Ho-Ho-Ho from Fire Down Below

Ho-Ho-Ho from Fire Down Below

With so much going on during the holidays, you might be missing out on some pretty neat happenings, gift ideas and shows. I’ve compiled a list of my not-to-be-missed choices:

Sister Act: The Musical – Bob Carr Performing Arts CenterDirect from Broadway, this five-time Tony-nominated musical smash, produced by the rollicking Whoopi Goldberg. Based on the movie, a showgirl, Delores, witnesses a murder and is put in protective custody in the one place cops are sure she won’t be found – a convent! Through her fabulous disco-ness, she inspires the choir and breathes new life into the church. Playwright Douglas Carter Beane, who wrote the musicals The Little Dog Laughed and Xanadu, throws his own gay nod into the show when the singing nuns have to help save the church from being sold to a couple of “bachelor” antiques dealers. You’re sure to find salvation – if not hilarity. December 4-9.

First Annual Miss Comedy Queen Spectacular! – The Venue  – What better way to kick off the holigays than with your favorite comedy queens! Not only will it be pure comedy but this event will benefit The Barber Fund! So, if you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Ramadan, Ashura, Bodhi, or even Boxing Day, bring your friends and come celebrate with the funny ladies of comedy in this great drag show event featuring some of my faves, Ginger Minj, April Fresh, Eureka Fish and Blue!

Steppin’ Out with Irving Berlin – The Winter Park Playhouse – I can’t think of the holidays without thinking of Irving Berlin. This lively romp takes you through the life of American songwriter Irving Berlin via his catalogue of songs, including “White Christmas,” and of course, “Steppin’ Out.” Thru Dec. 15th.

Adam Lambert doll – I live for this!! This one of a kind Adam Lambert doll was specially created by Mattel to benefit Project Angel Food.

Transiberian Orchestra – Amway Center – For the first time ever, one of my favorite rock-opera bands, Trans-Siberian Orchestra is teaming up with Hallmark Channel to present the live debut of the band’s multi-platinum rock opera, “The Lost Christmas Eve,” their newest holiday tradition. Dec. 16th.

A Very She & Him Christmas  If you love Zooey Deschanel and – like me – can’t get the New Girl theme song out of your head, you’ll love this Christmas album by the duo She & Him, consisting of Deschanel and M. Ward. Deschanel’s wispy vocals mingles beautifully with her renditions of Christmas classics like “Have Yourself a Very Merry Christmas” and “The Christmas Waltz.” If that’s not enough Zooey for you, New Girl: Season 1 just came out on DVD as well!

Wanzie’s GLITTERING  STAR-STUDDED “A CHRISTMAS CAROL”: A Dickens’-      Inspired Celebrity Cavalcade Holiday Spectacle!  The Footlight Theater – Far from traditional, Michael Wanzie’s cracked version of A Christmas Carol has become my holiday tradition for the past three years. Wanzie’s comic adaptation of Charles Dickens’ tale assembles an all-star cast to act the story, played by a veritable cast of comedic crazies. Twistedly funny and wildly inappropriate casting: Carol Lee as Carol Channing as Scrooge, Gidget Galore as Liza Minelli as Tiny Tim, Doug Ba’aser as Marlee Matlin as Bob Cratchit. And Miss Sammy as Cher, who as the Ghost of Christmas Past belts out “If I Could Turn Back Time.” Pure Christmas Cher! Saturdays, thru Dec. 22nd

American Horror Story: Season 1 on blu-ray – If you have yet to see the incredibly wicked, breath-taking, dark and twisted show from mega producer Ryan Murphy, you are seriously missing out! If not only to be able to see – and pause and rewind – Dylan McDermott’s perfectly-aged naked butt, AHS offers up a Golden Globe winning performance by Jessica Lange.

Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol – Theatre Downtown – If you’re looking for the classic, Theatre Downtown’s annual performance has got you covered. Thru Dec. 23rd.

Next Generation Ballet’s The Nutcracker, The Great Imperial Ballet – David A. Straz Center  – Dancing snowflakes, sugar plum fairies and men in tights; can’t get much gayer than that. Seeing this ballet is quickly becoming a holiday tradition for me. My partner says it’s because I’m a control freak and a ball-buster. Dec. 22ndand 23rd.

Fiesso Black and Red Diagonal Suede Genuine Leather Loafer Shoes – Drool. ‘Nuff said.

Drip Orlando – Remember that Christina Aguilera video for “Dirrty”? Take that, add paint, colored beer, water and a number of other mediums being utilized in a full dive bar setting with full audience interaction and you get “Drip!” Creator Jessica aka “MARIKO” has turned what was once a 15 minute Fringe show that she debuted six years ago, starring only two people into a full-on intense art experience including a substantial venue setting, full cast and a live rock band! It’s an in-your-face explosion of color and movement and music. There’s really no way to describe it but dress down, drink up, rock out and get dirrty! Thursday, Friday and Saturdays, 8pm.

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