Los Angeles Times
December 12, 2009
According to the play "The Eight: The Reindeer Monologues" by Jeff Goode,
Santa Claus is not the jolly old man we all remember as children. The joy of sitting on Santa's lap at the mall and telling him what you want for Christmas. Remember staying up late hoping you would hear the sleigh bells flying over your house?
Well, brace yourself because apparently we have all suppressed the truth!!! Santa is not the man you think he is, at least according to some of his reindeer.
"The Eight"" which is currently being performed at The Waterfront Bar and Concert Theatre 4211 Admiralty Way Marina Del Ray, December 12th, 13th, 20th, and 21st at 9pm,
brings to the surface what is really going on in that toy shop.
Mrs. Clause has invited everyone to her very own North Pole Christmas Party (she is not the person you thought she was either, you will have to see for yourself). The other attendees of the party are the highly esteemed reindeer who pull Santa's sleigh every year. I am afraid that Santa is the one person who will not be present. Why? Because Santa is having a few legal issues that go well beyond sexual harassment charges and the pressure of the legal trouble has gotten to everyone! At this party the reindeer begin spilling their guts to the unsuspecting audience and telling their own sides of the story.
This years presentation directed by Tara Donovan and presented by Cruthaigh Productions, is a must see if you have a sense of humor that is and you are not a small child. The dark and slightly twisted humor is not for the faint of heart but you can not help control the uncomfortable laughter! Each of the reindeer are top notch performers who bring their best to this play. It is an interesting array of personalities like the feminist, the gay reindeer, the movie star, the bad turned good, the beaten down abandoned drunk who tells a tragic tale of his own, etc. The final two reindeers (Vixen and Donner) really help to climax this play by shouting their truths to the audience. Who will you believe?
All of the great performances will unwillingly force you too see Santa, the Reindeer and poor Rudolph in a whole new light. What about Rudolph? Well you have to hear for yourself but I can tell you that what is said about that poor red nosed reindeer is the main reason why this is not a show for kids.
Go see it, grab a drink, and enjoy the show. You will roll on the floor laughing!