David Cerda’s Milestone in Chicago Theater
David Cerda remains a celebrated figure in Chicago’s theater scene, recognized for his comedic flair and theatrical style. As a proud Hammond High School alum from 1979, Cerda is marking a significant milestone in 2026. His production company, Hell in a Handbag, celebrates its 25th year with a special stage homage to legendary actress Joan Crawford. Cerda, portraying Crawford, greeted audiences alongside his terrier, Walter, after a performance of ‘Joan Crawford Goes to Hell’ on September 25, 2026. Walter even shares the stage in the parody, which ends on October 4, 2026.
Cerda originally premiered ‘Joan Crawford Goes to Hell’ in 1999, under the banner of Sweetback Productions. The revived version showcases three performers bringing Crawford’s iconic film persona to life, with the production running from August 21 to October 4. Written by Cerda, this play chronicles Crawford’s life journey from her deathbed to hell, joining Satan, portrayed by Nick Dorado, and revisiting her life’s key moments through her daughter Christina’s perspective, played by TJ O’Brien.
Cerda explained, “It’s part ‘Mommie Dearest,’ part biography, mixed with Joan’s lifestyle book ‘My Way of Life.’ Three actresses portray her story.” Directed by Cheryl Snodgrass, the cast includes Gretchen Greear as ‘Joan No. 2’ and Nicholas Ian as ‘Joan No. 3’, famously known as ‘Rage Joan’. Other roles feature Ryan Kenny as Carol Ann, Haley Gillman as young Christina, Lori Lee as Helga and Pepsi President Al Steel, and Michael Rashid as Crawford’s attorney, Greg.
Cerda reflects on the play’s transformation over 25 years, from its origins in a Chicago basement to its current grandeur. The production boasts high-quality wigs, costumes, set design, lighting and sound setups, enhanced by archival images and clips from Hollywood’s golden era. Tickets can be purchased starting at $39 from handbagproductions.org.
MeTV Revives ‘The Wizard of Oz’
October 2026 brings a revival of the beloved ‘Wizard of Oz’. Chesterton’s festival, which began in 1981 and ended in 2012, once attracted over 90,000 attendees. While the festival no longer takes place, MeTV invites audiences to revisit Oz. The station secured rights to air MGM’s classic 1939 film, marking a return to broadcast TV since its last CBS telecast in 1998.
Neal Sabin from Weigel Broadcasting describes ‘The Wizard of Oz’ as a shared American tradition, with television viewership bonding families nationwide. MeTV kicked off celebrations with Lisa Whelchel’s ‘Collector’s Call’ feature on Oz memorabilia. Acclaimed historians Jay Scarfone and William Stillman enriched the episode, having been regular festival guests.
Whelchel hosts MeTV’s Friday broadcast premiere, sharing rare stories and showcasing museum artifacts. Rich Koz, as Svengoolie, will lead Saturday’s airing with his comedic co-hosting team delivering humorous commentary, accompanied by Gwen Goolie, IMP, and Nostalgiaferatoo.
Philip Potempa, a journalist and radio host, can be contacted at [email protected].