It was the best of times, it was the worst of times - Christmas, that is. DRUNK CHRISTMAS establishes with a raucous joke on the first page that this is the anti-Currier and Ives Christmas play and playwright McLindon keeps his dark promise to the end. I saw this play as a part of a Zoom Christmas festival, and found it to be courageous in its exploration of just how unhappy a time the holiday season can be. The alcoholic and the goth girl receive the great gift of themselves, safe and asleep and just perhaps better for it.

Not all Christmas stories are happy ones, and this 10 minute piece by James McLindon shows there is a dark flip side to all the festivity and joy. And while the characters never truly reach a moment of shared holiday spirit, there is a small comfort to know that they are there for each other. In the midst of misery, they still connect in a small but meaningful way. That's a powerful idea to celebrate the Yuletide with. Well worth your time.

I listened to this play on Playing On Air, and it touched my heart here in the middle of the Christmas season. The characters feel very real and the connection that McLindon illustrates between them is touching. A great piece for two women, one of whom is an older actress, perfect for ten minute play series in community or professional theatres.