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.
PrideArts to present newly expanded version of Kayla Boye's CALL ME ELIZABETH May 8-10
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safronia soars at Lyric Opera
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At Steppenwolf, Windfall Doesn’t Cash In on Its Promise
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THE GREAT GATSBY is Now Playing at Cadillac Palace
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AstonRep Productions to stage US Premiere of Liisa Repo-Martell's new adaptation of Chekhov's UNCLE VANYA, June 18 – July 5 at the Edge Off-Broadway Theatre
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Premiere of OUT HERE at Court Theatre a Charming Deconstruction of Marriage and Musical
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Steep Theatre Celebrates May the 4th with Reading of THE MAKING
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Porchlight Music Theatre Announces its 2026 - 2027 Season
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JACKALOPE THEATRE COMPANY PRESENTS THE WORLD PREMIERE OF ANDY WARHOL PRESENTS: THE COCAINE PLAY, MAY 28 - JULY 6
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Chicago Opera Theater presents concert world premiere of seventh Vanguard Initiative developed opera Trusted
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Steppenwolf Theatre Presents Gala 2026 - Saturday, May 9, 2026 at Rockwell on the River
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WATER FOR ELEPHANTS, A New Musical arrives in Chicago for a limited engagement at the James M. Nederlander Theatre June 23–July 5, 2026
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Promethean Theatre Ensemble to stage Anouilh's ANTIGONE at The Den, May 31 – June 28
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Writers Theatre announces the 29-member powerhouse cast for the largest production in its history: Tom Stoppard's Leopoldstadt
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GEE'S BEND, playing May 23 – June 7 at Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre in the Noyes Cultural Arts Center
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Eileen Byrne brings solo play Running with Coffee to Lookingglass Theatre's lobby for 2 performances only May 16 and 17, 2026
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Premiere of OUT HERE at Court Theatre a Charming Deconstruction of Marriage and Musical
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THE GREAT GATSBY is Now Playing at Cadillac Palace
Written by Buzz Center StageBroadway In Chicago is excited to announce that the smash hit Broadway musical and global sensation, THE GREAT GATSBY, based on the beloved novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald , is now playing at Broadway In Chicago’s Cadillac Palace Theatre (151 W. Randolph St.). The party…
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