Angels and Demons

Nearly Naked puts on edgy holiday drama

Comments (0) By Tricia Parker Thursday, Dec 10 2009

With the Gospel of Luke on one end, Christmas Vacation at center, and Bad Santa at the other, where does your favorite seasonal tale fall on the holiday entertainment continuum? Seems like a resonant holiday tale should include some form of villainous menace, whether it be giant dancing rats or a miserly boss.

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In Times Square Angel, a play by New York drag scenester Charles Busch, the lead’s worst enemy has more in common with Billie Bob Thornton than she has with Cindy Lou Who. Her worst enemy is herself. A hard-living nightclub singer on the proverbial road to ruin, Irish O’Flanagan’s demons appear like Clarence to George Bailey, except our drag queen’s angel is a vaudeville magician named Albert who wears wings and not much else. Replete with corrupt politicians, a kidnapping scheme, and gun violence, Times Square Angel delivers action and, natch, redemption.

Directed by Tim Shawver (he also stars, teamed up again this year with Damon Dering), this Nearly Naked Theatre limited engagement runs for only ten pre-holiday performances.

Fri., Dec. 11, 8 p.m.; Sat., Dec. 12, 2 & 8 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 13, 2 & 6 p.m.; Wed., Dec. 16, 8 p.m.; Thu., Dec. 17, 8 p.m.; Fri., Dec. 18, 8 p.m.; Sat., Dec. 19, 2 & 8 p.m., 2009