City Theatre's 'Claws Out' is bawdy, campy, shameless holiday fun

The holidays aren’t always merry and bright — sometimes the claws come out, as they will in City Theatre Company’s “Claws Out: A Holiday Drag Musical,” set to hit the digital stage on Friday.

The action is described thus: “After attempting to give the north a new look, Mrs. Rachel Claus finds herself face-to-face with a contract clause allowing her to be replaced by North Pole newcomer Roberta. With her crown in jeopardy, the stage is set for an epic showdown … the North Pole has never been so icy.”

“Claws Out” will be available to stream through Jan. 10.

Live and interactive virtual events also will be available at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5, 12 and 19. Co-creators and performers Monteze Freeland and Shua Potter will host pre-show holiday events including crafts, games and home-delivered holiday treats. Each live virtual event will partner with another Pittsburgh nonprofit.

After the success of last year’s “Santa’s Ted Talk,” City Theatre commissioned Freeland and Potter to create a full-length drag musical. Originally intended to premiere for the holiday season at City Theatre’s Hamburg Studio in Pittsburgh’s South Side, the show was reworked for an online platform as ongoing pandemic safety guidelines prevented indoor performances.

Also starring the creators, “Claws Out” is co-directed by Freeland and Marc Masterson and features original music by Douglas Levine.

‘Bawdy and familiar’

“This has been a rough year. But the moments I choose to remember are those that made me laugh,” Freeland said. “So, I want others to feel that silly smile creep up and enjoy a small break from the world.

“ ‘Claws Out’ is fun, shady, campy, bawdy and familiar,” he added. “It’s original, but full of iconic pop-culture references that only drag queens can resurrect with no shame.”

“Each live event will highlight a different organization and encourage patrons to engage with their imperative work,” said Clare Drobot, City Theatre associate artistic director.

“Inspired by the show’s creative team and our core values, City is proud to use the virtual production to highlight the work of organizations supporting Pittsburgh’s LGBTQIA+ community,” she said. “Through the theater’s City Connects program, we are partnering with PGH Equality Center, True T PGH and Proud Haven.”

Tickets are $15 per household for the streaming performance and $50 with the live virtual event. City Theatre also will offer a Pay-What-You-Want Virtual Live Event on Dec. 8 with tickets starting at $5 plus fees.

To purchase tickets online, visit citytheatrecompany.org. For phone sales, call the theater box office from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Mondays-Fridays at 412-431-2489.