Hell In A Handbag Productions: Rudolph The Red-Hosed Reindeer Review
Michael Hampton and Peter Ruger
Hell In A Handbag Productions Presents RUDOLPH THE RED-HOSED REINDEER Review - Let Your True Colors Shine
TLDR: Like the original story, Rudolph bands together with other misfits on his journey to discover who he is. But like all Hell in a Handbag productions, this parody gives the story a campy and gay twist full of pop culture references, musical numbers, and plenty of laughs as Rudolph and friends go on their journey of self-love and discovery.
Lori Lee, Peter Ruger, and Kelly Bolton
Holiday Parodies Reign Supreme at Hell in a Handbag
Welcome to the North Pole! A fun filled, jolly, employee-friendly place to work! WRONG. Santa (Michael Hampton) has gone big business and embraced capitalism. He’s sick of all the kids who write him letters and is looking for new ways to make the North Pole profitable, including selling out to make the Real Housewives of the North Pole and keeping the hetero-normative status quo among his reindeers. That spells trouble for Tom Donner (Eustace Allen) and his wife Jane (Micah Mixon), who just had a baby reindeer, Rudolph (Peter Ruger), who comes out of the womb literally speaking Chanel.
The elves get to work in the workshop (werk-shop?) clad in their nightclub finest - short shorts, mesh tops, and reflective hoodies. But someone sticks out like a sore thumb. Unfortunately Herbie doesn’t quite fit in with their bright red tights and blue jacket and matching hat. Doesn’t bode well for business or elf culture.
The booming tones of “Pink Pony Club” are heard over the mountain ranges as the citizens of the North Pole tremble in fear of The Great Drag Beast, threatening their entire society.
We follow Rudolph on his journey of self-discovery as he sheds his workman’s overalls and, along with his other band of misfits, finds it’s much better to be yourself, red hose, sparkly earrings, ruffled bloomers and all.
Gag After Gag, Bit After Bit
“Single, sexy snowman steals the show,” quips Sam the Snowman (Matt Sergot) to an audience member and fellow reviewer, a seasoned and crumudgeon-y old snowman who narrates the show and vies for his moment of fame.
“The playwright!” Gladys Dasher (David Cerda) exclaims to an elf who dares question who Gladys is and has the audience burst out laughing at the fourth wall break.
“I AM a lesbian!” Yukon Cornelia (Lori Lee) yells happily to her band of new friends after many denials after denial after denial.
Kelly Bolton as Herbie never misses a comedic beat as she stiffly tries out quintessential elf catchphrases, like “Yes girlfriend!” but still pursues their dream of becoming a dentist
Cailtin Jackson enters the stage as Mrs. Claus, but gone is the rosy-cheeked, always cheerful, never-seen-without-Santa symbol of Christmas. And instead we burst into laughter at her unhinged, drunken antics never knowing what she is going to do next.
When we find ourselves on the island of misfit toys, we find such classic toys like the train with square wheels, half-naked cowboy, and Trailer Trash Barbie.
All of the updated references land as this audience laughed at every bit and quip this show threw at them. The cast all seemed to be having a blast gunning for the jokes and dancing their hearts out to all the musical numbers.
The After Party Thoughts
As David Cerda gave an opening night speech, he started with “I wasn’t sure about bringing Rudolph back because it’s, like, 25 years old.” But there’s a reason people still go back to their favorite holiday movies, because sometimes they are good enough to watch again and again. Here with Rudolph the Red-Hosed Reindeer, I’m thankful they brought it back.
The plot is snappy and easy to follow since we mostly stick to the main plot points of the original Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer movie and all your favorite, iconic characters are there. The updated references are funny and all of the cast hit their jokes with full force. It’d be a good fit for those who want an adult night out at the theater and love a good parody show.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
When
Now through January 5, 2024
Where
Hoover Leppen Theatre at Center on Halsted
3656 N. Halsted St.
Chicago, IL 60613
Runtime: 2hrs 40min, including an intermission
Tickets
$29+
Tickets can be purchased through the Hell In A Handbag Productions website
Benefit Performance Tickets: $60 general admission (includes appetizers) and $125 VIP/reserved (includes reserved seating, appetizers, drink ticket and gift bag)
Photos
Rick Aguilar Studios
TJ O'Brien, David Cerda, Micah Mixon, Matt Sergot, Sydney Genco, Terry McCarthy, Kelly Bolton, Eustace Allen, Whitney Willard Wilkinson, and Mark Bartishell
CAST
Eustace Allen (Tom Donner)
Mark Bartishell (Drag Beast, Comet, Ensemble)
Kelly Bolton (Herbie)
Cameron Cai (Spike, Fireball)
David Cerda (Gladys Dasher)
Sydney Genco (Elfina, Choo Choo)
Michael Hampton (Santa)
Caitlin Jackson (Mrs. Claus, Dolly)
Lori Lee (Yukon Cornelia)
Terry McCarthy (Connie Blitzen, TT Barbie)
Micah Mixon (Jane Donner, Ensemble)
TJ O'Brien (Queen Moon Racer, Ensemble)
Shawn Quinlan (Andy Cohen, Charlie in the Box)
Michael Radford (Score, Half-Naked Cowboy)
Peter Ruger (Rudolph)
Matt Sergot (Sam the Snowman)
Whitney Willard Wilkinson (Clarice)
Understudies: Sophia Dennis, Al Duffy, Douglas Levin, Scott Sawa, and Vito Vittore
CREATIVE
David Cerda (Playwright, Artistic Director)
Anthony Whitaker (Director)
Marcus Klein (Scenic Designer)
Marquecia Jordan (Costume Designer)
Liz Cooper (Lighting Designer)
Maya Reter (Sound Designer)
Maggie O'Brien (Props Designer)
Jamal Howard (Choreographer)
Chad Gearig (Music Director)
Syd Genco (Make-Up Designer)
Keith Ryan (Wig Designer)
Veronica Kostka (Production Manager)
Tom Daniel (Technical Director)
Jackson Mikkelsen (Electrician)
Michael S. Miller (Graphic Designer)
Nihan Baysal (Stage Manager)
Sara Blickem (Assistant Stage Manager)