Get ready for a theatrical season that sparkles with wit, camp and ridiculousness – Hell in a Handbag Productions is unveiling its much-anticipated 2025/26 line-up!
Now entering its 24th spectacular year, Handbag continues to delight Chicago audiences with its signature brand of outrageous comedy and a legacy built on hilarity and heart. From camp classics to bold new works, this ensemble is committed to celebrating the city’s diverse community through the lens of the ridiculous, the theatrical and the wonderfully queer. This season promises two dazzling world premieres and a time-honored revival, all written by Artistic Director David Cerda*.
Season subscriptions are officially on sale HERE.
Hell in a Handbag’s season kicks off this winter with the world premiere of The Real Housewives of The North Pole. The North Pole is in trouble. Santa and all the North Pole power players are indicted for fraud and it’s up to the women to try and save their families from financial ruin. But how? Years of wealth and privilege have left them with a lot of designer clothes and jewelry, but little else.
Luckily, Andy Cohen and the Bravo network swoop in to save the day with the perfect showcase for those with no talent or skills – reality television! Join Mrs. Ruth Claus, Mrs. Frosty The Snowman, Suzy Snowflake, Gladys Dasher and others as they claw their way to instant fame.
Pictured (left to right) Ed Jones, Ryan Oates, David Cerda and Grant Drager in a publicity image for Hell in a Handbag Productions’ world premiere of The Golden Girls: The Lost Episodes – The Cheese Pyramid. Photo by Rick Aguilar Studios.
Next spring, Handbag presents the world premiere of The Golden Girls: The Lost Episodes – The Cheese Pyramid, the newest edition of its long-running hit parody. This time, Rose (Ed Jones*) is on a quest for extra cash and finds herself swept into a new multi-level marketing venture that promises to bring the unique cheeses of St. Olaf to households across Miami. Not only is it delicious but it also doubles as "construction cheese" – also known in St. Olaf as ‘nature’s caulk.’ Rose quickly becomes the top Cheese Hostess in the city. However, after three months and a garage overflowing with unsold cheese, the girls realize they're in over their heads. Desperate to solve their stinky situation, Sophia (Ryan Oates*), Dorothy (David Cerda*) and Blanche (Grant Drager*) hatch a plan that just might save the day!
The 2025/26 season will conclude with a revival of the fan favorite Joan Crawford Goes to Hell. Originally produced in 1999 with Sweetback Productions, the play is a roller coaster ride that explores the life of the legendary Hollywood star.
The premise? Joan Crawford (David Cerda*) dies, goes to hell and is forced to view her life through the eyes of her daughter, Christina (TJ O’Brien) in a tale so big it needs two Joans! Part Mommie Dearest, part biography with a dash of Joan’s own lifestyle book, My Way of Life, Joan Crawford Goes to Hell is the perfect summer cocktail for those with a taste for camp.
All three productions will be presented at The Clutch, Handbag’s boutique performance space at 4335 N. Western Ave. in Chicago’s beautiful and convenient North Center neighborhood.
Handbag will also continue to present readings and entertainment throughout the season including a Halloween Horror series in October 2025.
Hell in a Handbag Artistic Director and Co-Founder David Cerda comments, “As we enter our 24th year, I can’t help but feel proud to have survived for as long as we have. Handbag is more than a theatre company – we’re part of the Chicago community and the ensemble doesn’t take that responsibility lightly. We are here to celebrate who we are through the lens of camp and the theater of the ridiculous – a uniquely queer art form. I’ve been told I belong in an institution, but I’ve never imagined Handbag would become a Chicago institution!”
*Denotes Handbag ensemble member
Hell in a Handbag’s 24th Season:
November 20, 2025 – January 4, 2026
The Real Housewives of The North Pole – World Premiere!
By Artistic Director David Cerda*
Casting to be announced.
at The Clutch, 4335 N. Western Ave., Chicago
Press opening: Saturday, November 29, 2025, at 7:30 pm
April/May 2026
The Golden Girls: The Lost Episodes – The Cheese Pyramid – World Premiere!
By Artistic Director David Cerda*
Featuring: David Cerda*, Grant Drager*, Ed Jones*, Ryan Oates* and Danne W. Taylor*
Additional casting to be announced.
at The Clutch, 4335 N. Western Ave., Chicago
Summer 2026
Joan Crawford Goes to Hell
By Artistic Director David Cerda*
Featuring: Kelly Anchors, David Cerda*, Ed Jones*, Lori Lee*, TJ O’Brien and Michael Rashid*
Additional casting to be announced
at The Clutch, 4335 N. Western Ave., Chicago
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. For additional information, visit handbagproductions.org.