Photo Flash: Hell in a Handbag Productions Presents RUDOLPH THE RED-HOSED REINDEER

"Rudolph, The Red-Hosed Reindeer is a story very near and dear to my heart. I immediately related to the original story as a child, as did any kid who felt 'different. I'm obviously not the only one who feels this way given the shows long shelf life. We had our first reading in 1997 and people come back year after year. It's really amazing," says Cerda.

Pull up an iceberg and join Rudolph played by newcomer Alex Grelle, and his misfit friends - Herbie the ' not gay enough' elf (Christopher Marsh) who wants to be a dentist and Yukon Cornelia (Lori Lee returning for her 6th year!), the butch prospector with a deep, dark secret - as they search for happiness... and attempt to outrun the horrifyingly tacky Abominable Drag-Beast (Handbag Artisitc Director David Cerda). Filling out the cast are guest actors Shawn Quinlain (Circle Theatre), Barbara Figgins, Aaron Lawson, Jennifer Shine, David Besky, Chad Ingold and Christopher Carpenter as Sam the Snowman.

Ensemble member Derek Czaplewski (Reverend Scott in POSEIDON! An Upside Down Musical) is directing Rudolph, The Red-Hosed Reindeer this year and Ed Jones is returning as the Santa's alcoholic wife. Other Handbag ensemble members include Patricia Austin as Rudolph's conflicted mother, and Terry McCarthy as the gossipy neighbor, Connie Vixen.

Admission is $10- $15 and reservations can be made by calling (800) 838-3006 or online at Brown Paper Tickets.

For more information, visit www.handbagproductions.org.

Photos by Rick Aguilar