FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

HELL IN A HANDBAG PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS THE RETURN OF CHICAGO’S FAVORITE TRANSVESTITE REINDEER
RUDOLPH, THE RED-HOSED REINDEER 2009
Book and Lyrics by David Cerda
Music by David Cerda w/ Scott Lamberty
Directed Derek Czaplewski

Where: Mary’s Attic , 5400 W. Clark St.
Previews: Dec. 3, 4 Opens Dec. 5 Runs: Thurs.- Sat. Closes: Jan. 2
No shows: Dec. 24, 25, 31
Add’l show dates: Dec. 23, 27, 30
Showtime: 7:30 Admission: $10- $15
Reservations: (800) 838-3006 or go to Brown Paper Tickets
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/87450
 

Hell in a Handbag Productions is proud to remount David Cerda’s parody of the classic children’s television special “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”, now in it’s 12th year!

“Rudolph, The Red-Hosed Reindeer is a story very near and dear to my heart. I immediately related to the original story as a child, as did any kid who felt ‘different. I’m obviously not the only one who feels this way given the shows long shelf life. We had our first reading in 1997 and people come back year after year. It’s really amazing,” says Cerda.

Pull up an iceberg and join Rudolph played by newcomer Alex Grelle, and his misfit friends – Herbie the ‘ not gay enough’ elf (Christopher Marsh) who wants to be a dentist and Yukon Cornelia (Lori Lee returning for her 6th year!), the butch prospector with a deep, dark secret — as they search for happiness… and attempt to outrun the horrifyingly tacky Abominable Drag-Beast (Handbag Artistic Director David Cerda). Filling out the cast are guest actors Shawn Quinlain (Circle Theatre), Barbara Figgins, Aaron Lawson, Jennifer Shine, David Besky, Chad, Michael Hampton and Christopher Carpenter as Sam the Snowman.

Ensemble member Derek Czaplewski (Reverend Scott in POSEIDON! An Upside Down Musical) is directing Rudolph, The Red-Hosed Reindeer this year and Ed Jones is returning as the Santa’s alcoholic wife. Other Handbag ensemble members include Patricia Austin as Rudolph’s conflicted mother, and Terry McCarthy as the gossipy neighbor, Connie Vixen.

Tradition has it that Rudolph author and Hell in a Handbag Artistic Director David Cerda always has fun new treats in his bag for his Rudolph, and this is no exception. New characters and a new song will be introduced in the 2009 version of Rudolph the Red-Hosed Reindeer.

It doesn’t matter if you’ve been naughty or nice this year… you definitely want to catch the show that Chris Jones (Chicago Tribune) dubbed “an ideal holiday escape for anyone who detests the commercialism of traditional Christmas shows”; and that Jack Helbig (Chicago Reader) congratulates as “a copycat crime turn[ed] into a work of art.” And remember… “Being Normal Isn’t Normal At All!”
Digital press photos are available at our website: www.handbagproductions.org

Rudolph the Red Hosed Reindeer 2009 Cast

Sam the Snowman……………………………………Christopher Carpenter
Santa Claus……………………………………………Michael Hampton
Elfina/Misfit Toy…………………………………….Barbara Figgins
Jane Donner/Dolly………………………………….Patricia Austin
Tom Donner/Charlie-in-the-Box……………….Chad
Ruth Claus…………………………………………….Ed Jones
Score/Misfit Toy…………………………………….Shawn Quinlan
Spike/Fireball/Misfit Toy…………………………Aaron Lawson
Herbie………………………………………Christopher Walsh
Rudolph………………………………………………Alex Grelle
Gladys Dasher/Dragbeast…………………………David Cerda
Connie Vixen/Misfit Toy………………………….Terry McCarthy
Clarice…………………………………………………Jennifer Shine
Coach Comet/King Moon Racer/Lester………..David Besky
Yukon Cornelia……………………………………..Lori Lee

Click here to download Rudolph press photos from Flickr. Photo credit Rick Aguilar. Must credit for publication.