David George’s CHRISTMAS AIN’T A DRAG

Showpack

2022 DESCRIPTIVE

Funny, light-hearted, and filled with surprises, David George’s CHRISTMAS AIN’T A DRAG tells the tale of love & acceptance at Christmas time, featuring all original rock, blues & jazz music by renowned musician/lyricist David George and composer/lyricist George Johnsen. Christmas ain’t a drag… when you’re with me!

THEMES

CHRISTMAS AIN’T A DRAG is laced with underlying messages that touch on current societal issues affecting the nation and the world. The underlying theme of the rock musical revue is Acceptance.

Additional Themes & Sub-Themes: gender equality, diversity, single motherhood, Christmas magic, Holiday Season, LGBTQ, Love & Romance

SHOW OVERVIEW

Funny, light-hearted, and filled with surprises, David George’s CHRISTMAS AIN’T A DRAG tells the tale of love and acceptance at Christmas time, featuring all original big band rock & roll music and lyrics by renowned musician/lyricist David George and composer/lyricist George Johnsen.

Inspired by the music of the big band era, David George’s CHRISTMAS AIN’T A DRAG, tells the story of four individuals whose lives intersect at a local nightclub on the night before Christmas. One has lost love and is eager to find it. Another is always looking for love but never seems to hold on to it. The third has walled herself away from love. And, the last yearns for the love of another who seems blind to his advances. Oh, yes. And then there’s Benedict, the owner of the club – a bah humbug kinda’ guy.

In the end, they discover love and the magic of the holiday — proving that Christmas should never be a Drag!

Created by David George

Book by David George

Original Music and lyrics by David George and George Johnsen

Executive Producer, RIc Zivic

Executive Producer, Abbe Silverberg Sparks

Music Director, Bob Malone

Choreographer, Billy Blanks, Jr.

BACKSTORY

CHRISTMAS AIN’T A DRAG was developed in Kansas City, MO in December 2015. With preview shows at the Living Room Theater followed by two capacity performances at the Madrid Theatre. Since then, the show formed a new production team – CAAD PARTNERS LLC – David George, Abbe Sparks, and Ric Zivic; Director, CAAD Partners; musical Director, Bob Malone, Choreographer and the lead role of Holly Dei, Billy Blanks, Jr., and secured a presenting venue partner in The Cutting Room NYC, a music/cabaret venue.

After a successful July 2017 investor reading at The Cutting Room and further development, in January of 2018, CHRISTMAS AIN’T A DRAG debuted a musical showcase at The Cutting Room with the 9-piece Christmas Ain’t A Drag Orchestra.

With additional original music, and a fantastic New York cast, CHRISTMAS AIN’T A DRAG debuted in 2019 at the Cutting Room to a SOLD OUT premiere.

THE NYC DEBUT 2019

CHRISTMAS AIN’T A DRAG made its NYC* debut on December 7th, 2019, at the iconic venue, The Cutting Room, 44 East 32nd Street, NY. The big band musical revue is a production of – CAAD PARTNERS – David George, Abbe Sparks, and Ric Zivic. The 90-minute show in two Acts features an eight-member cast* with the Christmas Ain’t A Drag Orchestra performing original rock, blues, and jazz music arranged by music director, Bob Malone (composer and keys, John Fogerty). Abbe Sparks and Ric Zivic serve as Executive Producers. Billy Blanks, Jr. is the Choreographer.

The show debuted in New York City with the goal to create a huge splash in New York with a one-night-only packed house performance. Mission accomplished to fabulous reviews, advance, and post coverage (unheard of for a one-night-only stint). Investors, producers, and directors from the theatre community and television, cable, and streaming services had been waiting to see the production in its entirety as they were at our 2017 reading and the 2018 musical showcase—all at The Cutting Room.

“*Actors in the December 7, 2019 performance: Appearing through an Agreement between this theatre, [Producer], and Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.”

“A Holly Jolly Holiday Spectacle!” Theater Pizzazz

“Christmas Ain’t A Drag rocked the Cutting Room with a sell-out crowd!” Broadway World

Christmas Ain't A Drag 2019 - Curtain Call

Watch 2019 Promo Video

From the 2019 SOLD OUT performance of Christmas Ain’t A Drag at the Cutting Room NYC! Featuring John Carlin as Benedict Deveaux! (Click on image below)

David George’s CHRISTMAS AIN’T A DRAG

CHARACTER DESCRIPTION

BENEDICT DEVEAUX – the owner of Club Deveaux. Christmas is special for him particularly as it means more money. He has little time for romance or affection. His attitude is a mask as he is really a deep romantic whose heart was broken long ago, along with his dreams.

BRAD – a struggling singer-songwriter who recently moved to Los Angeles to pursue his dream. He is a true romantic and Christmas is his favorite time of year. However, the sandy beaches and palm trees of L.A. made him homesick. He returns to his hometown only to be dumped by his long-term girlfriend on Christmas Eve. Brokenhearted, he wanders into Club Deveaux for solace. There, he becomes smitten by the Club’s lead singer, Holly Dei.

HOLLY DEI – the star of Club Deveaux and lead singer for Nick Love and the Dragtone Orchestra. When she walks into a room, eyes are immediately drawn to her. She is a stunning, beautiful, sultry woman with a certain “je ne sais quoi” presence. And, when, at the end, she’s revealed to be a man, it comes as a complete surprise and the true nature of love.

TRISH – the bartender and bar manager at Club Deveaux. Trish went from rising star to working mother in a one-night stand, six years before our show. Trish has given up on love and does her best to keep the amorous Nick Love at arm’s length. Raising a son by herself, she drives the point that she has little or no time for romance, but she has a secret buried deep.

NICK LOVE – the leader of the house band, The Dragtone Orchestra, at Club Deveaux. There’s more to this semi-unsuccessful rock ’n roller since he’s settled at Club Deveaux. He struggles to win the affection of Trish. However, he’s not just another musician attempting to woo some unsuspecting barmaid. He actually has a heart and good intentions, but his world will be rocked when the cat gets out of the bag!

SILVER & GOLD – Benedict’s minions. They dance and sing fabulously and have a strange affection for Benedict. Coy yet playfully daring, bordering on perverse, Silver & Gold seem to weave through everyone’s story as the show progresses. The Dragettes; a combination of men and women, but indistinguishable from each other with matching hair and costumes dance, sing, and wait on tables through the night.

THE DRAGTONE ORCHESTRA – a 9-piece orchestra that performs all music live on stage! The band features bass, drums, guitar, keys, and a four-piece horn section.

David George’s CHRISTMAS AIN’T A DRAG

2022

TREATMENT (Script Upon Request)

ACT 1

OUR STORY takes place on Christmas Eve at Club Deveaux, owned by our host Benedict Deveaux. Benedict enters the stage and sings to the audience (“Christmas Ain’t A Drag”) his appreciation for their attendance introducing Nick Love and The Christmas Ain’t A Drag Orchestra, the onstage band, and the Dragettes (a la The Ray-Lettes).

Meanwhile, the bartender Trish attempts to slip in unnoticed. Benedict does his best to objectify her tardiness and guilt her for her life’s choices, primarily not becoming the star he envisioned. Trish runs off to get ready to work. Nick Love speaks up on her behalf establishing Benedict’s heartless disdain for the hired help. Shortly thereafter, Brad Sergeant, hearing music, enters the club in search of a drink. He is confronted by an annoyed Benedict and is tossed off to Trish to accommodate the former singer-songwriter’s need to drown his sorrows. She coerces the young man to get on stage and sing. (“No White Christmas In LA”). He sings about his struggles in Los Angeles being away at Christmas from his love.

Benedict, trying to get everything ready before their big Christmas Eve show, returns to find Brad singing on his stage. Benedict, growing more frustrated as Brad begs him to be a part of the show, demands Nick to start the song without their star and runs off in a huff.

Suddenly, the long-legged, femme-fatale Holly Dei appears in the spotlight in all her glory and begs the question (“What’s A Naughty Girl To Do?”). Brad is immediately smitten with the beauty. When the song finishes, Trish invites Holly over to meet a shy, yet smitten, Brad. They move to a table to have a private talk.

Meanwhile, Nick, in a thinly veiled attempt for Trish’s affection, persuades her to join the band for one song (“Hot Rod Santa”) while they continue to rehearse for the big show. During the fun, rocking song where Santa has traded his sleigh in for a hot rod, Holly worries that Brad might just be on the rebound and she’s not want to be the one to break his heart. She tells Brad “it’s complicated” and jumps on stage with Nick and Trish.

Nick, following Trish back to the bar, continues his pursuit, but she thwarts his every attempt and leaves him stranded and down. Holly pulls him back to the stage to rehearse another song attempting to get him in the Christmas spirit. (“Almost Christmas”). The Dragettes persuade Trish into letting things go so she jumps on stage once again and really lets loose.

The joyous occasion doesn’t seem to help a frustrated Nick so he slips off stage. An excited Holly introduces the Dragettes for a quick dance number but their routine is a guise for Holly’s situation. Holly lays into Trish about the Nick “situation” but the table is quickly turned. (“Ho Ho Mistletoe”). When Holly finishes she realizes that Christmas allows her to be who she is and that men are like presents; the more the merrier! She heads out in search of Brad.

Benedict pops up in the strangest of places and explains to the audience about love and that the desperation of our four lovebirds sickens him. Money is Benedict’s love and all he wants at Christmas is (“Silver & Gold”).

Holly finds Brad but his hopeless romanticism causes her to open up to him. Meanwhile, in another part of the venue, Nick does his best to help Trish understand that she’s not the only one who has made difficult life choices, but she quickly steers the conversation away as it begins to snow outside. She has a disdain for the stuff, while Nick tries his best to convince her how magical it can be. (“Snow Snow Snow”). They dance and Trish seems to be giving into Nick’s romantic sensibility, but quickly puts a stop to it just as they are about to kiss. She runs off.

Nick croons about how another Christmas will be going by without the one he loves.

(“Another Blue Christmas”). A dejected Nick exits the stage as Brad and Holly quickly enter. Brad desperately tries to get Holly to give in to his advances. Holly realizes she has made a mistake and tells Brad that their relationship is a dead end and that Brad needs to return to L.A.. Holly and Brad want to believe they can find love at Christmas, but with Brad being the diehard romantic and Holly a girl afraid to reveal her true self, they are at an impasse. (“Christmas Time Is Here”). Trish and Nick, feeling the pressure of love, join in.

ACT 2

The show has begun at Club Deveuax and Nick Love and the Christmas Ain’t A Drag Orchestra kick off a thunderous beat. Invoking the spirit of Benny Goodman’s “Sing Sing Sing,” the drums boom and the horns blast as Holly and the Dragettes kick up their heels and dance! (“Red Lipstick”).

The band kicks into another song as Brad slips back in begging Benedict to help him get a moment with Holly (“That’s All I Want For Christmas”). Meanwhile, Holly returns to the stage and decides to change the mood a bit. She starts the band into a revamped yet somber arrangement of an Austrian Christmas Carol. (“Still Still Still”).

While Holly is centerstage, Nick is at the bar trying one last time to sway Trish, but her defenses are still firm. A dejected Nick leaves a little gift for her and her son and returns to the band. The Dragettes dig into Trish trying to convince her that Nick won’t give up and that maybe he is worth taking the plunge.

Benedict steps back up to the microphone thanking Holly for her beautiful yet mood-killing traditional Christmas carol. Benedict soon delivers an eloquent speech to the audience one last time. It appears that he might even have a heart. The Dragettes are astounded by his compassion. (“Christmas Ain’t A Drag (Revise 1)”). Trish, still holding Nick’s gift in her hand, realizes she has a possible place in her heart for him and accepts his request for a date.

Suddenly Brad has slipped onstage getting Holly’s attention and professing his undying love during the finale. Holly has a difficult time opening up, but finally drops a bomb — she’s a HE! Brad is shocked at first but is hurt not because of who she is but because she lied. Holly tries to explain that she never thought she would truly find love at Christmas, but she has. (“Christmas Time Is Here – Revised”) Brad accepts her for who she is and they both realize they can find love at Christmas. Holly and Brad join everyone in the finale (“Christmas Ain’t A Drag (Revise 2)”) exclaiming that Christmas ain’t a drag when you’re with the one you love!

Biography

DAVID GEORGE – CREATOR/COMPOSER/BOOK

David George is a gifted singer, songwriter, and guitarist. He has released over a dozen albums and has toured throughout North America. In 2012, he joined the legendary John Fogerty as a guitarist in his band and went out on a sold-out tour with appearances on Leno and Letterman. David’s songs have been heard on many television series (Party of Five, Judging Amy) and movies (Candy Stripers, Fear House) as well as at the NFL’s Arrowhead Stadium for his touchdown song for The Kansas City Chiefs, “Hey, Kansas City!”

Earlier in his career in Los Angeles, David worked in TV and Film such as The Wonder Years, Predator 2, Out For Justice, Maverick, Astronaut Farmer, and The Lake House, working alongside the likes of Mel Gibson, Walter Hill, Keifer Sutherland, and Michael Jackson among others. In addition, David served as an executive assistant in the feature film department at Warner Bros. and a screenwriter on Bebe (The Bridgette Bardot Story) in development.

David received his Bachelors in Arts and Science studying Film and Television at the University of Missouri at Kansas City. At the University he created the series Three Guys In Hats, a show about the performing arts in Kansas City.

www.davidgeorgeband.com

GEORGE JOHNSEN – COMPOSER/LYRICS

George Johnsen is the Founder and Chief Technology Officer of MammothVision. He has been part of over 100 groundbreaking film and commercial projects as a Visual Effects Supervisor and Visual Effects Producer.

With a background in rock-and-roll, George has created rock-and-roll visual experiences with such talented acts as Lady Gaga, Neil Diamond, John Fogerty, and The Who. Furthermore,

George serves as a key member of design teams contributing to every aspect of the experience on numerous theme park attractions.

www.mammothsav.com

Abbe Silverberg Sparks – Executive Producer

is the founder and chief igniter of Abbe Sparks Media Group, a boutique firm specializing in influencer and social media marketing, brand strategy, and advocacy for the entertainment industry. Abbe’s specialty is raising visibility that drives engagement, fan and follower growth, and ticket sales for Off-Broadway, regional theatre and touring shows, independent films, TV shows, and music concerts.

Credits: Scott McPherson’s ‘Til the Fat Lady Sings, Victory Gardens Theatre; A Day for Grace Off-Broadway/regional tour with Sam Llanas (formerly of BoDeans) and Doug Vincent; Seth Rudetsky’s Deconstructing Broadway Chicago; indie film premiere of Scrooge and Marley featuring Tim Kazerinsky, BruceVilanch, Judith Light, with music by Jason Gould; Miranda Sings Chicago starring Colleen Ballinger (Waitress) and jazz bassist Frank Russell’s sold out Miles to the Mayne: Tribute to Miles Davis, The Electric Years. Abbe received her Bachelor of Arts from Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia.

www.abbesparksmedia.com

Ric Zivic – Executive Producer

is an Emmy Award-winning, Grammy, and Tony-nominated producer and composer. A three-time Tony nominee as Producer for the Broadway hit A Christmas Story: The Musical, Ric is also Executive Producer of the made-for-TV movie The Christmas Secret, starring Beau Bridges and Richard Thomas. Ric was also Executive Producer on films that include Civil Unrest, The Garden,” and Zoo.

Other TV credits include the Hit TV Series Overhaulin‘, which airs on Discovery, and the global Eco-Documentary Winds of Change. as well as the popular series of TV specials UFO’s and Aliens: The Search For the Truth, and The Human Canvas, for TLC and the Discovery Network.

BOB MALONE- MUSIC DIRECTOR

Bob Malone has toured the world as a solo artist for two decades and has played keyboards with rock legend John Fogerty since 2011. He is also a busy session player and arranger, and is featured on the latest Ringo Starr record, “Give More Love.” His recording of “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch” was featured in the worldwide trailer for the Illumination/Universal movie The Grinch. Classically trained with a degree in Jazz from Boston’s prestigious Berklee School of Music, he has spent a lifetime playing rock & roll clubs, theaters, and arenas.

A New Jersey native, he is currently based in Los Angeles. As a solo artist, Bob plays around 100 shows a year in the US, UK, Europe, Asia, and Australia. He’s opened for Box Scaggs, the Neville Brothers, Rev. Al Green, Dr. John, and many others. As a member of John Fogerty’s band, he has played with music legends such as Bruce Springsteen, Bob Seger, Jackson Browne, Jimmy Buffet, and Alan Toussaint.

bobmalone.com

BILLY BLANKS JR. – CHOREOGRAPHER

Billy Blanks Jr. has had an illustrious career in dance and theater that began as a young teen. He Billy Banks earned roles as a star dancer in music videos with icons Paula Abdul, Madonna, Crystal Method, Quincy Jones, and Babyface. Credits: TV appearance on American Dreams with Alicia Keys, The Practice, Sister Sister, Kids Incorporated, and The Tonight Show. Theater: Tyrone Jackson in Fame, US, and European touring companies. Credits: Director Choreographer: We Sparkle Take II Celebrity Concert with Tom Hanks, Jason Alexander, Brian Cranston, Joey Lawrence, Britney Spears, and More. Billy made his directorial debut in NYC in 2017 with One Night With The Stars at Madison Square Garden. Billy’s revolutionary dance program, Dance It Out® is the fastest-growing fitness-based dance program in America, Japan, Taiwan, Germany, and Mexico. Billy’s new moving talk show Dance It Out debuted on the Lifetime Network in February 2020.