Chris Gibson - Page 60

Over the course of six scenes, BROOKLYN BOY'S protagonist, Eric Weiss, is taken on a journey of discovery that will leave him with a stronger appreciation of his family and friends, as well as a deeper understanding of himself. Weiss is a writer who's finally enjoying success on the bestseller list after penning an autobiographical novel about his life growing up in Brooklyn. But, he's become extremely sensitive to accusations and intimations that his account is just a thinly veiled version of the truth. His encounters act to illuminate the feelings that he's kept buried within, and by the end of the play, he finally seems to be coming to terms with his own legacy.

If the holiday blues have got you down, or you're starting to get tired of being inundated with Christmas themed advertising, then take a break from your shopping list and check out Echo Theatre's production of THE SANTALAND DIARIES. The pitch black humor of writer David Sedaris is on display in this hilarious look at the yuletide season from the point of view of a disgruntled former Macy's department store elf.

HotCity Theatre offers up a decidedly different take on the usual yuletide fare with their delightfully twisted production of Jeff Goode's icon-shattering play, THE EIGHT: REINDEER MONOLOGUES. While taking its stylistic inspiration from THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES, Goode's wacky script focuses our attention on accusations of sexual impropriety that have been leveled against Santa Claus by one of his reindeer. Obviously, this is not your typical holiday show, but that works in its favor, delivering scores of irreverent laughs while skewering and satirizing the image of 'good St. Nick'.

I distinctly recall the very first time I saw the film version of A CHRISTMAS STORY (1983). I sat alone in a nearly empty theatre as it unspooled, all the while thinking it deserving of a much better fate. So you can imagine my surprise when it became a cult hit, and then a full-fledged holiday tradition with 24 hour screenings on cable TV. Over the years, Jean Shepherd's personal recollections of his favorite Christmas have actually become an essential component in our festive rites, and the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis has crafted a wonderfully charming adaptation that's required viewing for the yuletide season.

If you're looking for an alternative to the usual holiday fare, there are several productions opening up this week that may intrigue you. For instance, you might consider Stray Dog Theatre's production of SISTER MARY IGNATIUS EXPLAINS IT ALL FOR YOU as an interesting and entertaining option. Christopher Durang's dark and wildly funny play certainly fills the bill, offering a warped and unique perspective on Catholicism.

The Sheldon Art Galleries announces the Winter/Spring 2010 opening of five new exhibits. Join us for an opening reception on Friday, February 19 from 5-7 p.m.! Gallery hours are Tuesdays, Noon - 8 p.m.; Wednesdays - Fridays, Noon - 5 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. and one hour prior to Sheldon performances and during intermission.

THE EIGHT: REINDEER MONOLOGUES is a wickedly funny alternative to traditional candy-cane cheer. Scandal erupts at the North Pole when one of Santa's eight tiny reindeer accuses him of sexual harassment. As the mass media descends upon the event, the other members of the sleigh team demand to share their perspectives, and a horrific tale of corruption and perversion emerges -which seems to implicate everyone from the teeniest elf to the tainted Saint himself.

A wickedly funny alternative to traditional candy-cane cheer. Scandal erupts at the North Pole when one of Santa's eight tiny reindeer accuses him of sexual harassment. As the mass media descends upon the event, the other members of the sleigh team demand to share their perspectives, and a horrific tale of corruption and perversion emerges -which seems to implicate everyone from the teeniest elf to the tainted Saint himself.

Stray Dog Theatre continues their non-traditional Holiday offerings with Sister Mary Ignatius! Sister Mary will have you roaring with laughter at her cookies and commentary on everything from redemption, sin, heaven, hell, and the after-life. When Sister Mary is visited by four of her former pupils (now adults) the fireworks really begin!