Displaying items by tag: Helen Stellar
A "Miracle!" on Clark Street Not Be Missed!
Hell in a Handbag Productions tests the boundaries of morality once again as only they can, this time kicking off its 2015-16 season with “Miracle!”, the hilarious lampoon of The Miracle Worker. Instead of Helen Keller, we meet Helen Stellar, a deaf and blind 20-year-old drag queen who is thrust into performing at The Brass Connection, otherwise known as The Ass Infection. Written by Dan Savage, a well-known authority and activist on sexuality and GLBTQ issues, “Miracle!” doesn’t hold any punches, unapologetically injecting its braised humor into its audience with rapid fire speed and pinpoint accuracy.
Artistic Director David Cerda is brilliant (as always) as Helen Stellar’s protective drag queen mother and biological father, Crystal Pain, owner and show coordinator of The Brass Connection. Cerda, a true master of satire, takes the role of Crystal and knocks it out of the park with his deadpan delivery, stark remarks and physical comedy. In “Miracle!” we also get a deluge of tremendously funny performances from Handbag favorites Ed Jones, Elizabeth Lesinski, Sydney Genco and Steve Love as well as newcomer Kristopher Bottrall who is very impressive as Bailey Legal.
Everything is going smoothly at The Brass Connection, or so it seems. Gloria Blaze (Jones), Sissy Jizzmore (Jamie Smith) and the girls perform in the club’s nightly revue while Helen Stellar stumbles her way through an awkward dance routine with the help of a shock collar that “protects” her from falling off the stage. But when Bailey Legal gets jealous of the attention that Helen receives, a call is made to Child Protective Services and an investigation ensues as to the child’s well-being. After assessing the situation, caseworker Annie Sullivan (Lesinski) determines that Helen’s environment is unfit for tapping into her true potential. It is soon agreed that Annie take Helen for a period of three weeks so that she can work with her one on one. This proves more difficult than anticipated as Annie tries to connect with Helen by pressing sign language into her hands in relation to surrounding objects. Of course this process, as done by Handbag is also brutally droll.
Still, Annie’s persistence pays off as we begin to see a transformation occur in Helen. As part of her therapy, Annie takes Helen to a lesbian bar (opening up another world to which Savage is able to find the humor) to work out her performance kinks in an attempt to show a shock collar is not needed. Performing with Helen during the bar’s Bearded Slam event is also therapeutic for Annie as she reaches deep inside herself to conquer her own stage insecurities. Before too long, it is time for Annie to return Helen to Crystal as we, the audience, wonder what the outcome will be.
The humor is offensive, but tasty. It’s campy dialogue gutty and unforgiving yet we relate to it so easily. Perhaps we are looking at something in the neighborhood of Helen Keller meets The Birdcage on crack, and that would be putting it mildly.
As funny as “Miracle!” is, whether a dance and song routine with attitude and pizazz (“Stop in the Name of Love”, for one) or in its multitude of hilarious character interactions, there is actually a heartwarming story taking place with plenty of feel good moments. I’m not going to go as far to say that one might get teary-eyed, but it is certainly not beyond the realm of possibility. The show triumpantly ends with a big finale number that has audience members clapping to the beat and cheering for the show’s wonderfully colorful characters.
As a longtime fan of Cerda, Jones and Lesinski, I am happy to say that this Handbag nucleus of comic wunderkinds have once again hit their stride in what is a fully entertaining story that generates laughs as quickly as its many wig changes.
“Miracle!” is being performed through July 10th at Mary’s Attic, a cozy upstairs theatre located at 5400 N. Clark Street in Andersonville. For tickets and/or more show information, visit www.handbagproductions.org. If you are looking for a night of memorable comedy in a fun atmosphere, this is a summer event that you will not want to miss. Hell in a Handbag Productions – the king, or queen, of parody done right.
McHenry Outdoor Theater: Nostalgia With a Modern Heartbeat
20 August 2026 in Theatre BuzzThere was a particular kind of magic to seeing a movie outside when I was a kid in 1970s Chicago…
‘Anatomy of a Suicide’ Is Hard to Watch, But Not Because of the Subject
18 August 2026 in Theatre in ReviewPerhaps surprisingly, Anatomy of a Suicide is not an overwhelmingly emotionally gripping play, nor is it horrifying. Instead, it vividly…
Gwydion Theatre Company presents The Chicago Premiere of Por’ Knockers at the Greenhouse Theater’s Studio 44 September 10 - October 4
18 August 2026 in Upcoming TheatreThis narrative tracks five individuals within the "People’s Diasporatic Party"—outfitted in corporate attire—as they take refuge in a desolate East…
Oil Lamp's I Love You Because has heart, despite lukewarm romance
17 August 2026 in Theatre in ReviewFinding love has always been a challenge. In Jane Austen’s day, a time governed by strict rules of courtship, couples…
Joffrey Ballet opens its 2026-27 season with Chicago Premiere of John Neumeier's theatrical masterpiece, Liliom, featuring 16-piece live jazz band on stage SEPTEMBER 17-27
17 August 2026 in Upcoming DanceThe Joffrey Ballet opens its 2026-27 season with the Chicago Premiere of John Neumeier's landmark narrative ballet Liliom. Inspired by Ferenc Molnár's 1909 play and…
Detroit ’67 at Pulse Theatre Chicago – September 11-November 1
17 August 2026 in Upcoming TheatrePulse Theatre Chicago proudly announces a defining new chapter in the company's history with the expansion of its artistic leadership,…
Hail Mary/Maria at Theater Wit – A Welcome New Slant on Crossing Over into Adulthood
17 August 2026 in Theatre in ReviewComing of age stories resonate more profoundly when they mirror the lived reality of a real person. That’s why the…
Remy Bumppo Theatre Company Hosts "Exploring The In Between: A Conversation About Mid-Sized Theatres in Chicago," Monday, Oct. 26 at 7 p.m. at Theater
17 August 2026 in Theatre BuzzRemy Bumppo Theatre Company’s 30th Anniversary Season continues with "Exploring The In Between: A Conversation About Mid-Sized Theatres in Chicago," Monday,…
Shattered Globe Theatre Announces 36th Season
17 August 2026 in Upcoming TheatreShattered Globe Theatre (SGT), now under the artistic leadership of Ian Frank, is pleased to announce its 36th Season, featuring three plays that explore the…
M.A.D.D. Rhythms Announces the return of the Chicago Tap Summit this October and other 25th Anniversary Events
17 August 2026 in Upcoming DanceM.A.D.D. (Making A Difference Dancing) Rhythms, Chicago’s premier tap collective, is proud to celebrate its 25th Anniversary at the Chicago Tap…
BLUE MAN GROUP "A NEW HOLIDAY SURPRISE" Coming to Chicago for the Holidays NOVEMBER 24 – DECEMBER 13
17 August 2026 in Upcoming TheatreBroadway In Chicago is pleased to announce Blue Man Group will bring its first-ever holiday production, "A NEW HOLIDAY SURPRISE," on…
League of Chicago Theatres hosts 2026 Spotlight Gala: Unmask the Night, Embrace the Drama October 19
17 August 2026 in Theatre BuzzThe League of Chicago Theatres will host its annual benefit, the 2026 Spotlight Gala: Unmask the Night, Embrace the Drama at City Hall –…
Broadway In Chicago presents Waitress at JAMES M. NEDERLANDER THEATRE OCTOBER 13 – 18, 2026
17 August 2026 in Upcoming TheatreBroadway In Chicago is delighted to announce that single tickets for the upcoming engagement of the 10th Anniversary tour of the hilarious…
Otherworld Theatre Boldly Goes Again with Starship Edsel Season 4
17 August 2026 in Theatre in ReviewOtherworld Theatre blasts back into the cosmos with Season 4 of Starship Edsel: An Improvised Star Trek Parody, the latest…
Bernstein’s Score Burns Bright in Music Theater Works’ West Side Story
16 August 2026 in Upcoming TheatreSome musicals carry such cultural weight that every new production feels like a referendum on how well a company can…
Gus and Alice Brings Nostalgic, Cozy Comedy
15 August 2026 in Theatre in ReviewTheatre 31 Productions’ Gus and Alice has returned to the Greenhouse Theater Center this month. Written by Chicago playwright Mike Rago,…
From Subway Cars to Chicago Stages: Marcus Monroe at The Comedy Bar
14 August 2026 in Theatre in ReviewSometimes the best way to find a comedian who’s new to you is by stumbling onto a clip that stops…
Jersey Boys coming to CIBC Theatre November 10 - 22
14 August 2026 in Upcoming TheatreBroadway In Chicago is excited to announce tickets for t he original Tony® & Olivier Award-winning musical sensation, JERSEY BOYS, are now on sale.…
Music Theater Works Announces its 2027 Season
13 August 2026 in Upcoming TheatreProducing Artistic Director Kyle A. Dougan and Music Theater Works are proud to announce its 47th season. The 2027 season at the North Shore…
Redtwist Theatre presents Prayer Circle September 17 - November 8
13 August 2026 in Upcoming TheatreAward-winning Redtwist Theatre’s new 22nd season, “State of Violence,” begins with Prayer Circle, September 17 - November 8, by Erik Gernand and directed by Executive Artistic Director…
Citadel Theatre presents EUREKA DAY September 11 – Sunday, October 11
13 August 2026 in Upcoming TheatreLake Forest's Citadel Theatre has announced the full cast and crew for its season opener - the satirical comedy EUREKA…
Black Ensemble Theater continues its 50th Anniversary Season with the revival of musical revue You Can't Fake the Funk: A Journey Through Funk Music September 5-October 25, 2026
13 August 2026 in Upcoming TheatreBlack Ensemble Theater continues its 50th Anniversary Season with the world premiere of You Can't Fake the Funk: A Journey Through Funk…
Jackalope Theatre Company Announces The Cast And Creative Team For The World Premiere of Engines and Instruments of Flight: A Fantasia In Three Acts By Calamity West, November 11 - December 19
13 August 2026 in Upcoming TheatreJackalope Theatre Company, presenting the 17th Annual Newspaper Festival, August 20 - 24, is proud to announce the world premiere of Engines and…
The 37th annual Rhinoceros Theater Festival Returns September 20 – October 26 at Six Chicago venues
12 August 2026 in Upcoming TheatreCurious Theatre Branch, with co-producers Chicago Danztheater Ensemble, Chicago Dramatists and Labyrinth Club, are pleased to announce the 37th annual Rhinoceros Theater…
Collaboraction announces two major productions at its new House of Belonging in Humboldt Park in 2026-27
12 August 2026 in Upcoming TheatreCollaboraction Theatre Company announced today two major productions for its 2026-27 season: the world premiere of Chicago writer Willie Round’s…
A Red Orchid Theatre Opens 34th Season with Chicago Premiere of HEROES OF THE FOURTH TURNING October 29 – December 6, 2026
12 August 2026 in Upcoming TheatreA Red Orchid Theatre is pleased open its 34th Season, exploring the theme of "world on fire," with the Chicago premiere of Will…
Open Space Arts to present THE SWALLOW, by Spain's Guillem Clua, September 11 - 27
12 August 2026 in Upcoming TheatreOpen Space Arts has announced it will stage the Chicago Premiere of THE SWALLOW - the internationally acclaimed drama by…
CHICAGO HUMANITIES announces full Fall Festival 2026 programming
11 August 2026 in Upcoming TheatreChicago Humanities proudly announces the full lineup for its Fall Festival 2026, with conversations ranging from social justice, music, politics, literature, food,…
Tin Drum Theatre Company announces Chicago premiere of A Dark Wood by Eric Coble, Oct. 15–Nov. 1 at Greenhouse Theater Center
11 August 2026 in Upcoming TheatreTin Drum Theatre Company is proud to announce the cast and creative team for Chicago premiere for A Dark Wood, October 15 -…
A Red Orchid Theatre Presents Remount of Hit Production BIRDS OF NORTH AMERICA September 10 – October 4
11 August 2026 in Upcoming TheatreA Red Orchid Theatre is thrilled to announce a remount of its critically-acclaimed, father-daughter drama Birds of North America, returning for a limited…
Latest Articles
-
McHenry Outdoor Theater: Nostalgia With a Modern Heartbeat
Written by Ken PayneThere was a particular kind of magic to seeing a movie outside when I was a kid in 1970s Chicago - a feeling that lived somewhere between summer air and pure possibility. Back then, drive-ins still dotted the map, and… -
Gwydion Theatre Company presents The Chicago Premiere of Por’ Knockers at the Greenhouse Theater’s Studio 44 September 10 - October 4
Written by Buzz Center StageThis narrative tracks five individuals within the "People’s Diasporatic Party"—outfitted in corporate attire—as they take refuge in a desolate East New York residence While the group anticipates the fallout from an orchestrated bombing, hysteria takes hold, exposing the rift between… -
‘Anatomy of a Suicide’ Is Hard to Watch, But Not Because of the Subject
Written by Bill EslerPerhaps surprisingly, Anatomy of a Suicide is not an overwhelmingly emotionally gripping play, nor is it horrifying. Instead, it vividly portrays the slow drip of suffering for Carol, a woman in the grip of depression, living always with suicidal tendencies.… -
Broadway In Chicago presents Waitress at JAMES M. NEDERLANDER THEATRE OCTOBER 13 – 18, 2026
Written by Buzz Center StageBroadway In Chicago is delighted to announce that single tickets for the upcoming engagement of the 10th Anniversary tour of the hilarious hit Broadway musical WAITRESS are on sale now. Featuring music and lyrics by Grammy® Award-winning singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles, WAITRESS will play Broadway In Chicago’s James…
Does your theatre company want to connect with Buzz Center Stage or would you like to reach out and say "hello"? Message us through facebook or shoot us an email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
*This disclaimer informs readers that the views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the text belong solely to the author, and not necessarily to Buzz Center Stage. Buzz Center Stage is a non-profit, volunteer-based platform that enables, and encourages, staff members to post their own honest thoughts on a particular production.