Darren Criss is putting a new spin on the holidays in his live show, “A Very Darren Crissmas.”
The package is as exactly labeled on the box. The award-winning actor and musician—known best for his breakout performance on Glee—brings his personality, spirit, and a contemporary twist on holiday music, much to the audience’s delight.
The live show setlist is based on Criss’ 2021 holiday album of the same name, with contemporary covers of old holiday favorites like “The Christmas Song,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” “Happy Holidays,” and “I want a Hippopotamus for Christmas,” as well as covers of more contemporary hits of “St. Partick’s Day” and “River,” and Criss’ original, “Drunk on Christmas.”
Perhaps the most entertaining part of Criss’ performance is his interaction and dialogue with the audience. From the moment he steps on stage, Criss takes advantage of the intimate size of the venue to converse with the audience, adding a personal touch and connection to the performance.
Then, to the audience’s delight, he closed the performance with an encore acoustic version of “Somewhere Only We Know”—notably his breakout number on Glee. Not only was this selection special to the audience, many of whom likely discovered Criss through his role on Glee, but also a self-aware selection that reflects how far Criss has come in his career.
Criss then closed the night inviting the audience to join him in an upbeat, get-on-your-feet second encore of “Christmas Dance,” remixed with audience selections of “O Holy Night,” “Last Christmas,” and “Santa Claus is Coming To Town.”
The holidays are always a bit of a whimsical and spirited time of year, and this production captures that emotion and combines it with Criss’ authentic and down-to-earth personality for an evening that is fun, joyful, and just a little bit magical.
The Broadway Edit 