'TIS THE SEASONTHEATRE

We’ll Have a Gay Ol’ Time!

Get your jolliest jollies from nicely stuffed stockings and alluring Christmas packages? These glittery holiday shows are sure to help make your yuletide (more) gay. 

Ticketing links for most shows can be found on the Performance Calendar page. View the Christmas shows here.  

 

 

Shoes & Pants Productions: Scott Shoemaker’s War on Christmas 

The Christmas package you never knew you needed … ’til now
On now through 12/24. At Theatre Off Jackson (Seattle – International District).

The ‘War on Christmas’ is at it again. Photo by Bronwen Houck.

What’s special about your Christmas show?  

Our Christmas show is special because we have a different take on the holidays. The War on Christmas is about how folks in the secular world navigate Christmas culture and how everyone can still have a good time during the holidays, no matter who you are or how you feel about them.

That being said, it doesn’t take itself seriously in the least. It’s very irreverent and subversive, without being mean spirited. Not to mention it’s the funniest show ever.

What might surprise people about the show?

What won’t surprise people about the show? You never know what ridiculous things you’re going to see at our shows, and we wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s absurd, chaotic and somewhat shocking — but in the best way possible.

If your show were a stocking stuffer, what would it be?

A mystery bag from Archie McPhee’s – full of funny stuff you never knew you needed.

Who will love it?

Anyone who wants to get a little naughty for the holidays and laugh until their cheeks hurt.

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Show info and tickets here

 

 

Kitten N’ Lou: Jingle All the Gay 

Making spirits bright through the ages
On now through 12/18. At Oddfellows Hall (Seattle – Capitol Hill).

Kitten N’ Lou’s ‘Jingle All the Gay’. Photo by Scott Foster.

What’s special about your Christmas show?  

Jingle All The Gay is special not only because of its incredible all-star cast of singers, dancers, actors, and burlesque stars (hailing from Seattle, New Orleans, and Los Angeles) but because, during its many incarnations over the past 12 years, it has become a true holiday haven for folks who often feel isolated or othered during the holidays — a holiday home away from home. It’s a celebration of chosen family and finding a little lightness in this sh*tshow of a world.

If the show were a stocking stuffer, what would it be? 

A foil wrapped chocolate orange — it seems like one shiny thing, but when you crack it open there’s a ton of little pieces that make it so special.

What is the mood of the show? 

Hilarious, Irreverent, bombastic, but also quite sweet — laughs, tears, the whole shebang.

What might surprise you about the show? 

The show really has become so much more than a cabaret show. It’s a fully scripted, singing, dancing, musical with fabulous sets, costumes, and real production value. Come for the queer content, stay for the dazzling MGM musical vibes. There’s even a full cast tap dance.

Note: This is the final year of this version of Jingle All the Gay. A new format of the show will follow next year.

Streaming version (with closed captions) available. Show info and tickets here

 

 

Cafe Nordo: Homicide for the Holidays   

Who killed disco? “Dragatha Christie” is on the case, and bringing dinner
On now through 12/24. In Seattle (Pioneer Square).

What is the mood of this show? 

A bawdy and blasphemous disco Christmas crime romp.

Who will love the show? 

Adults who like their festive holiday dinner served with great live music, fast paced comedy … and murder.

If your show were a stocking stuffer, what would it be?

A red and green rhinestone encrusted flask full of eggnog, with Rue McClanahan’s initials engraved on it. (A clue?) 

What might surprise people?

This is Nordo’s last performance in our Culinarium — the last chance to see what Nordo was, before it is what it is to become.

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View theatre menu here; show info and tickets here

 

 

Can Can Culinary Cabaret: Wonderland  

A shimmering, clothes-shedding, winterland cabaret
On now through 1/8/2023. In Seattle (Pike Place Market).

The Can Can’s ‘Wonderland’ cast. Photo by Nate Watters.

What’s special about your Christmas show?  

Our holiday show, Wonderland, invokes a familiar feeling that often comes with the season, but it also invokes a few other feelings you might not expect to feel this time of year.

In classic Can Can fashion, you’ll be delighted by the glimmer and shimmer of our talented cast, while enjoying some of our festive seasonal cuisine and refreshing hand-crafted cocktails. With live vocals, original music, and choreography that might even make Santa’s cheeks blush, Can Can will always leave you satisfied, yet somehow craving more.

Editor’s commentary: This is accurate. I had a chance to catch this show tonight, and it was every bit as fabulous as the Can Can’s shows usually are: the tunes, moves, costumes, personalities, and delicious food and drinks. (Read NWT’s review of a previous show here.) But the vocals of Jasmine Jean Sim — at once sultry and heavenly with her takes on a couple of classics — really took it over the top this time. She’ll warm you right up. (As will the fall sangria, the cannoli, the burrata, and the raspberry sour. All of which I’m still thinking about.) Recommended! 

What is the mood of this show? 

The mood is sultry, shimmering, delicious entertainment, wrapped in a bow shipped first class to your heart. Each member of our cast and crew has put a piece of themselves into this performance, and collectively we have created a gift that we are incredibly excited to share. We take our role as holders of the cabaret torch very seriously, and we can’t wait to share our light with you.

If your show were a stocking stuffer, what would it be?

Handmade crystal pasties, of course!

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Note: Shows also held on Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day 

View theatre menu here; show info and tickets here

 

 

Seattle Theatre Group: Kiki & Herb – Do You Hear What We Hear?   

An iconic duo of queer cabaret reunites in this cross-country tour
Performs 12/8 only. At the Moore Theatre (Downtown Seattle).

What’s special about this Christmas show?  

Justin Vivian Bond (Kiki) and Kenny Mellman (Herb) are some of the most talented cabaret performers out there, even receiving a Tony nomination for “Best Special Theatrical Event.” Their performance at The Moore on December 8th will be the first time the duo has performed in Seattle in over a decade.

If this show were a stocking stuffer, what would it be?

A copy of the 2000s hit Christmas album, Do You Hear What We Hear? by Kiki & Herb, because it’s time to get ready for the holiday tunes!

What is the mood of the show? 

Christmas meets Broadway-level show tunes and the dynamic duo of a lifetime. Fans of musicals, live theatre, and drag cabaret will love this show.

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Read NWT’s preview (a top Christmas special pick!) here

ASL interpretation is available; please contact STG to request. Show info and tickets here

 

 

ACT Theatre: The Dina Martina Christmas Show   

The comedic stylings of a sweet, delusional drag queen in a Seattle tradition
Opens 12/8, closing 12/24. In Downtown Seattle.

Dina Martina returns to ACT this season. Photo by David Belisle.

What’s special about your Christmas show?  

The Dina Martina Christmas Show is hilarious, because first and foremost it’s a comedy show. It’s also a very nostalgic show. But there’s also pathos, because Dina is a totally sweet performer who wouldn’t hurt a fly and thinks she’s putting on the best show ever for her audience, despite the fact that she was last in line when talent was being handed out.

What is the mood of this show? 

One minute it’s nostalgic, the next minute it’s excruciatingly funny, and the next minute it’s like a warped, surreal Christmas dream. It’s sweet, but at times it’s also dark and hilariously awkward.

If your show were a stocking stuffer, what would it be?

It would be a Whitman’s Sampler: sweet on the surface, but a wonderful mix of different flavors on the inside, and you never know what you’re going to get until you bite into it.

What might surprise people about the show?

Dina has a very diverse following, and entire families come to the show. People of all persuasions are often surprised that they found Dina’s show so smart and fresh and funny, despite the fact that it’s also fine for kids to see. Some of Dina’s most ardent, die-hard fans are lauded Pulitzer Prize winners (Tony Kushner, Doug Wright, Michael Cunningham) and smart, edgy celebrities (John Waters, Amy Sedaris, and Justin Vivian Bond). But when the skeptics come to the show, they fall in love with Dina.

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Show info and tickets here

 

 

Seattle Theatre Group: The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show 

Queens of Drag Race fame come home to Seattle
Opens 12/21, closing 12/24. At the Moore Theatre (Downtown Seattle).

What is the mood of this show? 

Absolute holiday chaos. You’ll go from singing your lungs out one second to crying with laughter the next. This show is perfect for lovers of drag, comedy, and anyone who partakes in a little bit of holiday sass to keep things interesting.

If the show were a stocking stuffer, what would it be?

Matching tiaras, for the Queens of the queens.

What might surprise people about the show?

Both Jinkx Monsoon and BenDeLaCreme are local Seattle drag queens who absolutely killed it on their respective seasons of RuPaul’s Drag Race and All Stars. (Seattle represent!)

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ASL interpretation is available; please contact STG to request. Show info and tickets here

 

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Pacific Northwest Ballet: The Nutcracker  

On now through 12/27. At the Seattle Center.

Not exactly a gay show, but anyone who’s ever seen football players in white pants and thought, “This is the gayest sport ever” should know exactly why this made the list. Every day is white pants day at The Nutcracker! Also, the show is fabulous.

See NWT’s preview here

Show info and tickets here

 

Seattle Theatre Group: Jonathan Van Ness – Imaginary Living Room Olympian 

12/9 only. At the Paramount Theatre (Downtown Seattle).

Not exactly a holiday show, but rest assured: comedy, gymnastics, and real-talk from Queer Eye‘s most effervescent member is apt to make your spirits bright.

Read NWT’s preview (a top Christmas present pick!) here

Show info and tickets here

 

Responses have been condensed and edited for clarity.

 


For shows by date, see the Performance Calendar. (View the Christmas shows here.)

Chase D. Anderson is Editor & Producer of NWTheatre.org.