Hell in a Handbag Presents CHRISTMAS DEAREST, Now thru 12/29

Hell in a Handbag introduces a new show that is sure to be a camp holiday classic for those who prefer a little something spicier in their stocking at Christmas.

Christmas Dearest tells the tale of Hollywood superstar, Joan Crawford, and the important lessons she learns one Christmas Eve.

T'was the night before Christmas and MGM's biggest star, Miss Joan Crawford, is filming the title role in "Oh Mary", a splashy new musical biography about The Virgin Mary, Mother of God.

Poor Joan needs a drink. And a REWRITE! Jesus has all the best lines, the costumes aren't sexy at all, and the guy playing Joseph is a big clumsy oaf! If they will justdo it Joan's way maybe she can salvage the picture.

Life away from the camera lens is just as exasperating. Joan's trusty assistant, Carol Ann, has the nerve to want Christmas day off to be with her 'family', and everywhere Joan turns somebody is looking for a handout for one charity or another. Then there's Christina, the daughter from hell who loves to make Joan miserable and succeeds in spades.

Christmas Dearest is Hell in a Handbag's take on Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol as told by Hell in a Handbag's David Cerda, author of Rudolph the Red-Hosed Reindeer, Handbag's long running-holiday (15 years) classic. "I love doing 'Rudolph' and although we updated it every year, it was just time to do something different, 'says Cerda. "I think people are going to really like Joan Crawford as Ebenezer Scrooge" adds Cerda.

Join us as Joan visits her shady past, her appalling present and her eye-popping future- in a tale of glamorous redemption set to music.

Hell in a Handbag Productions presents the WORLD PREMIERE of Christmas Dearest, A Holiday Musical by David Cerda. Directed by AJ Wright, the show will run at Mary's Attic, 5400 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL. Previews: Nov. 29, 30. Press Opening: Sunday, Dec. 1, 7:30pm. Runs: Thurs - Sun through Dec. 29 No Show Dec. 8. Showtimes: 3:30- Dec. 7, 14, 21, 22, 28 7:30pm- Nov. 29, 30, Dec. 1, 5, 6, 7, 1, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 27, 28, 29. Admission: $15- $25; VIP Tickets: $35- $110. Reservations: (800)838-3006 or Brown Paper Tickets online http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/455598.

Hell in a Handbag Mission Statement: HIAH is dedicated to the preservation, exploration, and celebration of works ingrained in the realm of popular culture via theatrical productions through parody, music, and homage. Handbag is a 501(c)(3) Not for Profit Corporation.

Photo Credit: Rick Aguilar Studios

2026 Theater Fans' Choice Awards - Live Stats

Best Sound Design - Top 3

1. Adam Fisher - The Lost Boys

38% of votes

2. Tony Gayle - Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)

11.5% of votes

3. Kai Harada - Ragtime

7.1% of votes

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