If your idea of holiday cheer involves glitter, garters, and a Gingerbread Man who can really move, you might want to unwrap yourself at Balcon Salon this season. The Hell’s Kitchen hotspot is serving up its signature blend of heat and humor with “Brolesque: XXX-MAS,“ a late-night, queer holiday spectacular where Santa’s workshop meets Magic Mike.
Every Thursday at 10 p.m., Balcon Salon’s stage transforms into a winter wonderland of laughter and a whole bunch of sex appeal. The all-male cast, led by creator and choreographer Lockhart Brownlie, mixes striptease, comedy, and choreography that’s equal parts naughty and nice. Expect holiday icons like the Nutcracker and the Gingerbread Man to shimmy their way through reimagined classics like “Santa Baby,” “I Need a Hero,” and the “Mariah Mega Mix.” Yes, Mariah’s here in spirit, darling, and she approves.
Audience participation isn’t just encouraged, it’s part of the fun. During The Oven Mitt Challenge, guests compete to unwrap a present as fast as possible for prizes and bragging rights (and probably a few giggles from the cast). Hosted by Phillip Evans, the show features performers Felipe Ocampo, Christopher Patterson Rosso, Gabriel Reyes, and Jason Caroll, all bringing enough charisma and choreography to keep the crowd hot under the mistletoe.
“Spaces like Balcon Salon give us the freedom to tell our stories on our own terms, through humor, movement, and a little glitter,” says Brownlie. “Especially during the holidays, when things can feel isolating for many queer people, Brolesque offers a place to connect, celebrate, and just feel good.”
And it’s not just about the tease. Beneath the sparkle and sweat, there’s a deeper message: queer joy is resistance. The show invites audiences to be sexy, silly, and sincere all at once, and in today’s world, that’s something worth celebrating.
Since opening in 2023, Balcon Salon has become one of Hell’s Kitchen’s most beloved queer performance venues. The two-story theatrical nightclub has hosted everything from Apocalypse Noir, a live-singing trio led by Andrew Barret Cox, to The Gaga Ball, a monthly spectacle starring the incomparable Nick Gaga, and Unhinged: Talent Show Tuesdays with Svetlana Stoli, where up-and-coming performers compete for cash and community glory.
On weekends, the velvet curtains part and the venue morphs into a pulsing nightclub, proving there’s no better place to dance off your seasonal stress, or your clothes, if the night calls for it.
“We’ve always wanted to make queer art and nightlife accessible,” says owner Eric Einstein. “That’s why all our shows are free, we want everyone to feel welcome, whether they’re cheering on a friend, seeing a drag icon, or discovering something new.”
So whether you’re a fan of camp, comedy, or Christmas spirit (with a twist), “Brolesque: XXX-MAS” is your ticket to sleigh the season. Grab a drink, tip your performers, and prepare to get on the naughty list, because in Hell’s Kitchen, that’s exactly where the fun begins.
IF YOU GO:
What: Brolesque: XXX-MAS at Balcon Salon
When: Thursdays, 10 p.m.
Where: Balcon Salon, 674 9th Ave., New York, NY
Cover: Free (21+ with a two-drink minimum)
