What’s it all about?
Christmas Ain’t A Drag – The Big Band Musical
An uplifting new musical inspired by the big band era, celebrating the love, romance & acceptance people find at Christmas.
With original rock, blues, and jazz music featuring the David George Orchestra
Book by David George
Music & Lyrics by David George and George Johnsen
The show…
When cynical club owner Benni Deveaux realizes they might have to sell their struggling nightclub to pay off debts, a chaotic Christmas Eve show—and the misfit family who calls the place home—rekindles their faith in love, music, and the magic of belonging.
In 2013, creator David George had written a few Christmas songs with George Johnsen and was asked to perform them at the Record Bar in Kansas City. He brought together his band, A Crooked Mile, added some horns and rocked the house! (It was also the night he proposed to his now wife!)
2014 was the year the show began to take shape. David, along with his partner, composer/lyricist George Johnsen, added more songs which began to form the theme and storyline of “Christmas Ain’t A Drag.”
KANSAS CITY 2015
Christmas Ain’t A Drag became a reality in 2015 when a script was written, songs were arranged, and a venue was obtained! December 19, 2015, two shows of Christmas Ain’t A Drag were performed at the Madrid Theatre in Kansas City, MO, with full cast and band, featuring David George, Shay Estes, Doug Brewer (as Holly), and Pancho Javier. Directed by Chip Miller. Although it was still in its infancy, the show received rave reviews!
New York City 2019
Christmas Ain’t A Drag made its NYC* debut December 7, 2019, at the iconic venue, The Cutting Room in New York City. The 90-minute show in two Acts featured an eight-member cast with the eight-piece David George Orchestra performing the show’s music arranged by music director, Bob Malone (composer and keys, John Fogerty). Abbe Sparks and Ric Zivic served as Executive Producers. Billy Blanks, Jr. choreographed. Featuring John Carlin, Billy Blanks, Jr. (Holly), Zach Turner, Marc Scrivo, and Jesse Fahay.
And then COVID-19 and 2020 changed everything.
The production shut down until 2022 when the creator David George put together a 9-piece band and began performing songs from the show around the Kansas City area.
KANSAS CITY 2024
FIVE SOLD OUT NIGHTS!
David George’s Christmas Ain’t A Drag returned to Kansas City after a few years off due to COVID. Directed by Katie Gilchrist, produced by David George and Heidi Van, the show performed FIVE SOLD-OUT nights at the Black Box in the Kansas City West Bottoms. With new songs, new cast, the original David George Orchestra on stage, the immersive show set at Club Deveaux was a hit and ready for a 2025 return! Featuring the incredible Jackson Tomlin (Holly), Scotty Sharp, Shane St. James, Cori Anne Webber, and New York’s finest, John Carlin as Benedict!
KANSAS CITY 2025
David George’s Christmas Ain’t A Drag is back in Kansas City after an incredible sold-out run in 2024. The show, back at the Black Box in the West Bottoms was directed by Katie Gilchrist, produced by David George (Moozer Music Inc.) and George Johnsen. With an incredible cast, and the Christmas Ain’t A Drag Orchestra on stage, the immersive show set at the fictional venue Club Deveaux is ready to turn the coldest of hearts into the biggest of fans! Featuring the incredible Jackson Tomlin (Holly), Scotty Sharp, Travis Holt, Jamie Lin Pratt, Angel Z. Duong, and Emmy Hadley!