The Fruit Cake Follies 2011

Christmas comes every year along with the arrival on the Silverlake cabaret scene, evidenced quite literally underground, of the Fruitcake Follies at the Cavern Theater under Casita Del Campo restaurant.

Former Disney theme-park performer James Gray and his band of fellow singers/actors/dancers/miscreants produce a cozy and entirely professional holiday farce complete with a boffo cast, deluxe musicality and detailed sets. The mix is 30 percent schmaltz, 30 percent camp, and 90 percent humor.

The foundation of the show is the witty lyrics and music. And that is the nature of this show. Funky, loose, and fun, though not the slightest bit of professionalism is lost in the down-home feel to the performance.

And a “home for the holidays” flavor is somehow enlivened by Momma, a larger-than-life local drag star. Momma is a more than established trouper when it comes to local Southland causes. Wherever there is a fundraiser with catering, there’s Momma! With her trademark “Connie Stevens” wig styles and a Baby Jane-inspired makeup job, Momma is meticulous in her costuming and performance, appearing in one over-the-top number using a Christmas tree skirt as a shawl. The effect was both hilarious and perfectly themed.