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A Molly Jolly Christmas

Written by and starring Andrea Alton; Directed by Mark Finley



BOTTOM LINE: A sassy, funny, morally-questionable holiday spectacular from a very entertaining character.

What better way to ring in the holiday season than with scantally clad ladies and jokes about genitalia? I've already expressed my love of Molly Equality Dykeman (read my review of her 2011 FringeNYC production) so you can imagine how excited I was to hear about her new show, A Molly Jolly Christmas. The lesbian crossing guard slash poet takes residence at the Laurie Beechman Theatre this month with a holiday themed romp complete with special guests, back up dancers, and poems...of course. Entirely silly and somewhat disconcerting for those that don't love lady parts as much as Molly does, the variety-hour styled show is more fun the more drinks you've had.

I caught A Molly Jolly Christmas last Tuesday, when special guests included burlesque performer Vicky Sin, singer Colton Ford, and performance artist Shelly Mars. All three proved entertaining, sexy, and appropriate complements to the vibe Molly sets. The addition of backup dancers the Mollettes, Victoria Smalc and Meliza Fernandez, means ample opportunities for musical numbers; director Mark Finley and choreographer John Paolilo make good use of these flexible, lanky, and obviously easygoing dancers. There's a strip club sensibility that seems right in line with Molly's sexually adventurous spirit.

About as festive as it gets, A Molly Jolly Christmas is a jubilant way to celebrate the season -- even more so if the holidays make you think of prescription pills and the female body. Andrea Alton is hilarious as Molly, and in this production she serves as host and also performer. This is a good format for the material, and the addition of performers keeps the evening moving along nicely. There's also a gift bag giveaway for those who are into winning stuff (I am, and I lost, but that's okay, I'm not bitter).

There's only one show remaining and the line-up is first rate: Victoria Libertore as Liza Minnelli, Village Voice columnist Michael Musto, and a return performance from recording artist Colton Ford.

(A Molly Jolly Christmas plays at The Laurie Beechman Theater at the West Bank Cafe, 401 West 42nd Street. Remaining performance is December 22, 2011 at 7:30PM. Full dinner and drink menu available, and the venue has a $15 minimum. Tickets are $18. To purchase tickets visit spincyclenyc.com. For more info visit mollyequalitydykeman.com.)