The Birds presented by Hell in a Handbag Productions at Berger Park Coach House

Chicago Tribune - Recommended

"...Repep's performance grows increasingly hysterical as Hedren is tortured by Hitch's demands, and she grounds the piece in its disturbing subtext of suspicion of the outsider."

Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended

"...Anchored by a pitch-perfect Tracy Repep, reprising her role as a pasteboard Hedren, the production strikes an unusual but satisfying balance between parodic camp (complete with drag) and the actress's genuine behind-the-scenes nightmare. As a result the show is not only hysterically funny but poignant and at times truly terrifying."

Chicago Free Press - Recommended

"... we get not only a campy re-imagining of “The Birds” but also a delightful look at what it might have looked like behind the scenes as Suzanne Pleshette, Veronica Cartwright and Jessica Tandy roamed about. The co-authors also throw modern feminist Camille Paglia into the mix to fully explore the sexual indignities that Hedren suffered at Hitchcock’s hands. Ultimately the poignancy of Hedren’s confusion reigns equally with the laugh-out-loud gags and twisted humor. Luckily, even those unfamiliar with the film should find much to enjoy and relate to here."

Gay Chicago Magazine - Highly Recommended

"...Director Scott Bradley takes Cerda and Pauline Pang’s ingenious script, adds a first-rate design team and an outstanding ensemble to deliver this send-up that is as conceptually exciting as it is hysterically entertaining. With a few excellent musical numbers that range from torch song to Gilbert and Sullivan, “The Birds” proves to be as bizarre as it is brilliant."

Time Out Chicago - Somewhat Recommended

"...Despite some inspired staging in the Berger Cultural Center—its walls of windows allowing use of both indoors and outdoors as the bird-puppets attack—Bradley’s direction lacks precision. Like a gymnast’s landing, such comedic pacing really needs to stick; instead, it slips and slides. Yet once again, Ed Jones—the longshoreman-looking actor who plays little-girl Cathy—reveals an uncanny talent."