The Rip Nelson Holiday Spectacular presented by Hell in a Handbag at Mary's Attic

Chicago Tribune - Somewhat Recommended

"...If the show were suddenly to become a sentient human being, she would be a person for whom no laugh is too loud, no kiss too wet, no joke too naughty, and after one too many lime rickeys, her stories will stop making sense. She will ramble and you will see glimmers of the despair that she so carefully hides under all that makeup and gaudy clothing. Life is wonderful and awful, she will say - this human embodiment of a stage show - and before the night is over she will clutch you tightly to her bosom and mumble something earnest but incomprehensible and then, as an aside, float the idea of perhaps not drinking so much next time."

Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended

"...It's more questionable whether the jokes built on vintage celebrities are enough to sustain the rest for an hour and half-the erstwhile Bruce Jenner is the target of some particularly groan-worthy material-but David Lipschutz's off-kilter, hilariously sinister turn as magician Doug Henning is hilarious every moment he's onstage."

Chicago Theatre Review - Recommended

"...This production is a mostly fun, ditzy, lighthearted tuneful alternative to Chicago’s holiday entertainment. While audiences certainly don’t have to be gay to enjoy it, the more liberal theatergoer and members of the LGBT community will find that this production especially speaks to them. Supported by a talented company of actor/singer/dancers, it’s always a delightful evening anytime Ed Jones takes the stage. However, a little less angst and more animated amusement would be more appreciated and better served in such a nostalgic blast from Christmas Past."

Picture This Post - Recommended

"...This play itself is fun for those who have lived through the 80s and either want to relive it again, or have a chance to catch up on all their references the younger generation might miss. The Rip Nelson Holiday Spectacular gets you into the holiday spirit with classic holiday tunes, but also is a fun time to laugh at the absurdity of it all."