Every Sunday night the farm television set was tuned to CBS to see Lansbury portray mystery author Jessica Fletcher, who had the exciting side hobby of solving real-life murder mysteries. As a bonus, there was also a parade of celebrity guest stars in each weekly episode, all in the guise of murderers and suspects, including Eva Gabor, Buddy Hackett, Van Johnson, Jane Powell and Florence Henderson, all looking guilty.
Cerda, the son of Bob and Bea Cerda of Hammond, has his Hell in a Handbag Productions concluding its 21st season with the world premiere musical parody “Murder, ReWrote,” playing through Sept. 16 at The Den Theatre in the Upstairs Mainstage space at 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Chicago’s Wicker Park neighborhood.
The cast includes Hell in a Handbag ensemble members David Cerda, Grant Drager, Ed Jones and Tyler Anthony Smith with Mark Bartishell, Britain Gebhardt, Caroline Kidwell, Matt Patrick and Cathy McNamara. Naturally, the star’s spoiled daughter, Christina played by Tyler Anthony Smith, is causing mayhem as is the household cat Muff-Muff. Frantic servants and staff such as dedicated personal assistant Carol-Ann, embodied by all-star talent Ed Jones, and feisty maid Helga portrayed by sturdy Mark Bartishell, attempt to keep everyone in line.
The production team includes Rose Johnson’s beautiful scenic design, Madeline FeLauer’s entertaining parade of costume designs, Liz Cooper’s lighting design paired with Miranda Coble’s sound design and Jamal Howard’s choreography. Columnist Philip Potempa has published four cookbooks and is the director of marketing at Theatre at the Center. He can be reached atAngela Lansbury’s Power Loaf2 tablespoons honey4 cups stone-ground whole wheat flour, divided use1. Pour boiling water over wheat cereal in a large mixing bowl and stir to combine.3. Dissolve yeast in the warm water and add to bowl mixture.