Derek Czaplewski’s world turned upside down the moment he was cast in POSEIDON!. He played about 14 different roles throughout the runs of POSEIDON! Or was it 15? Either way, he has a small scar on his right hand for life. Good times.

His favorite Handbag roles include Bing “Der Bingle” Crosby in Judy’s Scary Little Christmas; Schnitzy in Caged Dames; and Bob Wilson/William Shatner in The Twilight Gallery.

Derek has been seen around Chi-town in lots of stuff. Really. He has worked with Pegasus Players, American Theatre Company, Bailiwick Repertory, Silk Road Theatre, White Horse Productions, Emerald City, Chicago Kids Company and Imagination Theater, among others.

When not doing theatre, Derek is thinking “Why am I not doing theatre?” He would be remiss not to thank his HIAH family, his real family and his friends for all of their support. Thanks guys! If Derek had his druthers, Joss Whedon would create a kick-ass tv show for him to star in. And Derek would appreciate it if people used words like “remiss” and “druthers” more often.

Handbag Shows
POSEIDON! An Upside-Down Musical
Rudolph, the Red-Hosed Reindeer
How “What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?” Happened
The Twilight Gallery
Judy’s Scary Little Christmas
Caged Dames
The Birds