BWW EXCLUSIVE: An Interview With 'Christmas Eve'

When last we heard from the celebrated therapist and nail technician Christmas Eve, she had just left her long time residence on Avenue Q for greener pastures with her husband Brian. BroadwayWorld.com caught up with this elusive cult figure today while she was on break from rehearsing her upcoming holiday cabaret spectacular benefiting Broadway Cares / Equity Fights AIDS "Christmas Eve with Christmas Eve" scheduled for a one night only performance on Monday December 14th. Ever the candid one, Christmas Eve shared with us her musings on the holiday season and gave us some personal insights on the men in her life in this exclusive interview.

BWW: What is your holiday wish?

C.E.: My holiday wish is coming true! I have been very good this year and Santa has promised me an evening where I can sing duets with handsome Broadway leading men! I bet lots of you sing in your shower and wish Raul Esparza was there with you...to sing a duet! Get your mind out of the gutter!

BWW: Did you have any holiday traditions growing up?

C.E.: Yes - I always put milk and sushi out for Santa! And seaweed for the reindeer!

BWW: As a child, what was the best present you ever received for Christmas?

C.E.: My First Therapy doll set - including leather couch, notebook and timer!

BWW: How is husband Brian's consulting career going? Is he consulting on your Holiday show for Broadway Cares with you?

C.E.: Of course Brian is not consulting on this show. It is MY fantasy. So I don't want him butting in when I have private time with Andy Karl.

BWW: How inclusive will this show be? Can we expect and songs about Chanukah or Kwaanza?

C.E.: Nope. I like candles, I like Africa, but I LOVE trees!

BWW: Statistics show that suicide rates are highest around the holidays. As a licensed therapist, do you have any advice to people on The Edge?

C.E.: Get over yourself. The holidays are hard enough without people having to clean up YOUR mess. Be creative and use your restless anxiety to make art! Make up an interpretive dance about your relationship! Write a limerick about your boyfriend's lack of sexual skills! Knit a sweater to keep your hands busy and away from the razor blades!

BWW: Getting back to your show. You'll be sharing the stage with Raul Esparza, Christopher Sieber, John Tartaglia, Andy Karl, Chip Zien, Paul Castree, Jeremy Davis and Michael Mindlin. That's quite an impressive roster! What is the connection? Are they friends or clients?

C.E.: I not allowed to say!!!!!

BWW: One more quick question about your show...

C.E. No No No. You ask too many. Why should I give it away to you?!. It's a benefit!! Don't be so cheap. If you want to know more come see me in "Christmas Eve with Christmas Eve" on Monday December 14th at 730. Buy a ticket online at www.broadwaycares.org

 

Ann Harada (Christmas Eve) originated the role of Christmas Eve in both the Broadway and London productions of the Tony Award-winning musical Avenue Q. Her other Broadway credits include 9 to 5, Les Miserables, Seussical The Musicaland M. Butterfly. She was also featured in the Actors Fund productions of Chess and Hair. Recent TV work includes "Lipstick Jungle" (as Victory Ford's mother), "Cashmere Mafia," "Johnny and the Sprites," and "The Electric Company."