Christmas Without Tears is a tradition that began in Harry Shearer and Judith Owen’s Santa Monica home. A reverent and irreverent antidote to the stressful holiday season, each performance includes both invited performers and surprise guests who drop into Harry and Judith’s onstage living room to share a song or joke, bringing the holiday spirit to all. Comics, magicians and even circus acts have been welcome additions, making this a true variety show concept. Since 2014 we have been producing these live benefit performances that help people in need, in cities across the country: New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco and New Orleans. This includes the 2015 show at the BAM Howard Gilman Opera House, where guests included Alan Cumming, Artie Lange, Mario Cantone, Paul Schaffer, Béla Fleck, the Gregory Brothers and Fred Willard, in support of the Elton John AIDS Foundation.