L'imitation Of Life presented by Hell in a Handbag Productions at Stage 773

Theatre By Numbers - Recommended

"...Director Stevie Love sums up this production as Handbag’s effort to strap on a pair of 5-inch heels and hold a fun-house mirror to our culture and reflect all attitudes in art, but this show does more than that. It’s strange to think of a comedy like “L’Imitation of Life” inspiring powerful emotions, but it does. When Sara Jane delivers a knockout worthy of Mortal Kombat to an angry bigot, it’s humorous and cathartic all at once. Also, as Annie and Sarah Jane negotiate the last time they will see each other, you may find yourself as emotional in the moment as they are."

Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended

"...According to singer Peter Allen, everything old is new again. And that saying is especially fitting for Hell in a Handbag’s much-welcome revival of this parody. If anything, this version’s even better. It’s more polished and directed with obvious affection and intentional camp by Stevie Love. The choice to present this sprawling Hollywood saga in the larger Stage 773 venue was wise. While this adult comedy still has an intimate feel, the additional space offers far more staging opportunities. And Love’s cast, especially Ed Jones and Robert Williams, and his professional technical support are just about as good as it gets."