Can someone or something be on Santa’s Naughty and Nice lists simultaneously? If the 2025 edition of Holiday Fantasia is any indication, the answer is yes.
The show went down at Sunshine Cathedral on Sunday, Dec. 7 in front of a nearly packed house. Created by Matthew Darren’s D-Rock Productions, the event mixed big, old-skool production numbers with classic holiday faves in Spanish and English. Darren’s producing skills are set to surpass his vocal skills, which is a high bar to clear.
“This was an incredible crew of people, amazing artists, and phenomenal talent,” Darren said immediately after the performance. “It’s like being a kid in a candy store. I get to sing with my friends, people enjoyed it, and we get to be festive for the holidays.”
The show was reminiscent of the type of show you’d see in a Vegas showroom; lots of costume changes, playful banter, and powerful vocals. Darren and co-host Varla Jean Merman had great chemistry. Eric Restivo kept the crowd engaged while performers set up for the next number, all while appearing in fabulous outfits.
The highlight of the show may have been an intense-yet-playful version of I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus in the style of Sam Smith’s Unholy. The Royal Peacock Dancers, dressed in elf shorts and hats, brought the sexy. They continued to appear in everything from full elf drag to holiday themed onesies.
Other performers included Jonathan Casañas, Natasha Ricketts, Brian Mason, and reigning Mz OutSFL Velvet Lenore.
The holiday vibes were also for a good cause. SunServe’s SilverServe program focuses on senior needs and will benefit from the concert’s proceeds.
“We’re so appreciative for moments like this,” SunServe CEO Tony Lima told the crowd. “SilverServe focuses on intensive case management for seniors. They’re facing food insecurity, isolation, and we proudly provide the support they need on a daily basis.”
Darren also presented local activist and arts supporter Terry Hardacre as their honoree of the year.
Screenshot via OutSFL Live, YouTube.
