As the winter
holiday season descends upon major metropolitan areas across North America, theatergoers and drag enthusiasts are once again filling performing arts venues for an annual tradition that has evolved into a staple of contemporary seasonal entertainment. The Jinkx and Dela Holiday Show, starring celebrated drag icons, actors, writers, and comedians Jinkx Monsoon and BenDelaCreme, has officially launched its extensive national tour. Marking its ninth consecutive year on the road, the production arrives at a unique cultural and political juncture, offering audiences a blend of sharp satire, theatrical storytelling, and communal catharsis.
This year’s iteration of the tour kicked off amid a shifting domestic political landscape, one that both performers note has drastically altered the emotional tone of the theatrical experience compared to previous cycles. Speaking from Atlanta, Georgia, ahead of their performance at The Eastern Theater, the duo reflected on the psychological shift experienced by queer and trans communities following recent electoral outcomes. The tour’s itinerary spans major cities including Cincinnati, New York, Cleveland, Detroit, and San Francisco, culminating in a traditional four-night residency in Seattle from December 21 through December 24—the Pacific Northwest city where the artistic partnership and friendship between Monsoon and BenDelaCreme first blossomed nearly a decade ago. Ticket demand for the ongoing tour has remained exceptionally high, reflecting the production’s cemented status as a premier holiday ticket.
A Shift in Political Climate and the Power of Global Community
The stark contrast between the current tour’s opening weeks and those of prior years is not lost on the co-creators. Reflecting on the emotional weight of theatrical production during volatile political periods, Jinkx Monsoon recalled the heavy atmosphere surrounding their 2022 staging. Opening a show on the exact night of a major political shift presented formidable challenges, compounding the hardships faced by queer and trans individuals navigating an increasingly hostile public discourse.
However, the atmosphere surrounding the current run has been markedly different. Monsoon emphasized that filling theaters night after night serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring presence and resilience of the queer community. Describing the phenomenon as a form of reassurance, Monsoon highlighted that global networks of queer individuals continue to thrive even under adverse circumstances. Rather than having to constantly combat institutional resistance to basic human rights narratives, the performers have experienced a renewed sense of collective relief, likening the packed houses and shared cultural understanding to a seasonal miracle.
BenDelaCreme added that the conceptual framework of each annual show is deliberately designed to reflect the collective psychological state of their audience. Addressing the inherent anxiety of navigating an uncertain socio-political future, the production leans into the reality that deterministic narratives about societal trajectories are rarely inevitable. By pairing this thematic exploration of the unknown with a wave of renewed hope, the creators aim to remind audiences that civic and cultural engagement requires persistent, active participation rather than passive observation.
The Satirical Lens of Capitalism, Artistry, and Ebenezer Scrooge
Central to the narrative structure of the current show is a biting satirical premise: a billionaire, personified through the classic literary figure of Ebenezer Scrooge, acquires the holiday production. According to Monsoon, the creative team deliberately utilizes universally recognizable fictional Christmas archetypes to address deeply serious socioeconomic realities through absurd comedic lenses.
This theatrical premise opens a broader dialogue regarding the economic viability of artistic labor in the modern market. Both Monsoon and BenDelaCreme discussed the compounding financial pressures facing contemporary artists, who are increasingly forced to choose between creative integrity and financial sustenance. In recent years, public funding for the arts has faced continuous legislative pressure, while media landscapes have grown heavily corporatized, prioritizing guaranteed financial returns over artistic innovation.
Amid this commercialization of filmed entertainment, live performance has emerged as a resilient stronghold for authentic artistic expression. BenDelaCreme noted that live theater offers a distinct psychological anchor in an era characterized by widespread skepticism and digital saturation. In an age where audiences are constantly forced to question the authenticity of digital media, artificial intelligence, and screened interactions, the physical presence of a live performer provides an unmediated, tangible exchange of human energy. This visceral connection, the performers argue, is the primary driver behind the continued growth and vitality of live theatrical entertainment.
Multigenerational Icons and the Creative Process
The development of The Jinkx and Dela Holiday Show relies on a collaborative writing process that begins annually with a clean slate. While the structure allows for spontaneity, BenDelaCreme frequently introduces topical assignments, cultural moments, or musical tributes that demand inclusion. For the current production, the show incorporates deliberate homages to prominent multigenerational queer icons, specifically paying tribute to the cultural legacies of Dolly Parton and Tim Curry.
Integrating such diverse cultural touchstones requires a delicate balance of reverence and theatrical subversion. Monsoon praised BenDelaCreme’s ability to weave these tributes into the fabric of the show in a manner that feels entirely organic to the production’s distinct aesthetic. While the specific musical and theatrical choices might appear incongruous outside of the show’s universe, within the context of the holiday spectacular, they serve as a deliberate celebration of enduring artistic excellence.
Broader Industry Implications and the Resilience of Live Performance
The longevity of The Jinkx and Dela Holiday Show illustrates a broader trend within the entertainment industry: the migration of audiences toward live, community-centric theatrical experiences that offer direct engagement and shared emotional validation. As traditional holiday offerings face increasing competition from streaming platforms and standardized seasonal programming, independent theatrical productions driven by distinctive artistic voices continue to capture significant market share.
Furthermore, the commercial success of a touring drag production highlighting queer narratives underscores the economic power and cultural demand of marginalized demographics. By blending socio-political commentary with traditional holiday tropes, Monsoon and BenDelaCreme have demonstrated that niche theatrical works can achieve mainstream viability without diluting their core messages. As the tour continues its national journey toward its Seattle conclusion, the production stands as both a celebration of festive cheer and a testament to the enduring necessity of live art in times of social transformation.
