Rudolph The Red-Hosed Reindeer presented by Hell in a Handbag Productions at Mary's Attic

Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended

"...Back for its 12th year, David Cerda's raunchy parody of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer has been kept fresh with topical humor and larger-than-life characters. Alex Grelle plays Rudolph, the misfit reindeer who hides red hose beneath his overalls and prefers voguing to sleigh-pulling."

Edge - Recommended

"...The show obviously has its fans, who came out in droves the night I saw it. And for good reason--it’s a fun, lighthearted 90 minutes of fluff. I also appreciate the message that narrow-mindedness exists even within minorities--specifically, the gay and drag communities’ bitter judging of those who don’t fit the accepted stereotype. Poor Herbie, perfectly parodied by Chris Walsh, embodies this theme, as he struggles with fitting in with the other gay elves who visit the gym religiously, own every Babs and Liza album, and sleep with anything with a heartbeat. Herbie’s simple, earnest desire to be a dentist is different and, therefore, wrong. Or is it?"

Chicago Theater Beat - Recommended

"...Over the last several years, I’ve made three trips to Cerda’s Christmas Town. Like Christmas cookies, I like to sample all of them but I have my favorites. This production comes in third with some awkward pauses. It’s unclear if it’s new material or new actors mixing with veterans. Regardless, Rudolph the Red-Hosed Reindeer is still a great escape from songs like “I’ll Have a Blue Christmas Without You” for the more realistic sentiment “They’ll Hate You If You’re Different.” The 2009 version may not be my favorite but it’s still a tasty holiday treat."