Displaying items by tag: Nicky Mendelsohn
‘The Rip Nelson Holiday Quarantine Special’ succeeds in making the "weirdness" of Christmas 2020 a whole lot “funnier"!
Catch the Wave! Handbag's 'Poseidon!' wins in every way
Nothing beats celebrating New Year’s Eve like being a on ship that capsizes just after the countdown. The 1972 film that features Gene Hackman, Shelly Winters, Red Buttons, and Ernest Borgnine is just that. When a cruise ship capsizes, surviving passengers are forced to travel upwards from floor to floor with the goal of reaching the ship’s bottom where they believe rescuers will be waiting or an escape through the propeller room might be had. The film, a classic disaster flick with several over the top performances, begs to become a victim of parody – and Hell in a Handbag is just the team to make this happen.
Originally staged by Hell in a Handbag in 2002, ‘Poseidon! An Upsidedown Musical’ was a tremendous hit and went on to run for a five-month sold out engagement. Accepted into The New York International Fringe Festival, no other show beat its attendance. When the show was remounted in 2009 at Chopin Theatre, it ran to great success once again and saw yet another extended run. The 2009 production of ‘Poseidon!’ was my very first Handbag experience and I’ve never looked back, enjoying nearly all the ensemble’s shows since. I was immediately hooked on Handbag’s knack for producing pinpoint camp and became a fan of the likes of David Cerda, Ed Jones, Elizabeth Lesinski and company from day one.
So, great news Chicago! ‘Poseidon!’ is back, this time at the Edge Theatre in Edgewater. The show might be without Cerda and Jones in starring roles but puts forth an incredible funny cast with David Lipshutz leading the motley crew of survivors as Reverend Scott (played by Hackman in the film). Lipshutz is a comedic force, his deadpan delivery and exaggerated dramatic lines spot on.
The cast is simply littered with talented actors who know how to draw laughs and ‘Poseidon!’ gives each ample opportunity to shine. Lesinski returns to Handbag and is hilarious as Linda, the impatient, self-centered wife of Rogo, a retired detective who often butts heads with the reverend and is played by Handbag newcomer Shane Roberie. Stevie Love takes on the role of Nonnie, the ditzy singer of the ship’s house band and is hysterically funny with just about every line delivered. The cast is tremendous and includes both Handbag veterans and new arrivals – Tommy Bullington takes on Belle (played by Shelly Winters in the film) and knocks it out of the park. Nicky Mendelsohn is sidesplittingly funny as ship employee, Acres (played by Roddy McDowell in the film) while cast members Katherine Bellantone, Michael S. Miller, Frankie Leo Bennet (C’mon sis! It’s a cinch!”), Scott Sawa and others strengthen an already strong cast.
As an audience we are part of a group that watches The Poseidon Adventure regularly. The watching party is hosted by Caitlin Jackson who, along with her guests, comment on moments of the “film” and praises its heroes. Prior to the curtain being raised, Jackson and friends stroll around the theatre, drinks in hand, as they prepare to take their front row seats to watch the epic classic of a lifetime.
The musical is filled with songs that are as catchy as they are funny like “Just Panties” and “(In the Water) I’m A Very Skinny Lady”. A live band is hidden away in the set that creatively flips upside down once the rogue wave strikes the helpless ship.
Is it helpful to see the 1972 disaster film before the musical? For sure. Can you enjoy this musical if you’ve never even heard of the film? For sure.
Superbly directed by Derek Van Barham with book and lyrics by David Cerda of whom the latter also is credited for the music along with Scott Lamberty, “Poseidon! An Upside Musical’ is a super blast into comedic heaven.
Catch the ship-capsizing wave of hilarity! Wholeheartedly recommended as one of the funniest productions you can possibly see.
‘Poseidon!’ is being performed at The Edge Theatre through April 28th. For tickets and/or more show information visit www.handbagproductions.org.
Harris Theater Presents return of Chicago Black Dance Legacy Project, Aug. 28
16 July 2026 in Upcoming DanceFollowing last year’s smashing sold-out engagement, the Joan W. and Irving B. Harris Theater for Music and Dance proudly presents the return…
Oil Lamp Theater Announces its New Home
15 July 2026 in Theatre BuzzOil Lamp Theater, currently at 1723 Glenview Road, announces its new future home will be at the former Ten Ninety Brewing Co.…
Nothing Without a Company presents The Trouble With My Hair: Coloring, Cutting, and Coming into Who I Am - Five Performances across Chicago, August 21st-30th
15 July 2026 in Upcoming TheatreNothing Without a Company (NWaC) is proud to announce five performances of The Trouble With My Hair: Coloring, Cutting, and…
Theater Wit presents the Chicago premiere of Adolescent Salvation, August 14-October 3
15 July 2026 in Upcoming TheatreOver the course of one night, through a haze of tequila, texting, and Taylor Swift, three teenagers banter, bicker, and…
No Dogs’ Delivers an Unfamiliar Earnest
15 July 2026 in Theatre in ReviewOscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest is one of the greatest farces ever written. His wordplay caricatured high society,…
Northlight Theatre inaugurates the first season in its new home in Evanston with the World Premiere of Jeffrey Hatcher's new adaptation of The Front Page
14 July 2026 in Upcoming TheatreNorthlight Theatre, under the direction of Artistic Director BJ Jones and Executive Director Timothy J. Evans, opens its new theater in Evanston with The Front…
TimeLine Theatre announces cast & production team for world premiere THE BIRTH OF THE PILL
14 July 2026 in Upcoming TheatreA bold story about the controversial creation that reshaped women’s lives is the focus of The Birth of the Pill,…
City Lit announces World Premiere adaptation of SHANE, playing August 21 – October 4
13 July 2026 in Upcoming TheatreFull cast and production team have been announced for City Lit's season-opening production of SHANE, Mark Pracht's World Premiere adaptation…
PrideArts' World Premiere of WINDOWS, August 7 – 23
13 July 2026 in Theatre in ReviewPrideArts' 2026-27 season will open in August with the world premiere of Chicago-based playwright Matt Schutz's WINDOWS, a comedy of LGBT…
Steppenwolf Presents ALEX EDELMAN: WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO - August 12 – 16, 2026
13 July 2026 in Upcoming TheatreFollowing a critically-acclaimed, sell-out run of Just For Us at Steppenwolf Theatre and around the globe, Tony and Emmy Award-winning comedian Alex Edelman returns…
DIRTY DANCING: the MUSICAL WILL PLAY BROADWAY IN CHICAGO’S JAMES M. NEDERLANDER THEATRE SEPTEMBER 9 – 20
13 July 2026 in Upcoming TheatreGet ready to have the time of your life! Broadway In Chicago is pleased to announce that single tickets for DIRTY DANCING:…
A Thoughtful Evolution of Her Own Making: Overshadowed Theatrical Productions’ My Fair Lady
12 July 2026 in Theatre in ReviewOvershadowed Theatre Productions brings fresh energy to one of musical theatre’s most enduring classics, offering a spirited and thoughtful take…
A Legendary Transformation: John Mulaney’s Historic Night at Wrigley Field
12 July 2026 in Theatre in ReviewJohn Mulaney didn’t just perform at Wrigley Field. He made history there. In a venue synonymous with baseball legends, rock…
Powerhouse Performances on Display in Gwydion's Dry Powder
11 July 2026 in Theatre in ReviewIn the sharp-tongued world of Sarah Burgess’s Dry Powder, presented by Gwydion Theatre Company at the Greenhouse Theater Center, the…
The Beautiful Overthinking of Gary Gulman’s 7th Hour
10 July 2026 in Theatre in ReviewGary Gulman brings his new tour, 7th Hour: An All New Standup Show, to The Den Theatre, offering Chicago audiences…
Production of THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST Does Not Fully Recognize Its Importance at Oak Park Festival
09 July 2026 in Theatre in ReviewIt is possible that Oak Park Festival Theatre’s production of Oscar Wilde’s 1895 “trivial comedy for serious people,” The Importance…
Suffs and the Women Who Refused to Wait
09 July 2026 in Theatre in ReviewSuffs is a musical about history, yes, but more importantly, it is a musical about momentum: who creates it, who…
Court Theatre presents the Spotlight Reading Series A Century of Black Progress August 7 – 22
09 July 2026 in Upcoming TheatreUnder the leadership of Marilyn F. Vitale Artistic Director Avery Willis Hoffman and Executive Director Angel Ysaguirre, Court Theatre proudly presents the Spotlight Reading…
Great Lakes Operetta presents Orpheus in the Underworld at Bramble Arts Loft July 10-19
08 July 2026 in Upcoming TheatreGreat Lakes Operetta is delighted to present its first full-length, fully-staged operetta, Jacques Offenbach’s seminal work, Orpheus in the Underworld! Originally…
Nonesuch Releases Natalie Merchant’s Cabinet of Wonder, Music from Singer-Songwriter’s Collaboration with Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Chicago Children’s Theatre, August 21
08 July 2026 in Theatre BuzzNonesuch Records releases Natalie Merchant’s Cabinet of Wonder—a digital collection of seventeen songs and accompanying videos from the acclaimed singer-songwriter’s…
Oil Lamp Theatre to present I Love You Because August 14 - September 13
07 July 2026 in Upcoming TheatreOil Lamp Theater, currently presenting The Last Five Years, now extended through July 19, is proud to announce the cast and creative…
Sandbox Theatre Collective to Stage HENRY IV, PART 1 at North Center Irish Pub
07 July 2026 in Upcoming TheatreSandbox Theatre Collective has announced their production of William Shakespeare’s Henry IV, Part 1. Directed by Alex Albrecht and running…
Making its Broadway in Chicago debut, Jekyll & Hyde will play a limited engagement at the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place
02 July 2026 in Upcoming TheatreBroadway In Chicago announced today that tickets for Kokandy Productions’ critically acclaimed, multi-award-winning revival of JEKYLL & HYDE will go on sale…
Absurdist Satire ‘Do You Feel Anger?’ Captures Toxicity in Workplace Today
01 July 2026 in Theatre in ReviewSet in a debt collection call center, Do You Feel Anger? captures how a toxic workplace manifests itself in today’s…
Uptown Music Theater of Highland Park presents Disney’s The Little Mermaid
01 July 2026 in Upcoming TheatreThe Broadway musical - Disney's The Little Mermaid - will hit the Uptown Music Theater stage this summer in Deerfield,…
Collaboraction Theatre announces July shows and events in its new House of Belonging in Humboldt Park
01 July 2026 in Upcoming TheatreCollaboraction Theatre Company’s new House of Belonging is now fully activated in the Kimball Arts Center, 1757 N. Kimball Ave…
Babes with Blades Presents the World Premiere of the Queer Pirate Joy play, YO HO. Beginning Saturday, July 25th
01 July 2026 in Upcoming TheatreBabes With Blades Theatre Company's (BWBTC) 2026 season opens with a world premiere, yo ho., by playwright SMJ, directed by…
Goodman’s Iceboy! Is a Full‑Tilt Blast of Comic Mayhem
30 June 2026 in Theatre in ReviewGoodman Theatre’s Iceboy! arrives as a gleefully off the rails musical that blends Broadway glamour, Neanderthal chaos, and theatrical myth…
Collaboraction’s The Light Youth Ensemble, 19 Chicago teens intent on careers in the arts, each passionate about positive social change, announce 2026 Summer Tour
30 June 2026 in Upcoming TheatreWhat’s on the minds of Chicago’s youth?Find out when Collaboraction Theatre’s 2026 The Light Youth Ensemble brings their talent, fused…
All The World's a Stage and Chicago Merely The Best Player: 'As You Like It' in Chicago Parks this summer
30 June 2026 in Theatre in ReviewIs there anything more alluring than a summer night in Chicago? The lakefront beaches, the meandering pathways, the festivals and…
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TimeLine Theatre announces cast & production team for world premiere THE BIRTH OF THE PILL
Written by Buzz Center StageA bold story about the controversial creation that reshaped women’s lives is the focus of The Birth of the Pill, a world premiere play launching TimeLine Theatre’s 30th Anniversary season in September. The Birth of the Pill —by playwright Jessica… -
Nothing Without a Company presents The Trouble With My Hair: Coloring, Cutting, and Coming into Who I Am - Five Performances across Chicago, August 21st-30th
Written by Buzz Center StageNothing Without a Company (NWaC) is proud to announce five performances of The Trouble With My Hair: Coloring, Cutting, and Coming into Who I Am. This is a solo performance, written and performed by award-winning storyteller Ada Cheng, which intimately…
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Theater Wit presents the Chicago premiere of Adolescent Salvation, August 14-October 3
Written by Buzz Center StageOver the course of one night, through a haze of tequila, texting, and Taylor Swift, three teenagers banter, bicker, and push each other to the edge of danger — with consequences that could prove lethal. Theater Wit presents the Chicago…
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Harris Theater Presents return of Chicago Black Dance Legacy Project, Aug. 28
Written by Buzz Center StageFollowing last year’s smashing sold-out engagement, the Joan W. and Irving B. Harris Theater for Music and Dance proudly presents the return of Chicago Black Dance Legacy Project in a one-night-only performance themed Dancing the Archive: Embodied Histories, Collective Power. As performed by ten extraordinary…
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