Like many people, I have really missed seeing live theater for many months now so when I heard that Hell in a Handbag's marvelous and prolific Artistic Director, David Cerda, had created a Christmas Special using a physical set and green screen technology, I was thrilled to view it!
The Rip Nelson Holiday Quarantine Special is a funny and loosely scripted tale about Rip Nelson getting sick after traveling on a Pride Cruise and his fear that Ryan Seacrest will be taking over as the host of Nelson's own annual Holiday TV extravaganza - and “extravaganza” is the right word to describe the super groovy special when it finally comes together! The story cleverly includes elements of The Wizard of Oz as Rip, Covid positive and hospital bedridden, falls into a deep dream and our holiday adventure begins. Stars galore, hip Christmas sets, hilarious songs and, of course, Rip Nelson himself make this a special to never forget.
This cast, as in every Handbag production, is as funny as ever. Each cast member pulls out all the stops in terms of hair, makeup and costumes to reveal some of the best campy impersonations of our favorite stars from a smoking-in-the-hospital room, Lucille Ball by David Cerda to that marvelous master of magic, Doug Henning, hysterically played by David Lipschutz.
Ed Jones gets another chance to shine – and does - as Handbag’s Rip Taylor/Paul Lynde mashup comedian and host, Rip Nelson. Jones, a staple in Handbag entertainment, is funny as ever down to the most subtle expression or body language and is a real treat to watch perform.
This cast is just so good at what they do. I was blown away by the meticulous and laugh-out-loud hilarious impersonations of Bing Crosby (Grant Drager), Shari Lewis and Lambchop (Caitlin Jackson), Ella Fitzgerald (Robert Williams), Bernadette Peters (Tyler Anthony Smith), Vampira (Sydney Genco), and Quentin Crisp (Danne W. Taylor).
I was also super pleased and entertained by the introduction of a new character on the Hell in a Handbag stage, an actor whom I personally was friends with before his untimely death in 2017 at the age of 67, the exceedingly popular popstar, David Cassidy!! Nicky Mendelsohn captured the goofy grin and hip swinging coolness of David Cassidy so well I just couldn't stop laughing every time he made an appearance.
The cast of Hell in a Handbag Productions’ world premiere of 'The Rip NelsonHoliday Quarantine Special'.
Also impressive was handbag’s use of green screen technology. The sets and tech came together in a truly colorful, rich and exciting way visually so that I felt I was really seeing one of their terrific shows – and then some - at Mary's Attic in Andersonville in pre-Covid days. Along with one great set change after another and clever special effect, I got a great kick out of seeing the production team recreate the set of "Laugh In", a tv show that people of my generation remember fondly.
Yes, it was a little bittersweet seeing my friends at Hell in a Handbag through a computer screen and remembering all the wonderful intimacy and laughs that came out of physically being together with an audience. But watching this great ensemble onscreen was a unique experience that I couldn’t have enjoyed more.
I wistfully recall the fun intermission trivia quizzes and audience’s natural laugh reactions to hysterical scenes and songs, tech glitches, etc. But the truly wonderful job Handbag did putting this entertaining musical together and the fact that you can pause the show to grab a drink, eat your way right though it or discuss a funny memory a scene conjures, all while being totally safe in the comfort of your home, makes up for the "bitter" and leaves one with only the "sweet" - the sweet sound of laughter when this whole town needs it the most!
With superb direction by Stevie Love, The Rip Nelson Holiday Quarantine Special, written and directed by David Cerda, will be streaming through January 8th.
Don’t miss out on holiday fun the Handbag way! Songs like “It’s a Really Weird Christmas” and “Christmas is All About Things” will certainly bring holiday cheer your way even in the most trying of times.
For tickets and more information on this must-see event, click here.
