Terry Spencer Hesser’s hilarious and insightful play CHRISTMAS WITH ELVIS returned to Chicago after 32 years in a production directed by Dexter Bullard at the Chopin Theatre.

From the playwright, Terry Spencer Hesser: “I was originally inspired to write this play when years ago, a friend of mine who was going through a divorce during the holidays expressed her disdain for the music of Elvis Presley, That is, until she got divorced. Then, she said she connected with Elvis’s music on a level she never expected. Her comment inspired the character of Trudy played this time by the magnificent Brenda Barrie. The story is very funny, but also touches on the less jolly emotions the holidays stir up that don’t get talked about enough.”

“One fascination was how transformative a really great Chicago actress like Brenda Barrie can be … To say that Barrie throws herself into the role of a sad-sack single woman, ready to pop pills and drink her way through a lonely Christmas Eve, does not even remotely describe the intensity of her work here. Barrie apparently has decided she is doing Eugene O’Neill and she proceeds accordingly. She’s very funny, too.”

Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune | Full Review

“There were some incredibly tender and raw moments … Barrie and Holstein had a real chemistry that was palpable throughout the two actor’s time on stage. From the moment Barrie walked onto the stage she commanded your attention … Barrie is a Chicago talent that will have a long and prosperous career ahead of her. For a magical night out, “Christmas with Elvis” is a dramedy with a lot of potential, promising to, at least for the evening, stay off the blues during this Christmas season.”

Kendall Royzen, Buzz Center Stage | Full Review