Glitter, Laughter, & Holiday Magic
A Sneak Peek at The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show
In a festive night filled with sequins, laughter, and holiday cheer, BenDeLaCreme and Jinkx Monsoon graced the stage for an exclusive preview of their internationally acclaimed holiday extravaganza, The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show. The Masonic Temple in Detroit, Michigan, played host to the first lucky audience on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, as the dynamic duo unveiled their latest creation, and THISisDRAG.com was there to experience the magic.
As the queens prepared for their grand tour across the US, UK, and Canada, the special preview in Detroit offered a glimpse into the dazzling spectacle that fans can expect this holiday season. Produced by BenDeLaCreme Presents, the duo's sixth annual holiday tour promised to be their biggest yet, featuring more cities, more shows, and even grander theaters, including the iconic Dolby Theatre.
The anticipation in the air was palpable as the queens took the stage, ready to showcase their brand-new production. From the moment the curtain rose, it was clear that audiences were in for a treat—a whimsical journey through a holiday wonderland brought to life by the creative genius of BenDeLaCreme and Jinkx Monsoon.
The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show has become a cherished tradition for drag enthusiasts, and this year's edition did not disappoint. The duo demonstrated their commitment to authentic queer storytelling, taking charge as the sole writers and creators of the show. BenDeLaCreme, also in the roles of producer and director, emphasized the importance of queer narratives being told from within the community.
The Masonic Temple transformed into a festive playground, adorned with dancing snow people, gingerbread characters, reindeer, and a colorful array of holiday-themed personas. The campy duo's sixth year touring together brought forth a spectacle filled with laughter, camaraderie, and an abundance of ridiculous yet delightful musical numbers.
Characters such as Santa, Krampus, angels, Hunky the Elf, a drummer boy, and an ensemble of dancing friends and elves graced the stage, creating a visual feast for the audience. The queens' wit shone through in hilarious medleys, including irreverent renditions of Christmas classics like "Santa Baby" and original songs with a playful twist, such as a Frosty the Snowman tune set to the melody of "Witchy Woman."
One of the highlights of the night was the duo's ability to seamlessly weave together holiday favorites with their unique drag flair. Songs about hot cocoa, set to the tune of classics like "Jitterbug," and a Santa Claus anthem with a rock twist delighted the audience, creating a memorable experience that transcended the traditional holiday show.
As the queens took their final bows, the crowd erupted in applause, signaling the success of the preview night. The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show promises to be a must-see extravaganza, offering a perfect blend of entertainment, humor, and a touch of holiday magic. For those seeking an escape into a world of glitter and joy, BenDeLaCreme and Jinkx Monsoon's holiday spectacle is the ultimate ticket to a festive celebration of drag at its finest.
By Kevin Blondin (@kevinblondinsta)
With photos by Santiago Felipe (@santiagraphy)