The Fourth Walsh

Hell in a Handbag Productions presents RUDOLPH THE RED-HOSED REINDEER, An Unauthorized Parody.

The infamous “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” debuted in 1964. The animated TV special about a reindeer with a really shiny nose also introduced an elf wanting to be a dentist, an abominable snow monster and an entire island of misfit toys. The show entertained and endeared generations with its quirky holiday story. For around a quarter of a century, Artistic Director David Cerda has gifted Chicago with his take on this childhood classic. The Queen of Camp, Cerda reimagines Santa’s most famous reindeer as a cross-dresser.

Cerda follows the basics of the original tale. Parents embarrassed. Friends ridicule. Rudolph befriends a wannabe dentist and runs away. Cerda starts with the familiar characters and storyline and boldly accessorizes it with plenty of snark and high heels. Rudolph (played by a delightful Peter Ruger) prances around the stage in red tights. Mrs. Claus (played by the hilarious Caitlin Jackson) is a horny, hot mess. Clarice (played by a fierce Whitney Willard Wilkerson) is the bad-ass love interest. These Cerda over-the-top caricatures pair riotously with the pitch perfect mockeries by Kelly Bolton (Herbie) and Lori Lee (Yukon).      

I first experienced RUDOLPH THE RED-HOSED REINDEER circa 1999. And I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve seen it. I always appreciate that Cerda continues to tweak it to keep the humor current. The Drag Beast is now lip-syncing to Beyonce not Cher. The elves have had to get second jobs because of the economy. And there’s a whole segment on the “Real Housewives of the North Pole” where Cerda, Jackson and other wives spill the tee on Christmas Town. Even though the new schticks are fun and evolving, it’s Cerda’s songs that make the show so memorable.

“There’s Always Next Tuesday” is Cerda’s take on the 1960s “There’s Always Tomorrow.” The lyrics are hysterical and Wilkerson belts them out while cartwheeling across the stage. “I Don’t Know” is Yukon’s road trip song. Lee amuses with those simple words as Ruger and Bolton try to understand the plan. And the dynamic Sydney Genco, along with Cameron Cai and Michael Christopher Radford, sing -the Handbag’s anthem- “Don’t Be Yourself” with diva-licious attitude.

RUDOLPH THE RED-HOSED REINDEER is a raunchy and fun holiday tradition. Although Cerda and the entire Handbag’s ensemble bring it home for Christmas, this gift is not one-size-fits-all. Be aware this show is definitely on the naughty list… no kiddies allowed!

Running Time: Two hours includes an intermission

At Hoover Leppen Theatre at Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted

Written by David Cerda

Directed by Anthony Whitaker

Performances are:

Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30pm

Sundays at 3pm

Thru January 5

For more information or tickets

Production photos by Rick Aguilar Studios

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