Irreverent comedy and parody song stylings are promised for the latest installment of Beatnik Babes & Boys Christmas Variety Show.

Beatniks on Conkey, which marks nine years in January, presents this annual show for adults Dec. 2-4 in Hammond's Hyde Park neighborhood.

“When Beatniks first opened, it was my idea to put on a variety show,” said Kim Bernstein, director of Beatnik Babes & Boys Christmas Variety Show.

“At the time it stemmed more from there not being that many parts that an older female or I could be in so I said, ‘We'll write our own little skits, we'll write our own stuff, and we can do whatever we want.'

“The Beatnik Babes were formed, and we've been doing it ever since with my friends who I've been acting with in different murder mysteries and different plays. We all bring something to the table.”

The cast includes Beatniks on Conkey creators Bonnie and Rip Johnson, Sharon Harbert, Steve Kaminsky, Krystal Quagliara, John Wotkun and the Beatniks tap class. Cast members include residents of Griffith, Lowell and Schererville.

“Linda Slankard and Angie Lowe are just wonderful rewriting some words for songs. Bonnie and Rip are always throwing out ideas that we think, ‘Oh my gosh, can we really do that on stage?' We all provide something,” said Bernstein, of Merrillville.

“Over the years, people have come and gone depending on people having moved away or they're in other shows, so they can't be in our show, but we have fun. We have recurring characters, so if you've been to one before, you can see that character again.

“We have a group of us older women, and we make fun of being old because we're all getting there. We all wear leopard print and, trust me, it's really bad leopard print. We layer it on. We have purses. We have shoes. Anytime we see it, we just add it.”

The levity in Beatnik Babes & Boys Christmas Variety Show can be a break from the holiday hustle and bustle.

“It's a very stressful time,” said Bernstein, who also performs in the program.

“It's important to let your hair down, to let loose and have a giggle or two, especially at this time of the year. It can be beautiful or it can be religious. It can fill your heart with joy but at the same time if you can't laugh, you need to.”

Beatnik Babes & Boys Christmas Variety Show, which includes a touching skit written by actor Viet Vy, offers an interactive experience.

“We try to get the audience involved,” said Bernstein. “We talk directly to you. It's not where you sit back and don't become involved.”

Refreshments are included in the ticket price.

Jessi Virtusio is a freelance writer.