American fashion designer Roy Halston Frowick, known to the world simply as Halston, is down on his luck. He’s packing up his chic-as-hell Olympic Tower office for reasons he doesn’t want to discuss. To make matters worse, Elizabeth I is knocking on his door. Yes, Elizabeth I, whose reign as Queen of England spanned from 1558 to 1603. But it’s 1984 in New York City. All that time spent at Studio 54 might be starting to catch up to the King of Minimalism’s brain.
Elizabeth I demands that Roy (who hates being called that) make her a new gown to (she lets out a singular cough) die in. Oh, and she needs it by the end of the day, even though he seems to be in the midst of a breakdown. He takes her money and agrees, and the unlikely pair moves forward with the design of a lifetime. That is until Halston has to help his best friend, Liza Minnelli, with her new act. Any questions?
Playwright: Tyler Anthony Smith*
Director: Stephanie Shaw
Cast (in alphabetical order): Dakota Hughes (Liza Minnelli), Will Lidke (Halston) and Tyler Anthony Smith* (Elizabeth I). Understudies: Wendy Hayne, Cory McMenomy and Brandon Nelson.
The production team includes Taylor Dalton (Scenic Designer), Rachel M. Sypniewski (Costume Designer), Garrett Bell (Lighting Designer), Miranda Coble (Sound Designer), Maggie O’Brien (Props Designer), Syd Genco* (Make-up Designer), Keith Ryan* (Wig Designer), Andrew Milliken (11 O’Clock Number Arrangement), Tom Daniel (Technical Director), Tyler Anthony Smith* (Production Manager), Jackson Mikkelsen (Master Electrician), Michael S. Miller* (Graphic Designer), Jenna Raithel (Stage Manager) and David Cerda* (Executive Producer).
*indicates Handbag ensemble member