Review: The Gift We All Need for Christmas is HAM FOR THE HOLIDAYS: JURASSIC PORK

In these chaotic and somewhat disturbing times, we can all use a good laugh as a release valve. I know I could. This is why I was so excited that last night I was going to get to partake in my favorite annual holiday tradition. No, not getting to beat some old lady to the last Tickle-Me Pokémon (or whatever) on Black Friday or sipping eggnog with your co-workers until the inappropriate conversations begin. It's my annual trip to ACT to catch the latest installment of Lisa Koch and Peggy Platt's "Ham for the Holidays" and this year's offering "Jurassic Pork" was certainly not a letdown, in fact I think this may be one of their best. With their liberal dose of liberal humor and more gay than you can shake a glitter and jewel encrusted stick at, Koch and Platt have the cure for any Grinch-like holiday moods.

If you've never been to a "Ham for the Holidays" before, well I pity you. Think of it like the sketch comedy of the old Carol Burnett Show or any of those 70's variety shows but then take away the FCC censors. It's the most ridiculous and hysterical characters you can imagine such as aging rockers Heartwood Mac or the rousing game show "Are You Smarter Than a Queen?" or old familiar characters like the Sequim Gay Men's Chorus or that fabulous mother and daughter country duo The Spudds and this year's show from Mama, "Spudd Trek". And then, of course, there are the most awesomely bizarre videos that play in between the sketches. The sing a long had me in tears (of laughter).

As usual, Koch and Platt are hilarious and truly showed off as the Seattle Comedy Treasures they are. When the two of them fall into a groove as they did as the dweeb girls at camp you just need to sit back and hold on for one hysterical ride. Hell, even when they're not completely on point they're funnier than most things in town. Once again, Michael Oaks is along for the raucous ride to brilliant effect. And this year we have a few new additions. New Music Director Bruce Hall slayed as Mama Euomie Spudd's new husband who doesn't quite even know where he is and coming back from last year, Joel Domenico and Abbey Drake get even more to do than move furniture and look good as they're more prominently featured in the skits. Especially Domenico who got to show off his killer voice and comedic skills along with his washboard abs.

As usual Koch and Platt (aka Dos Fallopia) have brought the best present to the Christmas party and we all get to partake. And so with my three letter rating system I give "Ham for the Holidays: Jurassic Pork" a "my face still hurts from laughing so much" YAY. It's already one of my favorite holiday traditions and I urge you to make it one of yours.

"Ham for the Holidays: Jurassic Pork" performs at ACT through December 24th. For tickets or information contact the ACT box office at 206-292-7676 or visit them online at www.acttheatre.org.