Hell in a Handbag Productions, now celebrating its 25th year, is pleased to present a revival of the fan favorite Joan Crawford Goes To Hell, written by Artistic Director David Cerda* and directed by Cheryl Snodgrass, playing August 21 – September 27, 2026 at The Clutch, Handbag’s boutique performance space at 4335 N. Western Ave. in Chicago. Tickets are currently on sale at handbagproductions.org and buytickets.at/hellinahandbagproductions/2276662. The press opening is Friday, August 28 at 7:30 pm.
NEW! Chicago Theatre Newsletter
The cast includes ensemble members David Cerda*, Lori Lee*, TJ O’Brien* and Michael Rashid* with Tyler Calhoun, Nick Dorado, Haley Gillman, Gretchen Greear, Nicholas Ian, Ryan Kenny and Anna Rose Steinmayer. Special cameos by Jennifer Engstrom and Coco Sho-Nell. Understudies: Ensemble members Ed Jones* and Scott Sawa*.
Originally produced in 1999 with Sweetback Productions, Joan Crawford Goes To Hell is a roller coaster ride that explores the life of the legendary Hollywood star.
The premise? Joan Crawford (David Cerda*) dies, goes to hell and is forced to view her life through the eyes of her daughter, Christina (TJ O’Brien*) in a tale so big it needs three Joans! Part Mommie Dearest, part biography with a dash of Joan’s lifestyle book, My Way of Life, Joan Crawford Goes to Hell is the perfect summer cocktail for those with a taste for camp.
The production team includes Marcus Klein* (Scenic Design), Ben Argenta Kress (Costume Designer), Liz Cooper (Lighting Design), Danny Rockett (Sound Design), Maggie O’Brien (Prop Design), DJ Douglass (Video & Projection Design), Syd Genco** (Makeup Design), Keith Ryan* (Wig Design), Matt Tenny (Fight & Intimacy Coordinator), Carol Kelleher (Production Manager), Jason Pikscher (Technical Director), Francis Brenner (Stage Manager), Dave Sarrafian (Assistant Stage Manager), Rick Aguilar* (Photography) and Michael S. Miller* (Graphics).
*Denotes Handbag Ensemble Member | **Denotes Handbag Associate Member
Previews: Friday, August 21 at 7:30 pm, Saturday, August 22 at 7:30 pm, Sunday, August 23 at 3 pm and Thursday, August 27 at 7:30 pm.
Opening/Press performance: Friday, August 28 at 7:30 pm. Regular run: Saturday, August 29 – Sunday, September 27, 2026. Curtain Times: Fridays and Saturday at 7:30 pm; Sundays at 3 pm and 7 pm. Please note: There will be an added Industry Night performance on Monday, September 14 at 7:30 pm. Location: The Clutch, 4335 N. Western Ave., Chicago