREST
(left to right) Marissa Williams, Ed Jones, Spencer Douglas Clark and Caitlin Jackson

Ending With Some Christmas Cheer

The Ebenezer Church space for this song-filled holiday romp is an apt setting - both in the name and religious surrounds. A wreath and garland with Christmas lights swoop across the top of the stage. And finally to add to this holiday atmosphere, the cast ends with their final number, Merry Christmas to Everyone (except Christina)

Christmas Dearest checks all the boxes for both a holiday show and a parody.  Avid Hell in a Handbag fans, like this writer, might agree that this comedy lacks some of the company’s usual energetic spark.  That said-- if you’re looking for a very specific parody show and especially for those who will get all the insider references to Joan Crawford, Christmas Dearest would be a good fit for you. 

Hell in a Handbag CHRISTMAS DEAREST
(left to right) Mark Barty, Spencer Douglas Clark, Marissa Williams, Nicky Mendelsohn and Tyler Anthony Smith

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CAST:

Sydney Genco* (The Virgin Mary), Caitlin Jackson* (Bette Davis), Nicky Mendelsohn* (Teeny Teena), Tyler Anthony Smith* (Olive LaLake) and Danne W. Taylor* (LB Mayer) with Mark Barty (Christina), Spencer Douglas Clark (Bill), Lolly Extract (Puppets) Marc Prince (Henry), Coco Sho-Nell (Vernita), Maiko Terazawa (Child Joan) and Marissa Williams (‘20s Joan).

Production team:

Eric Luchen (scenic design), Liz Cooper (lighting design), DJ Douglass (sound design), Uriel Gomez and Kate Setzer Kamphausen (costume design), Pamela Parker* (props design), Keith Ryan* (wig design), Sydney Genco* (make-up design), Jabberwocky Marionettes (puppetry), Abby Teel (production manager) Madison Smith (assistant director), Cody Beyers (technical director), Elyzabeth Adler (technical advisor) and Drew Donnelly* (stage manager).

WHEN:

Through December 31, 2021
Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30 pm; Sundays at 4 pm.

WHERE:

Ebenezer Lutheran Church Auditorium
1650 W. Foster Ave.
Chicago’s Andersonville neighborhood

TICKETS:

 

Photos by Rick Aguilar Studios

Note: Picture This Post reviews are excerpted by Theatre in Chicago.

Alexis Bugajski

About the Author: Alexis Bugajski

Alexis is a theater reviewer, travel bug, media specialist, and burger & beer enthusiast. During the day she works in the advertising business as a senior communications designer. When night falls, or when she can escape to New York, she’s hitting the theaters to see as many shows as she can. And whenever she’s not at her desk or in the audience, she’s out seeking the best burger and beer offerings in Chicago.

Editor's Note:  Click here to read more Picture this Post articles by Alexis Bugajski

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