The sudden transition from sunny early autumn to winter and cold November left us feeling more than a little light-deprived. But one sure-fire solution to brightening up these gray days is to plan ahead for a joyful holiday season.
If your plans include seeing a great live show here in DC, Maryland, Virginia, or anywhere else, it’s best to make your list now and check it twice. We’re here to help you run through the LGBTQ-focused divas, devos, and drag queens that might ring your bell from now until December.
Gay Men’s Choir: Holiday Show — GMCW’s most popular show each year brings an extravaganza of holiday carols, high-kicking reindeer, sparkling snowflakes, and more. This sounds like a euphemism for something festive to the tune of songs like “O Holy Night,” “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” “Let It Snow,” and “Go Tell It on the Mountain” (12/13-14, 12/20, lincoln theater)
Swingin’ Little Christmas! Starring Jane Lynch — Part cabaret, part comedy, and perhaps more than just Christmas kitsch, this classic live holiday special sees Emmy and Golden Globe winner Lynch host a “hilarious and heartfelt” in-depth brawl with guest Kate Flannery (office), Tim Davis (Gleevocal arranger), Tony Guerrero Quintet (11/29, strathmore)
Jinx & Della Holiday Show — The versatile drag duo of Jinkx Monsoon and Ben DelaCreme come to town to spread their brand of musical comedy cheer in the latest edition of the venerable holiday variety show directed, produced and written by Dela. We are currently on our 8th year of touring in the United States and Canada. Jinx returns to Broadway in January Oh Mary!So join BenDeLaCreme and witness her shenanigans while you can (12/1, Capital One Hall)
Dave Koz & Friends Christmas Tour — Classy jazzman Koz, with longtime musical partner guitarist and singer Jonathan Butler on the horn, and featured vocalist Haley Reinhart, vocalist/bassist Casey Abrams and Kayla Waters on keys, celebrate Christmas and Hanukkah on the 28th anniversary edition of Koz’ extended tour (Dec. 4) strathmore)
Atlas announces a big deal for the holiday season! — DC Drug regular Tara Foote unravels a night of holiday songs, sing-alongs, and stories sure to warm Scrooge’s heart (12/5, Atlas Arts Center)
It’s unzipped! live immersive drag musical — Highball Productions puts this dorky 18+ twist on the popular Disney movie musical about “one woman’s brave journey to let it all go and learn to be the queen she was meant to be,” and along the way she somehow stumbles upon a gay Swedish bathhouse, a naughty-talking snowman, and a life-size lovey-dovey (December 6-7) shaw’s tavern)
make christmas gay — Award-winning singer-songwriters Heather May, Kreis Matthews, and Flamie Grant bring you a soulful celebration of queer pride, chosen family, and the magic of the season in an evening of comedy, carols, and original songs (12/7, hill center)
John Water’s Christmas — The Birchmere and Baltimore dates for Waters’ annual festive freak show appear to be sold out, but perhaps a holiday miracle could still give you a seat to see the Trash Pope at the annual Burning of Un-Christmas Stories and Music, or you could try breaking the tour with stops in Michigan and Wisconsin (12/20, birchmere; 12/23, baltimore sound stage)
David Archuleta: My Only Wish: Holiday Live — The “Crème Brûlée” pop crooner ties a Christmas ribbon and celebrates the season by performing songs from his new holiday EP my only wishthree new original holiday songs he co-wrote and other holiday favorites (12/9-14; Joe’s Pub New York City and 12/18-19, peppermint club in LA)
luther relive holiday show — While we know Luther Vandross was never officially a member of the community, he always will be, and no tribute artist celebrates the late singer-songwriter with more TLC than performer William “Smooth” Wardlow. As Wardlow once said, she wore holiday sequins for this festive Las Vegas-style performance. metro weeklyaims to not only recreate Luther’s sublime musical effects live, but also “the pomp, lighting, and costumes.” There’s no such thing as too much (12/21, birchmere)
drag queen christmas — Gorgeous cast drag queen christmas We’ve already made it past the DMV, but with over 30 cities left on our tour across North America, there’s plenty more to see. drag race Superstars Jewels Sparkles, Lexi, Susie Toot, Lydia B. Collins, Bosco, Shea Coury, Crystal Messido, Brooke Linney Heights, and hostess Nina West perform holiday classics and remixes the way only they know how (touring until 12/29)
Mariah Carey: Christmastime in Las Vegas — I just wrapped her up. mimi’s celebration Tour, new album whirlwind promotional tour everything hereit’s no surprise that the Queen of Christmas is staying in one place for her annual luxury getaway. Christmas season in Las Vegas During her residency at Park MGM, she’ll be singing that song you know and other chestnuts, including the lovely Peanuts “Christmastime Is Here,” which will hopefully be added frequently to her song list (11/28-12/13, Park MGM Las Vegas)
Source: Metro Weekly – www.metroweekly.com
