It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and I’m not just talking about the holiday season! Two of RuPaul’s most legendary queens, Jinkx Monsoon and BenDeLaCreme are back on the road for their eighth year spreading holiday joy, with just a hint of yuletide cynicism. This year, the queens are going on a haunting holiday sojourn though the Gingerbread House of Horrors, hoping to survive the ghastly parodies which lurk within. With plenty of parody songs, dirty jokes, and a Hunklin or six, The Jinkx and DeLa Holiday Show continually proves why we need their particular brand of holiday cheer each and every year.

Mr. Fir is sitting by the fireplace (but not too close) ready to tell you four terrifying tales of Christmas, each one more terrible than the last. Jinkx and DeLa must survive twisted versions of horror classics in a way only they know how: though singing and choreographed dance numbers. The framing device for this year’s Holiday Show is masterfully done, and often referred to by the queens throughout the show. It’s a fun blend of their Jinkx and DeLa Holiday Show traditions with an unexpectedly spooky twist! BenDeLaCreme has truly outdone himself this year as head writer, weaving a spine-tingling yet heartwarming story that’s totally unforgettable. You can tell both Jinkx and DeLa take such joy in creating this show every year, and both of their stamps are so clearly marked on the show.

As always, the parody songs and pop-culture references are what we’re all looking forward to each year. I was highly anticipating a “Kpop Demon Hunters” spoof and The Jinkx and DeLa Holiday Show did not disappoint! Clad in gold sparkling outfits, the act two opener of “Santa Claus” set to “Soda Pop” was absolute perfection. I also really enjoyed the “Naughty List” cover of “Ballroom Blitz” sung by Jinkx; it’s such a unique idea and the vibes of the number were totally on point. Of course the queens took shots at some of the year’s most popular fads like Labubus and AI, actually fusing the two into the most horrifying creation: the Rududu. Of course, there’s the customary complete irreverence for the holiday season as well; what with Rudolph portrayed as a sex-worker and immaculate conception occurring from the mere bump of an angel, nothing is sacred and that’s what makes it delightful. It’s one of the things I love most about drag: the constant references to current issues which get sneakily, or not so sneakily, folded into the show combined with their own unique perspectives on the holiday season. Laughter and cheers erupt at nods to how AI takes up all of our water resources or Jinkx’s plea to “save the dolls.” The Jinkx and DeLa Holiday Show is both a reflection of the year, but also ourselves as we navigate the world around us.

BenDeLaCreme and Jinkx Monsoon are charming and engrossing storytellers; they bring so much of themselves to this production, and you can feel that coming through with every song and story. Chloe Albin (also the choreographer), Isaiah Brooks, Jace Gonzalez, Jim Kent, Ruby Mimosa, and Derrick Paris are an incredible ensemble, with more quick changes than you can keep track of and fierce choreo. Of course we can’t forget Gus Lanza, one of the lead producers as well, as Hunky the elf. This team works wonders together; even when things go a little funny like a dress that gets tucked in or a broken strap on a prop, they cover for each other and work together to create the holiday magic we see before us.

I look forward to The Jinkx and DeLa Holiday Show coming through each year. You won’t find a better dressed audience, or one with better vibes, in Toronto. The message of The Jinkx and DeLa Holiday Show this year is about making merry for ourselves, about dancing through the hard times with the people we love, and that spirit is clearly felt in the room even before the show begins. Though this is only my second time seeing it, I hope that The Jinkx and DeLa Holiday Show will become one of my long-standing holiday traditions, and I think it should be one of yours, too!

The Jinkx and DeLa Holiday Show will be on tour until the end of December. While their Canadian performances have come to an end, there are still plenty of opportunities to check out this year’s spectacular! For more information and tickets, visit: https://www.jinkxanddela.com/

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Cover Photo: Jinkx Monsoon and BenDeLaCreme with Ruby Mimosa and Jace Gonzalez. Photo by Santiago Felipe.

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