Being Different Isn’t a Crime

Rudolph the Red-Hosed Reindeer

This popular and joyful holiday musical, written by Hell in a Handbag’s multitalented Artistic Director, David Cerda, is a gender-bending Christmas entertainment that’s now in its 25th year. Baby Boomers will especially enjoy traveling back in time to relive the essence of this nostalgic 1964 stop-action cartoon classic. But while the basic plot and theme remains the same, Mr. Cerda has put a LGBT+ twist on the story and added some new topical and contemporary adult humor. Even the song lyrics have been updated for today’s audiences.

 Sam the Snowman (the talented, snarky and simply sensational Matt Sergot) once again narrates his recollection of Rudolph, a newborn reindeer at the North Pole who embarrasses his parents (played with panache by Micah Mixon and Eustace Allen) with his preference for stylish fashion and feminine fascinations. When he’s shunned by the other reindeer and made fun of for being different Rudolph decides to run away. He’s joined by another North Pole personage, an optimistic little elf and kindred spirit named Herbie, who would rather become a dentist than work as one of Santa’s toymakers. The two outcasts soon make friends with another fish out of water, a spunky lesbian prospector named Yukon Cornelia (played once again with plenty of vim and vigor by the wonderful Lori Lee). Together the threesome set sail for the Isle of Misfit Toys, where they take on the fearsome abominable Drag Beast (the scary and sexy Mark Bartishell). Of course, everything turns out happily by the tuneful finale and everyone becomes accepted for who they are and for the many talents they possess.

In addition to David Cerda’s hilarious script, this over-the-top magical musical features such inspirational and humorous songs as “Being Normal,” “They’ll Hate You if You’re Different,” “Christmas Makes Me Bitter” and “Just Be Yourself.” This time around, Anthony Whitaker directs the production with an eye for the outlandish. It also sports Musical Direction by Chad Gearing and some divine Disco Choreography by Jamal Howard. The production’s enhanced by Marquecia Jordan’s cartoon-inspired Costumes, wondrous Wigs by Keith Ryan (Herbie’s “Flock of Seagulls” hairdo is perfect), marvelous Makeup Designs by Syd Genco (who’s thankfully back on stage again as Elfina), with  colorful, compact Scenic and Lighting Designs by Marcus Klein and Liz Cooper, respectively.

This year’s large, stellar cast features talented Peter Ruger, making his HIAH debut as the lovable cross-dressing, red-hosed young buck named Rudolph. Other standouts in this year’s cast include the always excellent Kelly Bolton, who brings lovable dignity and humor to the role of Herbie the Elf. Practically stealing the entire show is Chicago’s own Ethel Merman, the indomitable, Jeff Award-winning Caitlin Jackson. She dazzles as a horny and hooch-loving Mrs. Santa Claus, and is also excellent as a Broadway Baby Doll. Whitney Willard Wilkinson is a spectacular sensation as Rudolph’s nubile reindeer girlfriend, Clarice; David Cerda and Terry McCarthy are deliciously decadent as Gladys and Connie, the Real Housewives of the North Pole (with Terry particularly hilarious as TT Barbie); and Michael Hampton is back in the red suit and white beard as a smarmy, chauvinist, hot-to-trot Santa.

Audiences looking for a very irreverent alternative to the usual holiday entertainment in Chicago, look no further than Hell in a Handbag’s newly updated revival of RUDOLF THE RED-HOSED REINDEER. This bawdy musical parody is a Christmas stocking stuffed with bizarre characters, delightful music and an avalanche of adult humor. But the show also offers a sincere and solid message reminding us to accept others for who they are. The inarguable theme that being different isn’t a crime makes this the show to see during the Christmas season. A holiday hit for decades, David Cerda’s clever and campy parody of the cartoon classic features an eccentric reindeer and a little blonde elf who just want to be themselves. And, thanks to Hell in a Handbag Productions, Mr. Cerda’s beloved, updated holiday musical has returned again, shining as brightly as Rudolf’s earrings.

Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented December 13-January 5 by Hell in a Handbag Productions at the Hoover Leppen Theatre at the Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted St., Chicago.

Tickets are available at the door or by going to handbagproductions.org or buytickets.at/hellinahandbagproductions/1452754

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.