Lights, Laughs, and Luxy!

February 14, 2025
WINDSOR, Ontario

A 50s Sitcom Brought to Life

There’s something magical about stepping into a time warp, and on Valentine’s Day, Windsor’s Temple Ballroom became a living, breathing 1950s television set. I Love Luxy, an original concept by Epoxy with co-production by Temple Blooms Productions, starred the incomparable Luxy Charms, and delivered a side-splitting spoof of vintage sitcoms, complete with live skits, improv, and lip-sync performances that kept the audience roaring with laughter.

Table of Contents:

• A Mock-Live Filming Experience

• A Cast of Colorful (or Grayscale) Characters

• Nosey Neighbours and Interactive Comedy

• A Perfect Valentine’s Day Treat

A Mock-Live Filming Experience

The show kicked off just after 8 PM, instantly immersing the audience in the black-and-white world of classic television. With a set designed to resemble a 50s-style home and a cast decked out in grayscale costumes, I Love Luxy brilliantly recreated the aesthetic of vintage TV. The night was packed with raunchy yet playful humor, over-the-top performances, and cleverly executed skits that paid homage to the golden age of sitcoms.

A Cast of Colorful (or Grayscale) Characters

At the heart of the show was Luxy Charms, the unhinged housewife whose home became a revolving door for outrageous visitors. Epoxy and Iddy Oats set the stage as charismatic TV hosts, while a wild lineup of characters—including Belle Vyra as an alien from Mars, Airress as a bohemian beatnik, and Cecil Cecropia as the ever-reliable milkman—kept the laughs rolling. Lua and Mercury Retrograde, playing the nosey neighbours, provided some of the night’s most hilarious moments with their constant surveillance and judgmental expressions.

Nosey Neighbours and Interactive Comedy

The audience interaction was one of the show’s standout elements. During intermission, Lua and Mercury Retrograde remained in character, peeking through the window with binoculars while casually ironing the curtains—a detail that had the crowd in stitches. The commitment to character and the immersive nature of the performance made the experience even more engaging.

A Perfect Valentine’s Day Treat

By the time the final act wrapped, the audience was left in awe of the sheer talent and comedic timing displayed throughout the night. To top it off, the cast stayed on set for a post-show meet-and-greet, allowing guests to snap photos with their favorite characters. Erica Spotton captured the night’s best moments, ensuring the magic of I Love Luxy would live on beyond the stage.

A Nostalgic Night to Remember

With its perfect blend of camp, chaos, and classic TV nostalgia, I Love Luxy was an absolute triumph. Whether you came for the laughs, the lip-syncs, or the sheer absurdity of it all, one thing’s for sure—this was a night Windsor won’t soon forget.

Review by Kevin Blondin
Photos by Eri Spotton

The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show 2024

Photos by Santiago Felipe

A Holly, Jolly, Hilarious Night with Jinkx & DeLa in Detroit

DETROIT, Michigan - Monday, November 25, 2024, marked the arrival of The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show at Detroit’s iconic Masonic Temple. Presented by AEG, this festive extravaganza proved once again why Jinkx Monsoon and BenDeLaCreme reign supreme as the queens of Christmas. As part of their biggest international tour to date, this campy celebration was the perfect way to kick off the holiday season.

From the moment the curtain rose, Jinkx and DeLa brought their signature blend of sass, spectacle, and holiday cheer. Their chemistry is truly infectious—whether trading witty barbs or belting out their hilarious reimagined pop songs, they had the audience roaring with laughter and cheering for more. This year's production, like the ones before it, blended clever humor, jaw-dropping costumes, and sharp social commentary in a way only these two drag icons can deliver.

The show’s pacing was impeccable, bouncing between laugh-out-loud comedy sketches, heartfelt moments, and dynamic musical numbers. Their playful spins on holiday classics and current hits kept the energy high, while their ability to balance campy humor with poignant messages made for a well-rounded and engaging evening.

After the curtain fell, lucky attendees were treated to an intimate Q&A session with Jinkx and DeLa. The duo didn’t hold back, sharing hilarious behind-the-scenes anecdotes and insights into the meticulous planning that goes into their annual extravaganza. It was a testament to their dedication and talent—every detail, down to the comedic timing and choreography, is carefully calibrated to perfection.

Jinkx and DeLa's ability to weave queer joy, political satire, and pure holiday magic into one seamless show is nothing short of revolutionary. Their work doesn’t just entertain—it fosters community and reminds us of the importance of finding laughter and connection, even in challenging times.

For anyone looking for a festive escape filled with laughs, glitter, and heartfelt moments, The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show is a must-see. With 33 stops across the US, and Canada this year, there’s no excuse to miss out on this yuletide drag spectacular.

Spreading Holiday Cheer, One Stage at a Time

Jinkx Monsoon and BenDeLaCreme have once again proven why they’re the reigning queens of holiday drag. If the Detroit stop is any indication, this year’s tour is their best yet. So, grab your chosen family, don your gayest apparel, and make The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show a part of your festive traditions. Trust us—it’s the most wonderful, and hilarious, time of the year!

Review by Kevin Blondin

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)