The Divine Sister Reviews
Chicago Reader- Somewhat Recommended
"...Gay royalty Charles Busch lovingly mashes up golden-era nun flicks in this drag farce presented by Hell in a Handbag. As Mother Superior, David Cerda shares Busch's appreciation of old-Hollywood stylistic tropes, particularly when they're combined with naughty camp. It's fun to see director Shade Murray bring his professionalism to this pageant-style silliness, and he indulges in the best way possible with Charlotte Mae Ellison and Chad's float-size turns as a miraculous sister and a weapons-grade atheist."
Chicago Theatre Review- Recommended
"...In typical Hell in a Handbag fashion, David Cerda's performance dominates this production and sets the tone for this hilarious show. It's not Shakespeare, nor is it the Bible, but it's a fun-filled evening of camp theatre that celebrates all those religious films from Hollywood's past. Outrageous characters, melodramatic acting, musical interludes that come at the drop of the hat and holy revelations abound in a play that's simply just plain heavenly fun."
The Fourth Walsh- Recommended
"...Although DIVINE SISTERS is traditional Handbag, I was surprised the featured song is sung by the lovely Rebecca Finnegan. For good and bad, the Handbaggers usually sing their own songs. I missed their usual musical mayhem. Still, DIVINE SISTERS bring summer camp back with religious fervor! Vow to have fun with the Handbag crew."
NewCity Chicago- Not Recommended
"...Murray's direction does nothing to diminish the trite nature of the script. For instance, Stephens' thick German and Scottish accents made her gratuitously long monologues incomprehensible. While camp beckons over dramatization, there was an excessive focus on dramatic lighting to highlight conflict within scenes. On a technical note, microphones would possibly have helped audience members to hear the fast-paced lines."