Reggie Watts
The leader of Seattle's favorite soul-rock band, Maktub, is putting on a holiday show at On the Boards.

What's the worst present you've ever gotten in your life?

"Just a card. From a relative. Because they're supposed to send you money."

Did it say something funny?

"Probably said something like, 'Wishing you and yours a Merry Christmas, say hi to your dad.' Nothing I could use, as a child, anyways."

Have you ever played Santa Claus for small children?

"No."

Why not? Don't you like children?

"It's just too weird of a role. I'm not into the role, really."

You don't like Santa Claus?

"He's all right. He used to be cool--I don't know, something happened. He got jaded by the industry. As the market saturated with overuse of his image, I think eventually he was just receiving residual payments and realized he didn't have to work so hard. His image would work for him. He just got comfortable and lazy and complacent."

So you're offering more cutting-edge holiday entertainment?

"Well, I'm trying. That's the attempt. Trying to bring that warm eggnog, hot-chocolate feeling back into Christmas."

That doesn't sound cutting-edge, that sounds downright reactionary.

"It's just getting back to basics, which, in essence, is cutting-edge. I'm trying to create a new Christmas, a Christmas for all people, even Jews."

A Christmas without Christ?

"A Christmas with everybody, the whole cast--Buddha, Menorah...."

Menorah?

"The Jewish guy."

I thought that was a candle holder.

"Uhh... well, according to the script, which is written by a Jew--well, partly--Menorah will bring presents for everyone."

I'm not buying it.

"Well, you know, it's a script."

What does that mean?

"He has artistic license, he can just make up things."

Do Shiva or Vishnu put in an appearance?

"Absolutely--the spirit of Hinduism, anyways--and the spirit of Kwanzaa is well represented in the piece."

How about Satan? Are you including Satanists?

"We are. There's a strong representation of Satanists, and an atheist contingent as well."

This sounds like theological mush.

"It is. It really is. But it's so beautifully orchestrated."

Interview by Bret Fetzer