Shawnee News-Star - December 7, 2002


Story last updated at 2:23 a.m. Saturday, December 7, 2002

'The Eight' puts the edge on holidays
They're back. They're bad. They're funnier than ever.

The hilariously popular, raunchy, riotous, and irreverent reindeer will return to the ACTS Warehouse Studio8051B North Classen Boulevard, with three performances Dec. 7, 13 & 14 at 8 p.m., appearing in Jeff Goode's "The Eight: Reindeer Monologues."

Playwright Jeff Goode produced the adult monologue play as an underground theater offering before publishing the work in 1996.

Eight of Oklahoma City's professional actors contribute their efforts to this holiday fest, all of whom will be returning to reprise their roles. They will be joined by two new comic recruits, performing as alternates for two of the reindeer roles.

Doug Van Liew is lead reindeer Dasher. His bad-to-the-bone portrayal delighted and frightened audiences last year with his powerful in-your-face presence. Van Liew won raves for his recent portrayal of the wild brother Lee in the Oklahoma City Theater Company production of Sam Shephard's "True West."

Attorney, musician, and actor Jeff Curran plays the showbiz savvy Prancer; Brad Allen, a frequent leading man on stages across the metro, will once again regale audiences with Comet's past indiscretions.

Film and stage actress Rebecca McCauley is the feminist Blitzen. David Shuler will continue to make the holidays gay and bright, bringing his familiar quiver to Cupid's bow. Peter Young is Donner, the down-and-out father of Rudolph. Producer, writer, director and actress Melissa Scaramucci will return as naughty Vixen. Commercial and stage actress Lisa Lasky plays the ditzy, self-centered Dancer.

Amanda Martin will play the naughty Vixen for the second weekend of the run. Martin starred as Louisa in the Stage Center Presents 1999 production of "The Fantasticks," and as Phylia in Lyric's recent production of "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum." She also has a starring role in the not yet released film "Frankenstein: The Musical."

Indy film actor Jeremy Smith will act as stand by for fellow actor Curran, whose wife is expecting twins at any moment. Smith had a supporting role in the recently wrapped Indy film, "Star Crossed" written and produced by Brett Bower.

Tickets are available at the door, but reservations are strongly encouraged because seating is limited. For reservations, call (405) 810-9299. Tickets are $10.

Subject matter in this play is for mature audiences only.