Displaying items by tag: Peter Ruger

Following a string of successful shows, Music Theater Works has once again hit the jackpot with their 2025 season opener, Guys and Dolls. This delightful production is currently wowing audiences at the North Theatre at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts. With infectious tunes and clever lyrics by Frank Loesser, and a sharp script by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows, the show is skillfully directed by Sasha Gerritson. Add to that the vibrant choreography by Clayton Cross and the expert musical direction by Linda Madonia, and you've got a performance that's guaranteed to keep you coming back for more!

Guys and Dolls is a timeless musical comedy that transports audiences to the bustling streets of 1950s New York City. The plot centers around the dynamic lives of several characters, particularly Nathan Detroit, a gambler running an underground dice game, and his enduring fiancée, Miss Adelaide, a nightclub singer longing for Nathan to finally marry her. To fund his next game, Nathan bets Sky Masterson, a high-stakes gambler, that he can't charm Sarah Brown, a virtuous mission worker. Sky takes up the challenge, and through a series of delightful and engaging interactions, he gradually wins Sarah's heart.

As the story unfolds, the characters become woven into a rich tapestry of love, deceit, and redemption. Sarah uncovers Sky's original motives but forgives him as they both realize their deepening love for each other. Meanwhile, Nathan's efforts to keep his dice game hidden lead to a blend of comedic and thrilling situations. The musical reaches a heartwarming and joyous climax, with Nathan marrying Adelaide and Sky and Sarah starting a promising new chapter together. Featuring memorable songs, lively dance routines, and a touching storyline, Guys and Dolls remains a beloved and timeless treasure in the world of musical theatre.

This well-cast ensemble driven production has an array of bright and talented actors that make this such a memorable adventure. Callen Roberts finesses the role of Nathan Detroit to perfection - a gambler who runs an illegal dice game and is engaged to Miss Adelaide. Roberts truly embraces his fast-talking, hustling persona, transforming the character into one of the show's key anchors and a standout presence. Jeffrey Charles is spot on as Sky Masterson, the suave gambler who wagers he can charm Sarah Brown, while Kristin Brintnall steals the spotlight as Miss Adelaide, Nathan's fiancée. Her blend of comedic timing and stellar vocals brings the nightclub singer's longing for a settled life to life brilliantly. Cecilia Iole shines Sarah Brown, a mission worker who becomes the object of Sky's bet but eventually falls for him. Iole’s vocals are nothing short of spectacular. A round of applause also goes out to the rest of the ensemble, who contribute to making this musical the delightful experience it is meant to be. Andrew Freeland brings down the house as Big Julie, serving up some of the show’s biggest belly laughs. Shoutouts are also well-earned by Ian Reed, Carey Lovett, Caron Buinis, Bob Sanders, and Peter Ruger, who each bring their own flair to the stage. And let’s not forget the dazzling Hot Box Girls—Jenny Couch, Catherine Rodriguez O’Connor, Emily Holland, and Emma Jean Eastland—who light up the stage with their sensational moves. These ladies can really dance! The entire cast? Absolutely top-notch.

(L to R) Jenny Couch, Catherine Rodriguez O’Connor, Kristin Brintnall, Emily Holland and Emma Jean Eastland in GUYS AND DOLLS, from Music Theater Works.

One of my absolute favorite things about the show was its incredible Times Square neighborhood set—it felt like you were right in the heart of the action! But what truly stole the spotlight was the eight-piece band playing up above for everyone to admire. Talk about a show-stopping touch! Equally impressive was how choreographer Clayton Cross utilized the stage space to accommodate such a large cast, creating a busy New York feel with heavy people traffic and such elaborate dance numbers.

Guys and Dolls is a must-see production that brings the vibrant streets of 1950s New York City to life with its captivating characters and delightful musical numbers. With unforgettable songs like "Luck Be a Lady," “A Bushel and a Peck,” and "Sit Down, You're Rockin' the Boat," this show is guaranteed to have you tapping your toes and humming along. Don't miss the chance to experience the magic, humor, and heart of this timeless classic—it's a theatrical gem that promises an evening of pure entertainment!

This might be the first production of the year, but plenty of action lies ahead for Music Theater Works. The 45th season lineup also features the following upcoming shows: Fiddler on the Roof from August 7 to 17, Godspell from October 23 to November 16, and Annie from December 18, 2025, to January 4, 2026.

Guys and Dolls is currently being performed at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie, 9501 Skokie Blvd, Skokie and runs through March 30^th. For tickets and/or more show information, visit www.MusicTheaterWorks.com.

Highly Recommended!

Featured on https://www.theatreinchicago.com/

I fondly recall watching the 1964 children’s television special Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer each year with great wonder! Its message of hope—that you can be yourself and different from the herd—left a lasting impression. The idea that, through perseverance, you can be loved and appreciated for your unique talents is as relevant today as ever. This timeless lesson is humorously celebrated in Hell in a Handbag Production’s 25th anniversary edition of Rudolph, the Red-Hosed Reindeer.

Written by Handbag Artistic Director David Cerda, directed by Anthony Whitaker with musical direction by Chad Gearing, this year's production of Rudolph the Red-Hosed Reindeer (An Unauthorized Musical Parody) is as significant as ever. It’s a delightful experience and provides so many much-needed laughs, particularly during these dark winter months following the election. I always enjoy David Cerda’s brilliant sense of humor whether writing, acting or both - and his fabulous camp costumes. This time, David is dressed head to stiletto-heeled toe in luscious candy apple red, parodying one of the 'Reindeer Housewives of the North Pole,' and it's fantastic.

The Handbag satire remains faithful to the storyline and characters of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, but with a distinctive Handbag twist. In this version of the Christmas classic, Rudolph, a young reindeer at the North Pole, stands out not because of a shiny, glowing red nose, but for his love of wearing red-hosed stockings. His 'unusual' clothing choice often makes him the target of teasing and exclusion by his fellow reindeer. In his quest for acceptance, Rudolph runs away and, thanks to friends he meets along the way, like Herbie the elf who wants to be a dentist and Yukon Cornelia the gold miner, our red-hosed wearing reindeer learns that it's okay to be different and to love yourself for who you are. Rudolph’s story highlights themes of acceptance, determination, and celebrating individuality. 

(left to right) Kelly Bolton, Caitlin Jackson and Peter Ruger in Hell in a Handbag Productions’ production of ‘Rudolph the Red-Hosed Reindeer (An Unauthorized Musical Parody).’

This show features hysterical spins on all the well-known Rudolph characters, brought to life by many beloved Handbag favorites. Caitlin Jackson, whom I’ll always adore for her fantastic portrayal of Bette Midler in Handbag’s Bette: Live at the Continental Baths, plays Mrs. Claus, the oft-drunken, lonely wife of the narcissistic and sex-addicted Santa Claus - and she steals every scene she's in! Jackson’s outstanding singing voice, paired with her sharp wit, generates continuous laughter throughout this hilarious production. While Jackson excels as Mrs. Claus, Michael Hampton delivers an uproariously funny performance in Handbag’s amusing spoof of Santa Claus.

Handbag fave, Sydney Genco, who plays Elfina and also doubles as Choo Choo, the misfit square-wheeled train, is funny and adorable as always, showcasing her terrific singing voice. Genco also took on the role of make-up designer for this production, contributing to the fantastic visual elements of the show.

The show is brimming with fantastic performances, so I'll continue to heap on the praise. Longtime Hell in a Handbag member Terry McCarthy is the ideal comedic counterpart to Cerda, portraying another of the influential, spoiled reindeer wives of the North Pole. Their characters are suspicious of poor Rudolph, clad in lacy red underwear, who is quite a departure from the macho bucks that usually pull Santa's sleigh. Lori Lee shines as Yukon Cornelia, the slightly confused gold miner, in this production. A very talented comedienne and singer, and a Hell in a Handbag member, Lee is a delight in her role. With the help of the fearsome Drag Beast (well played by Mark Bartishell), Cornelia finally realizes she is gay, a hunch that every other character in the play had all along! Kelly Bolton glows as the quirky elf Herbie, who dreams of being a dentist rather than a toymaker. Bolton perfectly captures the character, eliciting plenty of laughs from the enthusiastic opening night audience.

Indeed, the praise for this show is boundless… While Peter Ruger enchants as our hero, Rudolph, with charm and flair, yet another standout performance comes from Matt Sergot, who brilliantly embodies Sam the Snowman in this delightful musical. As the show's narrator, Sergot sets up each scene with perfect whimsy, adding a charming touch to the entire production. Rudolph the Red-Hosed Reindeer also benefits from the talents of ensemble performers Eustace Allen, Cameron Cai, Micah Mixon, TJ O’Brien, Shawn Quinlan, Michael Radford, and Whitney Willard Wilkinson, who impresses in her role as Clarice.

Special kudos also go out to costume designer Marquecia Jordan for doing a splendid job bringing Herbie, Yukon Cornelia, Sam the Snowman, and our other Rudolph favorites to life. The entire production team crushes it in this one.

Each year's production of Rudolph consistently features a great deal of updated humor. Some jokes are bawdy, but all are undeniably funny, touching, and heartfelt – and that is the magic that is Hell in a Handbag. Alongside the humor also comes valuable life lessons—in this case, the importance of being true to yourself and accepting others for doing the same.

One thing I can always count on when bringing friends to a Hell in a Handbag production, especially this Christmas-themed show, is that we'll have a great laugh, hear fun songs, enjoy a couple of drinks during the generous intermission, and leave feeling like part of the uniquely wonderful straight and LGBTQ family celebrating right here in Chicago.

If you need a laugh and to unwind during the holiday season, then be sure to attend Rudolph the Red-Hosed Reindeer through January 5^th. And please take special note of the show's benefit weekend, from Friday, December 20th through Sunday, December 22nd. During this time, you can enjoy this fantastic camp parody holiday-themed show, knowing that the proceeds will go directly to support the food needs of Chicagoans living with AIDS.

Hell in a Handbag’s Rudolph the Red-Hosed Reindeer and Unauthorized Musical Parody is being performed at Hoover Leppen Theatre at Center on Halsted through January 5^th. For tickets and/or more show information click HERE.