Tuesday, December 20, 2016

Review: A Gay Ol' Time with Alaska

By Michael Block

She's the reigning queen of the All Stars and she's returning to the Laurie Beechman Theater. Alongside her frequent collaborator Handsome Jeremy, Alaska, lovingly known as Alaska Thunderfuck 5000, brings holiday cheer and a well-polished night of comedy and song.
Alaska takes her time on stage to explain just why Christmas Is Gay. With Alaska holiday classics, epic mash-ups, and a wheel of impersonations through song, Alaska defines just why she is a winner. She literally can do it all. And with the greatest of ease. With the holidays as the theme, Alaska, with the fabulous aid of Handsome Jeremy, has the audience eating out of the palm of her hand. The evening was loosely tied thematically but held together by the musicality. From the piano-driven versions of “Ru Girl” and “Christmas Sux” to the epic mash-ups of Madonna’s “Frozen” paired with “Snow Miser/Heat Miser” and “By My Side” from Godspell smashed with Lady Gaga’s “Judas.” Only Alaska can combine Steven Schwartz and Lady Gaga, further proving the genius mind and branding that is Alaska. Even when her banter takes a turn from the serious, it remains in character. To complete a full show, Alaska took a page from the Jinkx Monsoon playbook by having a segment comprised of allowing the audience request songs, festive or from her catalogue of work. It was a wonderful gimmick that transitioned into another bit of the celebrity impersonations performing “Jingle Bells.” Alaska may be primarily know for her dark sensibility in comedy but she continues to elevate the look game. Her gown and matching headware was sensational. The stunning beauty radiated, creating a very sultry Christmas.
It’s true. This Christmas is gay. Happy that is. And it’s all thanks to Alaska. If there’s something beyond a triple threat, it’s Alaska. There’s a reason why Christmas is Gay extended and extended. Get your tickets early for the next time she’s in town. They’ll be gone before you know it.