Strap in, darlings: Joan Crawford is going to hell, and we're all invited
Mon. July 20, 2026 8:46 PM by Gerald Farinas
photo credit // rick aguilar studios
Wire hangers, maternal rage, and three times the diva energy kick off Hell in a Handbag's 25th season
CHICAGO, ILL. -
Hold onto your wire hangers, Chicago. Hell in a Handbag Productions is kicking off its 25th anniversary season with a glorious revival of the fan-favorite camp classic, "Joan Crawford Goes To Hell."
Written by Handbag’s own Artistic Director David Cerda and directed by Cheryl Snodgrass, this wild theatrical ride runs from August 21 through September 27, 2026, at The Clutch, Handbag’s boutique performance space located at 4335 N. Western Ave.
A tale so big it needs three Joans
Originally produced back in 1999 with Sweetback Productions, "Joan Crawford Goes To Hell" takes the legendary Hollywood diva and drops her straight into the underworld. The catch? Miss Crawford dies, descends into the abyss, and is forced to relive her life through the traumatized eyes of her daughter, Christina.
Equal parts Mommie Dearest, classic Hollywood biography, and a splash of Joan’s real-life advice book My Way of Life, this hilarious production serves up the ultimate summer cocktail for anyone who loves high camp, fabulous costumes, and biting satire. And because one diva could never contain this much drama, the story requires three distinct Joans to get the job done.
Stellar cast and creative team
The production stars Handbag founder David Cerda as Joan #1, alongside ensemble members Lori Lee, TJ O’Brien as the long-suffering Christina, and Michael Rashid. Joining the chaos are Tyler Calhoun, Nick Dorado, Jennifer Engstrom as Celluloid Joan, Haley Gillman, Gretchen Greear as Joan #2, Nicholas Ian, Ryan Kenny, and drag favorite Coco Sho-Nell serving as Joan #3.
Behind the scenes, director Cheryl Snodgrass returns for her 11th Handbag production. Snodgrass has a rich history with the company, having directed fan favorites like The Drag Seed, Die Mommie! Die!, and SCARRIE: The Musical.
The production team bringing the underworld to life includes Marcus Klein (Scenic Design), Ben Kress (Costume Design), 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), Rick Aguilar (Photography), and Michael S. Miller (Graphics).
Ticket and show details
Previews begin Friday, August 21, with the official press opening on Friday, August 28 at 7:30 p.m. Performances run through Sunday, September 27 at The Clutch, located at 4335 N. Western Ave. in Chicago. Regular showtimes are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., along with Sundays at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., with a special Industry Night scheduled for Monday, September 14 at 7:30 p.m. Preview tickets are priced at $29 for general admission and $40 for VIP. For the regular run, general admission tickets are $39, while VIP reserved seating is $52, which includes a complimentary refreshment and prime seating. Group rates are available for parties of 10 or more at $35 per ticket, and all stated prices include processing fees. Tickets can be purchased online at handbagproductions.org or through BuyTickets. Don't miss the chance to celebrate 25 years of camp, outrage, and pure theatrical fun with Chicago's favorite ensemble.
Written by Handbag’s own Artistic Director David Cerda and directed by Cheryl Snodgrass, this wild theatrical ride runs from August 21 through September 27, 2026, at The Clutch, Handbag’s boutique performance space located at 4335 N. Western Ave.
A tale so big it needs three Joans
Originally produced back in 1999 with Sweetback Productions, "Joan Crawford Goes To Hell" takes the legendary Hollywood diva and drops her straight into the underworld. The catch? Miss Crawford dies, descends into the abyss, and is forced to relive her life through the traumatized eyes of her daughter, Christina.
Equal parts Mommie Dearest, classic Hollywood biography, and a splash of Joan’s real-life advice book My Way of Life, this hilarious production serves up the ultimate summer cocktail for anyone who loves high camp, fabulous costumes, and biting satire. And because one diva could never contain this much drama, the story requires three distinct Joans to get the job done.
Stellar cast and creative team
The production stars Handbag founder David Cerda as Joan #1, alongside ensemble members Lori Lee, TJ O’Brien as the long-suffering Christina, and Michael Rashid. Joining the chaos are Tyler Calhoun, Nick Dorado, Jennifer Engstrom as Celluloid Joan, Haley Gillman, Gretchen Greear as Joan #2, Nicholas Ian, Ryan Kenny, and drag favorite Coco Sho-Nell serving as Joan #3.
Behind the scenes, director Cheryl Snodgrass returns for her 11th Handbag production. Snodgrass has a rich history with the company, having directed fan favorites like The Drag Seed, Die Mommie! Die!, and SCARRIE: The Musical.
The production team bringing the underworld to life includes Marcus Klein (Scenic Design), Ben Kress (Costume Design), 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), Rick Aguilar (Photography), and Michael S. Miller (Graphics).
Ticket and show details
Previews begin Friday, August 21, with the official press opening on Friday, August 28 at 7:30 p.m. Performances run through Sunday, September 27 at The Clutch, located at 4335 N. Western Ave. in Chicago. Regular showtimes are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., along with Sundays at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., with a special Industry Night scheduled for Monday, September 14 at 7:30 p.m. Preview tickets are priced at $29 for general admission and $40 for VIP. For the regular run, general admission tickets are $39, while VIP reserved seating is $52, which includes a complimentary refreshment and prime seating. Group rates are available for parties of 10 or more at $35 per ticket, and all stated prices include processing fees. Tickets can be purchased online at handbagproductions.org or through BuyTickets. Don't miss the chance to celebrate 25 years of camp, outrage, and pure theatrical fun with Chicago's favorite ensemble.