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.
Celebrate Asian American, Pacific Islander, Native Hawaiian Heritage Month with Asian American Arts' EVOLUTION: ASIAN AMERICAN ARTS FESTIVAL, May 2 and 3
06 March 2026 in Theatre in ReviewAsian American Arts Chicago (AAAC) announces the Festival schedule and that tickets are now on sale for EVOLUTION: Asian American Arts Festival, Saturday, May 2 from 12…
Filament Theatre announces world premiere of Farewell Opportunity
06 March 2026 in Upcoming TheatreFilament Theatre, the Northwest Side's premier theater for young audiences, is delighted to present the world premiere of Farewell Opportunity from May 2-17,…
TimeLine Theatre Company announces inaugural season at new Uptown home
05 March 2026 in Theatre BuzzTimeLine Theatre Company is thrilled to announce its 2026–27 Inaugural Season in the company’s first permanent home at 5035 N. Broadway…
Her Story Theatre's World Premiere "THE OFFICAL BIOGRAPHY" - Wednesday, April 1 at 7:30 pm at The Den Theatre
05 March 2026 in Upcoming TheatreHer Story Theatre has announced the World Premiere of Kurt McGinnis Brown's two-hander THE OFFICIAL BIOGRAPHY, to play March 28 –…
Steppenwolf Theatre Company Announces 2026/27 Season
04 March 2026 in Upcoming TheatreSteppenwolf Theatre Company, under the leadership of Artistic Directors Glenn Davis and Audrey Francis and Executive Director E. Brooke Flanagan, today announced its 2026/27 Season, marking the…
Three Plays to See This Weekend - Shattered Globe Theatre, The Story Theatre and American Blues Theater Should Be High On Your List!
04 March 2026 in Now PlayingChicago theatre‑goers have one of those rare, golden weekends where three very different companies are all firing at full power—each…
TIN DRUM THEATRE COMPANY ANNOUNCES THE CAST AND CREATIVE TEAM FOR THE CHICAGO PREMIERE OF SOUTHERN RAPTURE, JUNE 11 - 28, AT THEATER WIT
04 March 2026 in Upcoming TheatreTin Drum Theatre Company is proud to announce the cast and creative team for the Chicago premiere of Southern Rapture at Theater Wit,…
Splish Splash: A Day on the Lake - Goodman Theatre - Through March 22nd
04 March 2026 in Now PlayingTeamwork, bravery and fun are at the forefront of Splish Splash: A Day on the Lake, The Goodman's latest Theater for the…
A Wondrous Production of Oscar Wao at The Goodman Theatre
04 March 2026 in Theatre in ReviewBased on the novel by Junot Díaz, The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao follows neurodivergent and perpetually lovelorn college…
In Timeless ‘Come Back, Little Sheba,’ American Blues Theater Speaks for Today, as Well
03 March 2026 in Theatre in ReviewWith spot-on performances across a large cast, William Inge’s 1949 script for “Come Back, Little Sheba” is receiving a definitive…
Bat Out Of Hell – The Musical" featuring Meat Loaf's greatest hits at The Auditorium on April 9 - One Night Only
03 March 2026 in Upcoming TheatreThe Auditorium (Chicago's landmark stage at 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive) presents Bat Out Of Hell – The Musical direct from London's…
THE JOFFREY BALLET ANNOUNCES 2026–2027 SEASON AT LYRIC OPERA HOUSE
03 March 2026 in Upcoming DanceAshley Wheater MBE, The Mary B. Galvin Artistic Director of The Joffrey Ballet, today announces the Joffrey's 2026-2027 season at…
BrightSide Theatre's PRIVATE LIVES April 10 - 26, Meiley-Swallow Hall in Naperville
03 March 2026 in Upcoming TheatreBrightSide Theatre has announced the full cast and artistic team for its production of PRIVATE LIVES, the third mainstage production of…
A professor finds himself in a firestorm in The Ally, the 2025 Pulitzer-nominated new play by Itamar Moses, at Theater Wit March 20-May 2
03 March 2026 in Upcoming TheatreFrom the Tony Award-winning author of The Band's Visit comes a provocative new play about identity, loyalty, and the complexities of unity.A…
NICK OFFERMAN SET TO JOIN MEGAN MULLALLY FOR THE MUSICAL EVENT OF THE SUMMER AT GOODMAN THEATRE: ICEBOY! OR THE COMPLETELY UNTRUE STORY OF HOW EUGENE O'NEILL CAME TO WRITE THE ICEMAN COMETH
02 March 2026 in Upcoming TheatreThe new musical that will melt your heart just got even hotter! Emmy Award-winning actor Nick Offerman (Parks and Recreation) returns to…
Pot Girls: An Intelligent and Multilayered Explosion of Poetry and Feminism
02 March 2026 in Theatre in ReviewThe Story Theatre’s world‑premiere staging of Paul Michael Thomson’s Pot Girls bursts to life in a vivid, full‑throttle production at…
The Glitch in the New Normal - Shattered Globe Theatre’s Morning, Noon & Night
01 March 2026 in Theatre in ReviewKirsten Greenidge’s Morning, Noon & Night, currently receiving its Midwestern premiere at Shattered Globe Theatre, is an ambitious, mind-bending exploration…
One-person comedy FULLY COMMITTED - Begins Friday, March 13 - 7:30 pm at The Den Theatre
01 March 2026 in Upcoming TheatreFULLY COMMITTED, the one-actor tour de force comedy by Becky Mode, will play The Den Theatre March 13-28, 2026. It…
Lyric Opera presents world premiere of new American opera by avery r. young
01 March 2026 in Upcoming TheatreLyric Opera of Chicago continues its commitment to bold, new work with the world premiere of safronia, a landmark musical composition…
The Play That Goes Wrong at Metropolis Performing Arts Centre A Most Perfectly Planned Train Wreck
01 March 2026 in Theatre in ReviewThe Chicago Metropolitan area has a soft spot for a beautiful disaster, and The Play That Goes Wrong delivers the…
Trap Door Theatre Presents: The Cuttlefish, or the Hyrcanian Worldview. Opening March 19th
26 February 2026 in Upcoming TheatreTrap Door Theatre is thrilled to continue its mainstage work of their 32nd season with a production of Trap Door's favorite…
Hell in a Handbag Productions Presents The Golden Girls: The Cheese Pyramid A Lost Episodes Parody – May 8 – June 21, 2026 at The Clutch
26 February 2026 in Upcoming TheatreHell in a Handbag Productions is excited to continue its 2025/26 season with the world premiere of The Golden Girls: The Cheese…
Announcing FAULT, an exciting addition to the Chicago Shakespeare Theater 2025/2026 Season
26 February 2026 in Upcoming TheatreChicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) announces Fault, an exciting addition to the 2025/2026 season starring film and television star Enrico Colantoni (English Teacher, Galaxy Quest, Veronica Mars)…
The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao - Goodman Theatre - Through April 12th
26 February 2026 in Now PlayingThe Goodman announces an eight-performance extension for the world premiere of Marco Antonio Rodríguez's English stage adaptation of The Brief Wondrous Life of…
THE DEN THEATRE ANNOUNCES APRIL COMEDY SHOWS
26 February 2026 in Upcoming TheatreThe Den Theatre today announced its lineup of April 2026 comedy shows at the theatre's Wicker Park stages at 1331 N.…
Spamalot at CIBC Theatre on Sale Friday, February 27th
26 February 2026 in Upcoming TheatreBroadway In Chicago is is delighted to announce that tickets for SPAMALOT will go on sale on Friday, February 27. SPAMALOT will play Broadway In…
The Gift Theatre announces its 25th Anniversary Season
25 February 2026 in Upcoming TheatreThe Gift Theatre, led by Artistic Directors Brittany Burch and Jennifer Glasse, announces its 25th Anniversary "Homecoming" Season. The landmark 2026…
Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre 2026 Season to feature voices of contemporary female playwrights
25 February 2026 in Theatre BuzzFleetwood-Jourdain Theatre, the Evanston theatre company that has been thrilling audiences with stories of the Black American and African diaspora experience since…
Chicago, the Musical Tickets On Sale Now
24 February 2026 in Upcoming TheatreCHICAGO THE MUSICAL is BACK IN TOWN and is still the one musical with everything that makes Broadway shimmy-shake: a universal tale of…
Cast and production team announced for US Premiere of THE SUGAR WIFE, playing March 28 – May 3 at Theater Wit
24 February 2026 in Upcoming TheatreThe Artistic Home's 2025-26 season — its 25th — will conclude with the US premiere of THE SUGAR WIFE, a 21st Century…
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Celebrate Asian American, Pacific Islander, Native Hawaiian Heritage Month with Asian American Arts' EVOLUTION: ASIAN AMERICAN ARTS FESTIVAL, May 2 and 3
Written by Buzz Center StageAsian American Arts Chicago (AAAC) announces the Festival schedule and that tickets are now on sale for EVOLUTION: Asian American Arts Festival, Saturday, May 2 from 12 - 8 p.m. and Sunday, May 3 from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. at the historic Lookingglass Theatre’s Water Tower Water Works, 163 E. Pearson… -
Filament Theatre announces world premiere of Farewell Opportunity
Written by Buzz Center StageFilament Theatre, the Northwest Side's premier theater for young audiences, is delighted to present the world premiere of Farewell Opportunity from May 2-17, 2026. Commissioned by Filament Theatre in 2019 and written by local Chicago playwright Georgette Kelly, Farewell Opportunity tells the story of Halley, who visits the…
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Her Story Theatre's World Premiere "THE OFFICAL BIOGRAPHY" - Wednesday, April 1 at 7:30 pm at The Den Theatre
Written by Buzz Center StageHer Story Theatre has announced the World Premiere of Kurt McGinnis Brown's two-hander THE OFFICIAL BIOGRAPHY, to play March 28 – April 19 at The Den Theatre in Chicago. When young black journalist Xan Smith is assigned to interview the once successful, now…
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TimeLine Theatre Company announces inaugural season at new Uptown home
Written by Buzz Center StageTimeLine Theatre Company is thrilled to announce its 2026–27 Inaugural Season in the company’s first permanent home at 5035 N. Broadway in Uptown. This long‑awaited milestone launches a bold new era for TimeLine, inviting audiences to experience the company’s work in…
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