Saturday, December 1, 2001


     Is Santa Claus really as good as people say he is? Or is he a libidious troll of a man who preys on helpless reindeer?
     Theatre on a Shoestring tries to answer this with their fall production of "The Eight: Reindeer Monologues" by Jeff Goode.
     Vixen, one of the eight elite, has claimed that Santa Claus has committed the world's most horrendous crime against her: rape. Word leaks out to the press and a frenzy journey to the North Pole to find out the answers begins. Each reindeer has his or her say on whether they believe the accusations are true.
     The cast was unbelievably tight in all of their roles. Neil Twohig, who protrayed both Dasher and Donner, never missed a beat. His costume changes between the two, as well as voice and mannerisms, made it feel like there were two separate actors.
     Bob Martin pulled a dual role as assistant director and the only openly gay reindeer, Cupid. Although over the top in his portrayal of this caricature, he moved the show along with one of the funniest scenes in the play.
     Phil Gambardella played the head strung Hollywood, also known as Prancer. His discontent for Vixen and lower-than-expected rentals of his movie during the holiday season have made him bitter. He blames Vixen's public accusation for his demise for a new movie next year. Gambardella was very well cast for this role.
     Blitzen, the feminist activist, backs Vixen all the way. Her first line of "The sleigh ride is over" sets the mood for the rest of her monologue. She's not one to tangle with. Andee Matthews played the character with humor, power, and sensitivity.
     Mark Myers provides the audience with a different twist on things. Playing the reformed drug addicted/gang member, Myers discredits all the other characters' accusations and states that he would be "just another road kill" if it wasn't for Saint Nick. Myers showed he could handle both comedy and drama all in his ten minutes on stage.
     Another pleasure to see gracing the stage was Dancer, performed by newcomer Debra Brewbaker. Only having been on stage once before, Debra held her own in one of the longest and funniest monologues in the show. Her pure innocence made her character incredibly hilarious without even trying. She is definitely worth watching in the future.
     Vixen is the last of the monologues and finally has a chance to tell her side of the story. Alicia Russo does a brilliant job of showing the human side of abuse. She weaves from being serious to throwing in a few comical thoughts of Mrs. Claus's Christmas party attire to serious again. Her final lines sent shivers down my spine.
     The audience roared with laughter throughout the sold out show last Friday and you could hear a pin drop as Vixen finishes her monologue and closes the play.
     Director Dean Pratt, Assistant Directors Bob Martin and Ken Wyman, and the entire cast have offered Chittenden County with a refreshing new Christmas show sure to become a cult hit.
     You have only three more chances to catch this comical romp through the North Pole. Performances are Thursday-Saturday, December 6-8 at 8PM at the Shoebox Theatre, 135 Pearl Street, Burlington. Tickets are $8 general admission and can be obtained by calling the Flynn Theatre Regional Box Office at 86-FLYNN or going online at www.theatreshoe.com.
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Adam Davidson
Burlington