Chicago Reader
- Highly Recommended
"...Marquecia Jordan’s costumes capture the trashy “loud luxury” of the Housewives, and Syd Genco’s makeup and Keith Ryan’s wigs are the perfect complement. The Real Housewives of the North Pole is high clown camp, a steaming hot toddy delivered just in time for the season."
Talkin Broadway
- Recommended
"...Company founder and Artistic Director David Cerda wrote this funny, lovingly detailed parody, in which he also stars as Gladys (Mrs. Dasher). Except that the other reindeer dames on stage are always grabbing the spotlight away from Gladys, and from each other, in jealous defiance as the show zips along. Mr. Cerda's script frequently caught me by surprise with flashes of great humor. Tommy Bullington directs, keeping comedy and character on point in a lively one hundred and thirty-five minute pageant, including intermission."
Stage and Cinema
- Recommended
"...So how do you parody a phenomenon that on its own merits is possibly the purest camp of the last few decades? Turn them into drag queens of course. Enter Hell in a Handbag, a beloved home-grown production company focused, in their own words, on “…the art of camp, parody and theater of the ridiculous.” The first show of their 24th season, The Real Housewives of The North Pole, opened quite appropriately, on a Saturday when it felt somewhat like the real North Pole outside the theatre."
Around The Town Chicago
- Highly Recommended
"...The premise is simple—and delightfully absurd. The North Pole is in trouble. Santa, his reindeer leadership, Frosty, Suzy Snowflake, 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."
Chicago Theatre Review
- Highly Recommended
"...Truthfully billed as a production that’s far “More Naughty Than Nice,” THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF THE NORTH POLE is sure to become an annual Hell in a Handbag hit. Creatively modeled after “The Real Housewives of Orange County,” as well as the other nine installments of this reality television franchise, David Cerda has done it again! Sure to be of particular interest to the LGBTQ+ audience, Mr. Cerda’s play is a fresh and flashy new Christmas confection that’s a twisted, twinkling, tinsel-teased treat for liberal adults. As the lights dim, get ready to laugh as Hell in a Handbag Decks the Halls with these Desperate Divas."
Buzz Center Stage
- Highly Recommended
"...So, after a bit of research - for anyone else walking in blind - The Real Housewives is a reality TV juggernaut that blends glamour, intrigue, and high-stakes drama into a cultural phenomenon - and yes, the claws can come out. For nearly twenty years, the franchise has captivated audiences with its blend of luxury lifestyles, fiery confrontations, and unforgettable personalities - cementing its place as one of the most influential and enduring phenomena in modern pop culture. What began in Orange County soon spread to New York City, Atlanta, New Jersey, and beyond. But thanks to Hell in a Handbag, it was only a matter of time before The Real Housewives set up shop at the North Pole. That's right - The Real Housewives of the North Pole is here."
Werner's Theatre Reviews
- Recommended
"...The world premiere of The Real Housewives of the North Pole officially opened on November 29, 2025, at Hell in a Handbag Productions’ venue in Chicago’s North Center neighborhood. Artistic Director David Cerda brings classic Christmas characters into the absurdity and drama of a reality television atmosphere. The result is a comical holiday treat, with some creative choices geared toward fans of reality TV."
