Let's Have a Friendly 'War on Christmas!'

Scott Shoemaker's War on Christmas, now in its seventh year of production, is a sign of the times — a way to come together to fight the big dark. In the wake of the election and the lost daylight, a little guffaw may be more vital than ever, and Shoemaker and co-writer Freddy Molitch's Christmas spectacular are certain to bring plenty of those.

Freddy Molitch says War on Christmas is more than a play; it's a way to celebrate the joy of life.

"It's a culturally a dark time — we need it more than ever," said Molitch.

The Other 'War on Christmas'

The phrase "War on Christmas" encapsulates the debate over how Christmas is celebrated in the U.S., particularly the tension between religious and secular interpretations of the holiday. Conservatives argue that political correctness and inclusive language, such as "happy holidays," are undermining traditional Christmas customs. 

And while Shoemaker's War on Christmas pokes fun at these fundamentalist claims of "suppressing religious identity" Shoemaker says his play is not anti-religion at all. 

"It's a friendly War on Christmas," said Shoemaker. 

He says his play isn't about revolting or fighting back, it's simply about being able to express yourself and have fun, regardless of who you are. If stoking hysteria is the conservative's War on Christmas, then Shoemaker's is about laughing together. 

"We aren't fighting back, we're just existing," said Shoemaker. It's a show for the bah-humbuggers, the grinches, the yuletiders, and everyone in between.

The Show 

In its seventh year of offering up what has become a Seattle cult classic, War on Christmas follows the structure of stories like A Christmas Carol, Pee-wee's Big Adventure, and The Wizard of Oz. Molitch says there's a formula, where the first act features the backstory, the second act creates a fantasy, and the third act centers the story in the real world.

"Every year it gets weirder. Every year it might be too weird," said Molitch. 

Molitch has taken inspiration from strange '70s Christmas songs and combined them with weird Christmas traditions. While past years have been centered on a War on Christmas dinner party, this year's show is a Christmas beauty pageant. 

Molitch also borrows stories from traditional winter celebrations, like Yule Lads and Icelandic folklore. Krampus may make an appearance, and Shoemaker says to be on the lookout for the Elf on the Shelf. 

"Scott really loves Christmas, I really don't," said Molitch.

The play incorporates a multitude of ideas about Christmas, but it's definitely not for kids. It's strictly 21+, and as Molitch says, "This show is on the naughty list."

The Cast

Shoemaker's shows have featured the same cast of characters throughout the years. Besides Shoemaker, who appears as himself, the overly obsessed ringleader of the group, you may be familiar with some of the faces, all independent artists who perform around Seattle. 

Adé: The Dingbat and Lovable Ditz

Glory Joel: The Theater Queen

Joel, who is in his second year of performing, said, "It's actually the best show I've ever been in. It's a special mix of camp, intelligence, and stupidity all gooped into holiday fun." 

Major Scales: The Spooky One 

Scales is all about dark things and ancient rituals. He's also a creative partner of Jinkx Monsoon, one of Seattle's Drag Race icons.

Scales says the War on Christmas community is as tightly knit as an ugly Christmas sweater.

"I've felt a community from the get go. People get my weird sense of humor, and are willing to be crazy and absurd for the show."

Mandy Price: The Voice of Reason

The show also features Mandy Price, who plays the improv artist and voice of reason for the cast.

"My favorite part is working with these guys," said Molitch. "We come up with these ideas, and they get to add their unique mark."

Protecting the Future of the Show 

Theatre Off Jackson is the only independent theatre in the Chinatown-International District. It's getting harder and harder for fringe theaters to thrive in Seattle, but not because of lack of interest, Shoemaker says. It's because the spaces for production are becoming too expensive.

"It's sad for the city. Seattle is a good incubator to develop theater. In the '90s, we were second next to Broadway."

"Come out and support independent theater and give your family a reason to celebrate this year. For eons, humans have had fun winter celebrations, a little warmth to fight the cold and dark. It's a reminder that we all are mad sometimes, we're all sad sometimes, but we can all laugh about that. 

"Scott's character even takes antidepressants," said Molitch. 

So if Christmas for you is Krampus, Yule Lads, or even just a little Mariah Carey, come enjoy War on Christmas. Let's come together to celebrate the wacky and wonderful, the silly and scandalous, and a good excuse to get the figgy pudding and the eggnog ready!