Sufjan Stevens is an endless entertainer, a jack-of-all-trades, a musical unicorn. And the crowd at the Fonda Theatre Tuesday night dressed in ugly Christmas sweaters, Santa hats and good ‘ol red and green swooned throughout classic carols and Sufjan favorites.

The stage—which resembled that of an elementary school winter concert—was decked out in silver streamers, colorful lights and timelessly tacky blow-up lawn decorations, all surrounding a hand painted holiday carol wheel.

The “Wheel of Carols” included classics like “Auld Lang Sang,” “Silent Night,” and “Jingle Bells,” but instead of Vanna White, Carolina Christmas was the designated spinner.

Rosie Thomas dressed as a delightful snowman, and quickly changed the show's rating from G to R with fifteen minutes of hilarious yet crude jokes.

Hearty laughs and “ho ho hos” were particularly noticeable during her explanation of her "Carols" acronym:

C – Carnal Treasure

A – Armageddon

R – Revolutions (which included simple ones like losing 100 pounds) and Restraining Orders

O – One-Night Stands and Operation Desert Storm

L – Lying About Your Age and Losing Your Virginity

S – Seven Swans of Swimming and Swapping Spit (which was accompanied by a fairytale about her and Sufjan getting pretty close the night before) 

The Christmas cheer that could compete with that of the Who’s of Whoville continued as Sufjan—dressed in a Grinch T-shirt layered by a traditional plaid flannel and a red cape bedazzled with silver streamers much like his Santa hat—stepped on to the stage. And thus began the six-instrument (minimum) show.

First was “Christmas Woman” off of his “Silver & Gold” album. Following the combination of wind chimes, sleigh bells and a recorder, he removed his outer layers and exposed the Grinch, but not to worry, holiday spirits only got higher, especially as “Come on! Let’s Boogey to the Elf Dance!” was played. 

Following “Hey Guys! It’s Christmas Time!” Sufjan moved from a grand piano to the oboe as Rosie energetically read a Christmas poem. And a classic carol by Bach was enjoyed just as much as an auto-tuned “Drummer Boy” whose echoes were infused with loop pedals. But “That Was The Worst Christmas Ever,” a Sufjan fan favorite brought in a banjo and reminiscent relish.

“Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” earned the first spot on the interactive song list. “This is the part where you guys take over the show, so sing robustly and drunkenly and with joyful Christmas spirit,” said Sufjan. And the crowd followed directions without hesitation.

As Sufjan took a step away from the microphone, fans pulled out their lyrics, warmed up their voices and began singing. “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” was next, right before “Holly Jolly Christmas” which required a brief rhythm lesson. “Stop clap rest stomp clap,” directed Sufjan.

“Slay Ride” sped up the holiday cheer as “Joy To The World” closed the first section of Christmas carols. 

“Vito’s Orination” and “Happy Karma Christmas” reactivated the crowd’s listening skills and gave their voices a rest. 

The presentation was innovative, the show interactive and Sufjan was… well, Sufjan. Unpredictable yet exceeding expectations, and thus remaining an artist favorite, year round I might add. 

Get into the holiday with Sufjan Stevens here and here.

Read more of NT's show reviews here.

Reach Staff Reporter Cortney Riles here.