Hell in a Handbag Productions is pleased to present the world premiere of The Real Housewives of The North Pole, a holiday parody written by Artistic Director David Cerda*, directed by Tommy Bullington, playing November 20, 2025 – January 4, 2026 at The Clutch, Handbag’s boutique performance space at 4335 N. Western Ave. in Chicago’s North Center neighborhood. Tickets are now on sale at handbagproductions.org or buytickets.at/hellinahandbagproductions/1836141. The press opening is Saturday, November 29, 2025 at 7:30 pm.
The Real Housewives of The North Pole will feature ensemble members David Cerda*, David Lipschutz*, Terry McCarthy* and Robert Williams* with Taylor Owen Mercado, Kelly Opalko, Britain Shutters, Anna Rose Steinmeyer and Honey West. Understudies include Gretchen Greear, Brenda Holiday, Silas Kachman, Riley Partin and Hannah Tymoko.
Pictured (left to right) David Cerda, Honey West, Robert Williams and Anna Rose Steinmeyer in a publicity image for Hell in a Handbag Productions’ world premiere of The Real Housewives of the North Pole. Photo by Rick Augilar Studios.
About the Production:
Santa’s wife, Ruth Claus (Honey West), is newly sober and juggling finances, with only her suave sobriety coach Carlos (Taylor Owen Mercado) to lean on. Enter Andy Cohen (David Lipschutz*) from the Bravo network, who whisks her into reality TV stardom with The Real Housewives of the North Pole.
Ruth joins a frosty lineup of holiday divas: Mrs. Samantha Frosty (Robert Williams*), Suzy Snowflake (Britain Shutters), Mrs. Gladys Dasher (David Cerda*) and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer’s wife, Clarice (Anna Rose Steimeyer) – all ready to share holiday spirit – and actual spirits.
Rounding out the chaos: an anonymous Production Assistant (Kelly Opalko) and Cookie (Terry McCarthy*), the unapologetic make-up guru. There will be plenty of cameo appearances by some of the North Pole’s most famous (and infamous) citizens, as well – thanks to magic of technology.
David Cerda, Founder and Artistic Director of Hell in a Handbag Productions, comments on adapting the new parody for the stage, “Like it or not, The Real Housewives series is a pop cultural phenomenon, so it’s only natural that Handbag would tackle it, head on. I find the entire Bravo/Andy Cohen universe both compelling and cringeworthy, and I think it’s a barometer of the world we live in today. Handbag Productions is known for its satirical take on pop culture, making it the perfect company to bring this over-the-top reality series to life on stage. The series mirrors society’s obsession with fame and excess, highlighting both the allure and absurdity of modern celebrity culture.”
The production team includes Marcus Klein (Scenic Design), Marquecia Jordan (Costume Design), Liz Cooper (Lighting Design), Matthew Chase (Sound Design), Maggie O'Brien (Props Design), Peter Neville (Video Design), Connor Wilkes (Video Production), Lolly Extract/Jabberwocky Marionettes (Puppet Design), Syd Genco* (Make-up Design), Keith Ryan* (Wig Design), Mealah Heidenreich* (Production Manager), Hailey Blackstone (Technical Director), Conor Frank (Stage Manager), Kelly Gross (Assistant Stage Manager), Michael S. Miller* (Graphic Design) and Rick Aguilar Studios* (Photography).
*Denotes Handbag Ensemble Member
PRODUCTION DETAILS:
Title: The Real Housewives of The North Pole
Playwright: Artistic Director David Cerda*
Director: Tommy Bullington
Cast (in alphabetical order): David Cerda* (Gladys Dasher), David Lipschutz* (Andy Cohen), Taylor Owen Mercado (Carlos), Kelly Opalko (Production Assistant), Terry McCarthy (Cookie, Various), Britain Shutters (Suzy Snowflake), Anna Rose Steinmeyer (Clarice), Honey West (Ruth Claus) and Robert Williams* (Samantha Frosty). Understudies: Gretchen Greear (Gladys Dasher/Cookie), Brenda Holiday, Silas Kachman, Riley Partin and Hannah Tymoko.
Location: The Clutch, 4335 N. Western Ave., Chicago
Dates: Previews: Thursday, November 20 at 7:30 pm, Friday, November 21 at 7:30 pm, Saturday, November 22 at 7:30 pm, Sunday, November 23 at 3 pm and Friday, November 28 at 7:30 pm
Press performances: Saturday, November 29, 2025 at 7:30 pm
Regular run: Sunday, November 30, 2025 – Sunday January 4, 2026
Curtain Times: Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm; and Sundays at 3 pm. Please note: There will not be performances on Sunday, December 7 or Thursday, December 25; there will be an added performance on Monday, December 22 at 7:30 pm.
Additional shows: December 20, 6:30pm, December 21, 7:30pm
Tickets: Previews: $36.25 General admission: $44.25. VIP reserved with drink ticket: $56.25. Group and senior rates are also available. Tickets are now on sale at handbagproductions.org or buytickets.at/hellinahandbagproductions/1836141 Ticket prices include processing fees.
About the Artists:
David Cerda (Playwright) is the co-founder and Artistic Director of Hell in a Handbag Productions, coming up on its 24th year. As a playwright and actor, he has written and appeared in over 40 plays and musicals with Handbag. His works have been produced across the country. Cerda is the recipient of a lifetime achievement award from the Jeff Committee and an inductee into the Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame for his work with Hell in a Handbag and philanthropy.
Tommy Bullington (Director) is excited to be back directing Hell in a Handbag! Offstage credits at Handbag include co-directing Lady X the Musical and onstage Handbag credits include Belle in Poseidon! An Upside Down Musical, Ruth Claus in Rudolph the Red-Hosed Reindeer and Dom DeLuise in Rip Nelson’s Holiday Spectacular. Other directing credits include co-directing the original Chicago premiere and remount productions of Triassic Parq with Circle Theatre, assistant director for Factory Theatre’s Hey Dancin! Hey Musical! and assistant director for Drury Lane Oakbrook’s Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. Some favorite acting credits include Anything Goes (Porchlight Music Theatre), The SpongeBob Musical (Kokandy Productions), A Man of No Importance (PrideArts), A Funny Thing Happened... (MPAC), A New Brain, Jesus Christ Superstar (Theo), Urinetown (Boho Theatre), Return of Neverland (Quest Theatre – Jeff Award, Supporting Actor) and Reefer Madness (Circle Theatre).
About Hell in a Handbag Productions:
Hell in a Handbag 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 He is a501(c)(3) Not for Profit. For additional information, visit handbagproductions.org.