Photos: Hell In A Handbag's DUELING DIVAS

Hell in a Handbag Productions is thrilled to present a benefit staged reading featuring Hollywood's legendary eye-popping, scenery chewing film divas of all time Miss Joan Crawford and Miss Gloria Swanson in the roles that made them fabulous! See Handbag Artistic Director David Cerda and acclaimed actress and Saturday Night Live alumni Nora Dunn take on Mildred Pierce and Sunset Boulevard as only they can.

ROUND ONE- See David Cerda as Joan Crawford as Mildred Pierce in the role that won Joan the Oscar! All Mildred Pierce ever was to take care of her family, so she built an empire made of pies. The trouble begins when Mildred's ungrateful daughter Veda wants more then even Mildred can give her. See Joan Crawford as the NICE one for a change!

ROUND TWO- Chicago's own Nora Dunn is ready for her close up as she tackles the role of Norma Desmond! Hollywood screenwriter Joe Gillis is down on his luck until he meets a mysterious silent screen legend and enters her celluloid world of fantasy and illusion. Can he escape with his dignity? Or at least a new suit?

The Dueling Divas series will benefit the remount of Hell in a Handbag Productions POSEIDON! An Upside Down Musical opening June 20 at The Chopin Theatre.

Hell in a Handbag Productions is a not for profit 501C3 corporation dedicated to the preservation, exploration and celebration of works engrained in the realm of popular culture.

Hydrate Nightclub - 3458 N. Halsted Ave. When: FRIDAYS @8pm
ROUND ONE Mildred Pierce, April 10 /ROUND TWO Sunset Boulevard May 15
Cost: $25- For reservations call Brown Paper Tickets at 1-800- 838-3006 or go online at
For further information go to handbagproductions.org or call 312-409-4357.

All photos by Rick Aguilar

Nora Dunn and David Cerda

Nora Dunn and David Cerda

Nora Dunn and David Cerda

Nora Dunn and David Cerda