The Doris Dear Christmas Special in New York at the Triad Theatre
On December 19th and 20th, the Triad Theater was alive with holiday cheer as an all-star cast and orchestra, led by the incomparable Doris Dear (aka Ray DeForest), took the stage. Accompanied by Blake Allen and his Holiday Orchestra, Doris Dear celebrated the magic of New York City during the festive season.
Each night drew in a packed audience, all eager to experience the wonder that is Doris Dear. Guests were greeted by adorable Toy soldiers David Santiago and Jesse Rosien. dressed in seasonal regalia, setting the perfect tone for the evening. The tables were brimming with cocktails, adding to the celebratory spirit.
Downtown Magazine was on hand to capture the joy and excitement of the event, making it a truly memorable holiday experience!
Christmas Cheer in full swing from stage to the audience with Doris Dear. Photo by John Fitzpatrick.
Doris Dear waltzed onto the stage, instantly commanding attention with Lea Michele’s song, “Christmas in New York.” Her stunning attire wowed the audience. She wore a dazzling winter white fur-trimmed jumpsuit, complemented by an elegant sweeping updo. Cozying up beside her piano with a drink in hand, Doris created an intimate setting, reminiscent of classic cabaret performances.
Her opening number, “How I Love to Keep the Yuletide Gay,” set the tone with playful lyrics, showcasing her ability to blend humor and sentiment. As a newcomer to her act, I found myself fully engaged and entertained, highlighting Doris Dear’s skill as a seasoned performer.
As a newbie to Doris Dear’s performance, I was fully engaged and entertained.
Doris Dear’s Christmas in New York opening solo. Photo: John Fitzpatrick.
The house was captivated by her rendition of Ana Gasteyer’s song Sugar and Booze! “I like cider but keep it spiked with Rum. What’s good about a little Drummer Boy without a Rup-A-Pum-Pum? … Keep that tray of crudites.. Martini’s at lunch, pastries and punch …The best part about the holidays is ..sugar and booze! We were all hooked on Doris Dear offering up a classy cabaret! The lyrics highlighted a fun mix of holiday cheer and indulgence. Whistles and cheers abound the audience. The drinks flow and the mood is bright!
Those Girls Pop Quartet harmonizing Christmas Yule. Photo Becca Kaian.
Doris Dear famously known as “America’s Perfect Housewife” is the dazzling drag persona of Ray DeForest. The journey to becoming Doris, in her interactive performance, began when her beloved mother Taffy, was slipping away to Alzheimers. Her character emerged, and this diva has never left the stage. Doris Dear is streaming on BroadwayOnDemand. Doris Dear has garnered The Telly Award amongst being a three-time MAC Award Winner and Broadway World Winner. Likewise her awards along with sold out performances at Triad, solidifies Doris Dear as a glamorous and witty tribute to classic femininity. She merges vintage fashion and early sixties nostalgia in each show. Doris recounted past Christmas’ stories of her parents Taffy and Duke while seated on stage next to a family portrait. The audience, myself included, wanted more. Doris Dear’s performance is a delightful mix of storytelling, humor and retro glamour that transported me to a bygone era of elegance and charm.
Auntie Doris Dear is carooned by nephew Cooper daSilva at Triad Theater. Photo by John Fitzpatrick.
Her first guest was a young performer Cooper daSilva who just debuted at Radio City Music Hall. Cooper has an undeniable stage presence, akin to his famous auntie is Doris Dear. She beamed when he sang “Grown Up Christmas List.” His vocal talent is showcased with a maturity beyond his years. Watch out for this rising young star! Now in his second annual Christmas show at The Triad. Doris Dear announced it is her 11th year performing at The Triad Theater. She extended a celebratory thanks to Triad owner, Peter Martin. Every year Ray tailors Doris Dear’s unapologetic love for family in shows performed that have circled the globe.
Lolly Lardpop in a rollicking comedic sketch with Doris Dear. Photo by John Fitzpatrick.
The darling of the evening was Lolly Lardpop, the skittles loving puppet accompanied by the talented Leslie Carrara-Rudolph, known best as Abby Cadabby on Sesame Street, garnering her fame as a Daytime Emmy winning performer. Together, the duo shared the stage with Doris Dear and broke into song (plus lots of laughter) performing Sleigh Ride/Marshmellow World. I love a good cabaret and it was delivered with this performance. What the world needs now is Lolly Lardpop and her shared humor delivered by her equally talented human Leslie.
Leslie Carrara-Rudolph & Lolly Lardpop with Doris Dear at Triad Theater. Photo: Jo-Ann Dean.
The evening was also a fundraiser for God’s Love We Deliver. Gorgeous real (not fake) “wooden” soldiers offering custom pins for purchase. Sales benefit the grass roots food service delivery to people living with HIV/AIDS and other serious illnesses. Doris Dear explained how life travels full circle. Doris Dear’s advocacy within the LGBTQ+ community and offstage as Ray DeForest, spent the recent year as a prostate cancer survivor. Thus becoming a beneficiary of God’s Love We Deliver tailored meals delivered to their home. The evening continued to deliver love, of holidays, of laughter and community.
Doris Dear’s post show Featured Vocalist from Birdland’s Natalie Douglas with a Holiday Hug. Photo Courtesy John Fitzpatrick.
Guests for the evening ranged from Birdland’s Jazz Performer Natalie Douglas performing a Cool Yule to a welcoming audience familiar with her vocal prowess to the pop quartet Those Girls (Eve Eaton, Rachel Hanser, Karen Mack & Wendy Russell) delivering harmonies with Step Into Christmas. Each artist held space with Doris Dear likened to the Dean Martin shows where the host swishes a cocktail, a toast and shares a bit of humor and connection before their number. A thoroughly refreshing take on cabaret with class and style.
Doris Dear and Meg Flather. Photo courtesy John Fitzpatrick.
Meg Flather performed a flawless and soulful Somewhere in My Memory a John William (music) and Leslie Bricusse (lyrics) Christmas classic from the beloved film Home Alone. The performance by Flather evoked the warm, joyful feelings of a nostalgic Christmas, reminding us we each carry those memories within our own heart and mind. Special Guest Karen Mack, respected singer/songwriter returned with a new original song A Pinch of Christmas to close out the festivities.
Blake Allen Music Director of Blake Allen Orchestra with Doris Dear. Photo: John Fitzpatrick.
Blake Allen Holiday Orchestra now in his sixth year with Doris Dear featured Katie Chambers on cello, Rob Guilford on drums, Magda Kress on bass, Mark Vinci on Alto Sax/Clarinet. A brilliantly produced performance with help from Triad’s Ben Hostetler: Lights and Sound.
Doris Dear is a featured LGBTQ+ performer in Downtown Magazine’s Fall 2025 issue. Photo: John Fitzpatrick.
Downtown Magazine is a huge fan of Doris Dear who was recently featured in our LGBTQ+ Fall 2025 Issue.her bible: Better Homes and Gardens circa 1956. Both reading material and projection is a cultural trip down memory lane featuring a very wacky pop recipe, or style, be it worn or adorned a generation ago.
Doris Dear sharing exerpts from a book. Photo: John Fitzpatrick.
Doris Dear’s unique blend of humor, nostalgia, and performance has won her yet another devoted fan in Downtown Magazine. Her ability to connect through laughter and memories makes her a standout in the entertainment scene. Accompanying her readings are fun projections that transport the audience back in time, evoking memories with a humorous twist. Doris brings her love for literature to the stage, sharing quirky excerpts from both books and magazines. Her bible: Better Homes and Gardens circa 1956.
Doris Dear 60’s Nostalgia Christmas Gift Review & Comedy sketch. Photo courtesy John Fitzpatrick.
A truly magical Doris Dear’s Christmas Special in New York was had by all in attendance. No one wanted to leave and the party, glamour and glitz continued out into the streets in front of The Triad Theater. Doris Dear and her special guests warmed hearts again this year.
Post Show Photo Op with friends, cast and the audacious Doris Dear. Photo by John Fitzpatrick.
About Doris Dear
For more information and upcoming performances of Doris Dear please follow IG @dorisdearofficial and her creator @raydeforestofficial. Go to Doris Dear website for upcoming shows www.dorisdear.com and booking performances.
About Ray DeForest
Ray DeForest creator of Doris Dear drag persona.
Successful, award winning entertainment industry professional celebrating 37 years as a SAG-AFTRA member. Actor, singer, producer, writer, Drag Queen, Ray tirelessly advocates for the LGBTQ community through his work with SAG-AFTRA at conventions, and on committees with the union, namely the National and New York Local LGBTQ committee and the President’s Blue Ribbon Commission on Safety Sexual Harassment Workgroup. He has been a TV host for cable and nationally syndicated shows and currently has a streaming series, Doris Dear’s Gurl Talk, on Broadway on Demand. Ray also serves on boards of nonprofit theaters and raises monies for LGBTQ centered charities. Ray’s motto “A dress doesn’t get you anywhere, It’s the LIFE you live in the dress that matters.”
About God’s Love We Deliver
God’s Love We Deliver cooks and home-delivers nutritious, medically tailored meals for people affected by severe and chronic illness. To support the health of our clients, we also provide on-going nutrition assessment, counseling and education. God’s Love is a non-sectarian organization and a premier non-profit for nutrition education, counseling and medically tailored meals. All our services are provided free to clients and are full of love. To donate, volunteer or charitable promotion visit www.glwd.org
About The Triad Theater
The Theater was built in 1984 and was the original home of four of the most successful shows in Off Broadway History: Forbidden Broadway, Forever Plaid, Spamilton and Celebrity Autobiography. The Hit Comedy Show Celebrity Autobiography is now in it’s 9th year at the venue and a month-long workshop production of Seth Rudetsky’s show Disaster went on to a Broadway Production at the Nederlander Theater.
Some of the notable performers who have performed on the Triad stage include Martin Short, Kristen Wiig, Kevin Hart, Ryan Reynolds, Matthew Broderick, Bob Weir (Grateful Dead), Vanessa Williams, Jake LaMotta, Brooke Shields, Paul Rudd, David Steinberg, Slash, George Bensen, Greg Allman, Gavin DeGraw, Bebe Neuwirth, Jim Dale, Peter Boyle, Tracey Morgan, Tommy Tune, Ben Vereen, Air Supply, Dion and many others from the worlds of comedy, music & theater. Lady Gaga made her professional debut on our stage as part of the Circle in the Square Cabaret Program.
In the 1980’s Christopher Walken, Elizabeth Taylor, Liza Minnelli, Jack Nicholson, Robert DeNiro and many other well known performers would use the Theater for their own weekly private performances.
The Theater has also been featured on the cover of Manhatten Magazine and Miami Magazine with the Academy Award winning actor Adrien Brody. The Triad’s proprietors are Peter Martin and Rick Newman (original owner of Catch a Rising Star Comedy Club and Pat Benatar’s Manager).