Interview: Karen Cassady Shanks Audiences' Hearts in MERRY F*&%ING CHRISTMAS

Santa Claus is a douchebag. Let that sentence soak in kids because we all knows it's true. He's super picky about what he eats, he runs a toy sweat shop, he's definitely an antisemite, and in Dad's Garage's latest holiday show, Merry F*&%ing Christmas, Santa is looking to start World War Three.

Performing at the Alliance Theatre, Merry F*&%ing Christmas roasts Frosty's privates and all that we hold sacred during the holidays. Santa's gift-giving mania has destabilized the world economy, global warming threatens to reduce Frosty to a puddle, and an unlikely duo must team up to save Christmas: Ebenezer Scrooge and a single dad in an ugly sweater. Dad's Garage brings audiences an epic holiday mash-up full of split second character changes, live music, and their trademark irreverent humor.

I sat down with Merry F*&%ing Christmas' Karen Cassady, who plays the Adorable Orphan - a street smart kid that teams up with the androgynous Frosty. Karen gave us the lowdown on the show, her role as the Adorable Orphan, and what she enjoys most about working with Dad's Garage.

Broadway World: No one is safe in Merry F*&%ing Christmas. Santa's an arms dealer bent on nuclear destruction, Frosty is missing their genitalia, and you play the Adorable Orphan who knows how to shank a bitch. It's safe to say these characters are radically different from the ones we grew up hearing about as children. What can audiences expect from Merry F*&%ing Christmas, and why should they see this show during the holiday season?

KAREN: Frosty pop and locking, Nickel Back songs, Slo-mo gun battles, a dramatic interpretive dance to "Just Died in Your Arms Tonight", and a Free Willy VHS tape being turned into genitalia. You might think I'm just riffing things off, but these are actually some of the gems you will catch in our show, Merry F*&%ing Christmas. It's such a fun way to spend an evening this Christmas, and a nice mixture of the good ole' Christmas classics with a quirky twist. One of the best parts is hearing audiences members nudge each other and whispering during the show references they catch like, "Reservoir Dogs" and "Sanford and Son." If you're wanting a change this holiday season, and are trying to find something different that's right up your twisted alley, I'd say this is the show for you.

Broadway World: In a lot of holiday stories, the Adorable Orphan is usually a down on their luck kid with a handicap or a copyright catch phrase that cheers everyone up, like Tiny Tim or Oliver Twist. What separates your character from these well-known holiday orphan archetypes?

KAREN: I mean, let's be honest. As you said earlier, this Adorable Orphan knows how to shank a bitch. Sure, she's homeless, has no family, sleeps on an Amazon box, and prays for God to help her out in this time of need just like any other adorable orphan character. But if danger gets in her way, she knows how to defend herself. She still has that big childlike heart and innocence, but she's not dumb. She keeps a blade with her at all times. I think that's what's so great about this character is she's being realistic. She knows she would never make it on her own without being a street tuff. I can totally see her leading a fight club at night in the city with all her homeless orphan pals. If she asks you for money, you better give it to her.

Broadway World: You're currently an ensemble member at Dad's Garage and have performed in many of their productions, from King of Pops: The Post-Apocalyptic Musical! to It's A Wonderful Laugh. What do you enjoy most about working with Dad's Garage?

KAREN: Man ... that's a long list. There are so many reasons why I love working with Dad's. I guess if I had to narrow it down, it would have to be our scripted shows. Almost all of the scripted shows are original works from one of our company members. Each of us have a different voice and perspective and it's really cool to see it portrayed on stage. It's also a privilege to be able to work at a place that allows us to be that creative and use the theater as an outlet. Doing scripted shows at Dad's is also unique in a way where we are able to interact with the audience. If an audience member yells something out loud to a character, Dad's is the type place where we can yell back in character if it's needed. I think that's what makes it so special. The audience feels involved in the show. Also, if something goes wrong in a show, it's fun to be able to use our improv skills to turn it back around. Overall, the thing I enjoy most are the people. Everyone is family here and we challenge each other to do our best on stage. We leave all of our cares, stress, and worries from the week out the door and just let loose and have fun! Yay Dad's!

Dad's Garage only has three more performances of Merry F*&%ing Christmas at the Alliance Theatre, and tickets are selling fast! Head over to www.alliancetheatre.org to purchase and reserve your tickets today. Also be sure to check out Dad's Garage at www.dadsgarage.com where you can find out more about their new theatre space and upcoming shows.