Student Director to Present "The Eight: Reindeer Monologues"

Feb. 9, 2007 -- "The Eight: Reindeer Monologues," Jeff Goode's "over-the-rooftop" comedy about a dysfunctional Santa Claus and his team of eight select reindeer, will be performed Feb. 14-16, at the University of Wyoming.

The play will be at 7 p.m. in the Fine Arts Center studio theatre. Tickets, available at the door, cost $5 for students and seniors and $10 for others. Proceeds support future Associated Students of the Performing Arts student projects.

Lance Martin, a senior performance major from Strawberry Point, Iowa, directs the play that offers a subversive and decidedly adult look at North Pole happenings.

The story begins when the reindeer Vixen accuses Saint Nick of harassment and Santa's reindeer are called as witnesses. Issues of alcoholism, harassment, abuse, and sweatshop conditions all come to light as each reindeer gives his or her perspective on the scandalous incident.

Martin, advised by Wolf J. Sherrill, assistant professor in the UW Department of Theatre and Dance, says Goode uses humor to tackle the play's difficult issues.

"This play is hilarious but it's also really important," says Martin. "It talks candidly about the issue of molestation in our society, but in a way that actively engages us."

As his senior project, "The Eight: Reindeer Monologues" represents the culmination of Martin's UW studies.

"I wanted to do this show not just because of the subject matter and the writing, but also because doing so would allow me to take advantage of having actors and stage space readily available before entering the ‘real world’ of professional theatre," Martin says.

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"The Eight: Reindeer Monologues," Jeff Goode's "over-the-rooftop" comedy about a dysfunctional Santa Claus and his team of eight select reindeer, will be performed Feb. 14-16, at the University of Wyoming. (Courtesy Graphic)

Posted on Friday, February 09, 2007