“The Real Housewives of The North Pole” reviewed by Frank Meccia

***** Hell in a Handbag is back with its annual holiday extravaganza—and this year, they’ve outdone themselves with the outrageous, laugh-packed The Real Housewives of the North Pole. In typical Handbag fashion, the show blends camp, satire, and just enough holiday spirit to keep you warm despite the 7 inches of snow that fell on opening weekend.
The premise is simple—and delightfully absurd. The North Pole is in trouble. Santa, his reindeer leadership, Frosty, Jack Frost, and Rudolph have all been indicted for fraud. After this “special announcement,” the stage erupts into two hours and fifteen minutes (plus a fifteen-minute intermission) of pure holiday chaos as the wives of these iconic figures gather to film a reality TV special hosted by none other than Andy Cohen. Or rather, Andy Cohen as embodied—brilliantly—by David Lipschutz. Lipschutz nails every gesture, glance, and vocal inflection. It feels like Cohen himself stepped into the North Pole with a contract and a camera crew.

As for the North Pole’s First Lady, Ruth Claus, she’s played by the incomparable Honey West. Honey still has the moves, the glamour, and the presence—only now Ruth is proudly one year sober. Naturally, the artificial drama machine of reality TV does everything in its power to jeopardize that sobriety. Her protector and sobriety coach is Carlos the Elf, played by Taylor Mercado Owen, whose sculpted physique is showcased in an elf costume that leaves little to the imagination. He’s charming, centered, and a great foil to the surrounding madness.

Then come the divas. And there are plenty.

Samantha Frosty—played with hilarious poise by Robert Williams—is a newly reborn businesswoman determined to keep the peace. Good luck to her, because Suzy Snowflake (Britain Shutters) and Clarice, Rudolph’s wife (Anna Rose Steinmeyer), have decided they are the stars of this show. Their competitive energy, glamorous delusions, and constant bickering are reality-show gold, and the audience eats up every second.

But make no mistake: the true diva of the evening is Gladys Dasher, brought to life by playwright David Cerda. This is one of Cerda’s most impressive transformations yet—a dazzling hybrid of Alexis and Krystle Carrington, complete with towering hair, razor-sharp wit, and costumes that stop the show. Cerda commands the stage every time Gladys struts into view.
Given the new venue, The Clutch Theatre, the staging is intentionally minimal: four white leather chairs, with most of the action taking place front and center with dramatic entrances and outsized personalities. It works beautifully. The space proves an excellent new home for Handbag’s style of in-your-face comedy.

Supporting roles are just as entertaining. Terry McCarthy hilariously plays the mysterious Man in Black and also the makeup artist, Cookie. Kelly Opalko brings charm as the overly eager PA who left Target for the world of TV production. The ever-reliable Gretchen Greear appears on the background TV screens as the newscaster whose reports continually stir the pot, driving the housewives into new levels of melodrama.

The production value is some of Handbag’s finest. Costume designer Marquecia Jordan deserves special praise—these are some of the most elegant, imaginative costumes the company has ever put onstage. Wig master Keith Ryan has crafted a lineup of hair so perfect it could have its own spinoff series. Lighting by Liz Cooper fits the intimate space, and stage manager Conor Frank keeps the show tight and perfectly timed.

The Real Housewives of the North Pole is exactly what you want from a Hell in a Handbag holiday show: smart, campy, clever, and performed with absolute heart. It’s a great way to kick off the season—snowstorm and all. And for those driving, a quick warning: starting December 1st, there is no parking on Western Ave if snow is more than two inches.
Showtimes:
Through January 4
Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays – 7:30 PM
Sundays – 3:00 PM
No shows on December 25 or Sunday, December 7
Added performances: Sunday, December 21 at 6:30 PM and Monday, December 22 at 7:30 PM
Tickets General Admission is $44.25, with VIP tickets at $56.25. Tickets on sale at handbagproductions.org
A delightful, over-the-top, glitter-dusted holiday treat. Don’t miss it.

http://www.handbagproductions.org/

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