Leslie Jordan talks about his new show “Deck Them Halls, Y’All” at LA Gay & Lesbian Center’s Renberg Theatre Dec. 16-19

Actor, author and activist Leslie Jordan returns to the LA Gay & Lesbian Center’s Renberg Theatre with one of the more unorthodox takes on the holiday season you’ll ever encounter.

This man is HILARIOUS!

The Center’s Vanguard publication caught up with the puckish Emmy winner to ask about the show and about his own childhood Christmases.

Vanguard: We’ve heard your new show, Deck Them Halls, Y’All, is something different for you. How so?

Leslie Jordan: This year’s show is somewhat of a departure, as I’m not going to tell stories about my life. I’m going to be in full character—costumes, make-up and all. I’m playing an aging stripper who supposedly worked for Jack Ruby during the time of the Kennedy assassination and has her own conspiracy theory that she thinks will win the local radio’s “Worst Christmas Ever” contest. And a frustrated transgender lesbian rehearsing karaoke. And a 10-year-old eye-roller named Ronnie Lee Posey who’s been told he has “potential” and is practicing for the local church’s Christmas pageant.

The show will have all the irreverent humor I’m known for, and I can promise a good time will be had by all! The Renberg is perfect for my shows; the closer my audience is, the better. Then I can really SHARE THE LOVE!

Vanguard: With all due respect, did you ever have to work as a Christmas elf?

Leslie Jordan: I have played elves many, many times in television commercials. It was my bread and butter for years! I was a very energetic elf and was always dismayed when I lost an audition to a little person. They had a very unfair advantage!

Vanguard: Growing up in Tennessee, how did you celebrate the holidays?

Leslie Jordan : In the South, Christmas was a huge event. My parents were very young when they had me—Mother was only 19, and my daddy was 21. They were just babies having babies! They loved holidays and showered us with whatever our little hearts desired. Mother was the youngest of nine children, so we had tons of uncles and aunts who also showered us with our hearts’ desires! Christmas was out of control!

Vanguard: How does it feel to be coming back to the Renberg?

Leslie Jordan: I love the pictures on the wall in the lobby of the Renberg. So many people have started there: Kathy Griffin, Margaret Cho…on and on. I am honored to be a part of that group.

Vanguard: How old were you when you stopped believing in Santa Claus?

Leslie Jordan : I was such a naive kid and loved Santa Claus so much that I was crushed when one of my twin sisters (who were two years younger than me!) broke the news that he didn’t exist. Heartbreaking!!

Vanguard: Finally, if you could find anything you wanted in your Christmas stocking, what would it be?

Leslie Jordan: A beautiful young rent boy! (Well, you asked!!)