Suburban theater artists prepare for virtual holiday shows

Last spring, after theaters everywhere shut down in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, holiday shows were likely the last things on the minds of theater artists like Lori Lee, of Prospect Heights, and Spencer Ryan Diedrick, a Glen Ellyn native.

However, Hell in a Handbag Productions (where Lee is an ensemble member) and Strawdog Theatre Company (where Diedrick has assistant directed) had other ideas.

Within months of the shutdown, those ensembles and others pivoted to the virtual realm. And they'll stay there for the holidays as Handbag and Strawdog are among about a dozen local companies producing seasonal shows online.

Handbag, a theater known for campy shows that founder and artistic director David Cerda describes as "parodies with heart," presents the virtual premiere of "The Rip Nelson Holiday Quarantine Special" featuring Lee as Gladys, best friend of the titular character.

While Handbag caters to adult viewers, Strawdog offers its family-friendly play-with-music "Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins," virtually re-imagined under director Diedrick.

Agreeing to direct an alternative version of what has become a signature Strawdog show, Diedrick was determined that the virtual format would not compromise the power of the tale. Adapted by ensemble member Michael Dailey and composer/lyricist Jacob Combs from Eric Kimmel's book, it's about a young man who tries to rid a synagogue of sprites inhabiting it.

"I'm passionate about this story ... because it speaks to everyone," said Diedrick, who believes the holiday season includes too few Hanukkah stories.

The show's interactive component (the ticket price includes coloring materials, a latke recipe and instructions for making goblin finger puppets among other items) appealed to Diedrick, who saw possibilities in a virtual format.

"We're trying to lean into the medium we have and the resources we have," he said.

Although it unfolds online, Diedrick says the production remains rooted in the world of theater, imagination and storytelling thanks to its passionate cast and imaginative creative team whose enthusiasm bowled him over.

"With the team and talent we have, there's no way the show's not going to be great," he said. "I got very lucky with a team that is leaning forward and asking more of themselves than you might guess."

Diedrick anticipates the show, which he describes as a "story of coming into your own and not bowing to ignorance and oppression," will unite viewers.

"I hope (audience members) see things that either affirm their own culture or illuminate traditions they may not know of," he said.

Lee, a veteran of Handbag's "Rudolph the Red-Hosed Reindeer" sendup, jumped at the chance to make audiences laugh as makeup artist Gladys in "The Rip Nelson Holiday Quarantine Special." She plays the best friend to a fading TV star who fears losing his annual special.

"It didn't take anything for me to say 'yes'" when Cerda offered her the role, she said. "(Handbag) is like a second family."

Performances were filmed against a green screen and precautions were implemented - including temperature checks, face coverings, face shields, distancing and sanitizing - to keep the cast and crew safe, she said.

Rehearsals - including dance rehearsals - occurred on Zoom and filming took place in a warehouse over 10 days in November, said Lee, adding that the cast prevailed despite occasional technical glitches.

In true Handbag spirit, "we just did it," she said. "Whatever it takes, we're going to do it."

As far as Lee is concerned, if the show elicits laughter, their efforts will have been worth it.

"Our show hopefully will bring people some happiness and joy," Lee said, "definitely humor."

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"Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins"

What: Strawdog Theatre Company's livestreamed play-with-music

When: Livestreamed at 1 and 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 5-20, at strawdog.org

Tickets: $25-$30, a portion of ticket sales go to Chicago's Jewish Council on Urban Affairs

"The Rip Nelson Holiday Quarantine Special"

What: Hell in a Handbag Productions' streamed world premiere parody

When: Streamed at 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday, from Friday, Dec. 4, to Saturday, Jan. 9, at handbagproductions.org

Tickets: $25