Tina's Eclectic Art - December 20, 2007

Unexpected Art

The theatrical offerings on Big Island never cease to amaze me. Two and a half years ago we saw Hedwig and the Angry Inch at the Akebono theatre in Pahoa. This year we saw The Eight: Reindeer Monologues at the Kope Kope Espresso Cafe in Hilo. This production, in the very intimate setting of the tiny cafe (great mochas!) was performed by the Hilo Community Players. It was a highly disturbing and very funny series of monologues which try to unearth the truth about allegations that Santa has sexually harassed Vixen as well as other reindeer. Particularly notable was Mark DeMoss as Dasher, a by-the-books company man dedicated to "The Eight;" the very delightful and funny Dancer, portrayed by Keiko Suda, who told of her hiring, her dismay at reindeer not getting time off for Hanukkah, should it fall on the 24th, and how reindeer are brilliant dancers; and Cupid, the only openly gay member of "The Eight" played by Jake McPherson, a hilariously catty gossip with stories that would curl your hair.