Digital City New York - December 2001

Robert Kent

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus -- and he's been very naughty. Well, that's what the reindeer (and Adobe Theatre Company) would like you to think. In Jeff Goode's unconventional comedy, 'The Eight: Reindeer Monologues,' the North Pole is abuzz with scandal. Marvelously directed by Jeremy Dobrish ('The Complete Works of William Shakespeare - Abridged'), this rebellious offering gives a voice to each of St. Nick's magical reindeer. The world's best known jolly old elf is being investigated for unspeakable crimes against Vixen and Rudolph. Did he do it? Ask the Eight! "We all have Santa stories," admits Hollywood (a.k.a. Prancer). "Most of us have the common courtesy not to share them with the wrong people at the wrong time.'' Sorry kids, the time has come to expose Santa's ''legacy of perversion"! Forget everything you know about the holidays, Mr. and Mrs. Claus, reindeer and elves. Impressively designed by Steven Capone (sets) and Erin Quinn Purcell (costumes), 'Reindeer Monologues' features eight incredible actors as the bucks and does who know the truth about the man in the red suit. Although this dark comedy is not for children (or anyone who believes in the sanctity of Father Christmas), it is ideal for downtown theatergoers in the mood for racy reindeer tales, saucy Santa stories and subversive holiday humor. The demented production blends satire, cynicism and Christmas cheer into an evening that's sure to offend -- and entertain -- folks from here to the North Pole.