Millibo Arts Theatre once again serves up its risqué holiday extravaganza.

Extraordinary talent and zany antics serve up mischievous cheer in Yule Be Naughty at the Millibo Art Theatre. Running through Dec. 20, the holiday cabaret features circus arts, comedy and vocals for a unique evening of pithy, irreverent fun.

Now in its eighth season, Naughty is a composite of acts thoughtfully woven into a slightly risqué spoof on all things holiday —  so leave the kids at home for this one! The aerial acts sizzle, while the comedic bits are deliciously salacious. Each act magically melts into the next. Truly a collaborative effort, Naughty resembles improv but is carefully staged in spectacle and timing.

Director and MAT co-founder Jim Jackson hosts the show, bringing 50 years of clowning to the stage with engaging charm in quirky attire. Naughty starts with an energetic opening ensemble — just like under the Big Top — showcasing the talent on tap for lucky patrons. With many new acts and faces, there is nothing stale in the hijinks to come.

Acrobatics and aerial acts take center stage. MAT veteran Elizabeth Fluharty was born for circus arts, having found her calling as a performer, choreographer and teacher of all things gravity-defying.  Fluharty sparkles like her glitter, whether slithering the silks solo or spinning a partner. Joining Fluharty on the silks is Brittany Willgues, founder of Springs Dance. The duo move as one as they navigate the silks with ease.

Vocalist Rachel Fey has the pipes, but the show’s sound design could use some fine-tuning to keep pace with her talents. A MAT veteran, Rey earned an OnStage Colorado Award for Theatrical Excellence in a Comedy for her role as Sagot in Picasso at the Lapin Agile. Fey owns the stage as she struts and belts out jazz-infused renditions of holiday classics.

The stagnant set cleverly serves the gaggle of acts. Eyes divert to unexpected entrances and exits amid the sparkling holiday backdrop. Lighting and technical accoutrements enhance a really big show in a relatively small space (are you old enough to get the Ed Sullivan Show reference?) Actors move with agility popping in and out, chasing and scooting in fanciful delight, lampooning this season of excess.

Honing her clownish repartee, Kayla Wimmerle returns to the MAT for a third run in Naughty. A UCCS graduate in theatre and music Performance, she has also been seen at Theatreworks and the MAT’s Circus of the Night. While a whimsical mute in past shows, clown Kayla now delivers tasty droll lines with the occasional zinger.

Paired with fellow clown Christopher Keller, the duo delight as Scrooge and his conscience duel over trivial absurdities. They prance in and out of scenes with agile buffoonery. A 2009 clown college graduate, Keller is the lead coach of the Millibo’s circus club and travels the big tops nationally.

Tula Wickenkamp started hula-hooping during the pandemic and hasn’t stopped since. Her beguiling routines in Naughty held the audience spellbound. Kyle Cox rocked a holiday onesie as he juggled not four, not five but six clubs in creative patterns. Balancing some on his head and nose, the clubs come to life with neon colors amidst a mesmerizing musical score.

Specializing in dance trapeze Katarina Chaskelis amazes, as does Linsey Verzera in acrobatics. Who knew that exercise ball collecting dust in your living room could be put to such creative use!  Strength and artistry align as Amanda Lukasavige slithers around her aerial hoop, known as Lyra Dance in the circus world. It was art in motion on a beautiful canvas.

Yule be Naughty is sharp, fast-paced and witty with fresh faces and acts that will have you giggling if not laughing out loud. Don’t miss out on this unique holiday offering!