The Eight: Reindeer Monologues

by Jeff Goode

Comedy / 1 female,4 male or 1 male, 4 female Are you looking for something different for Christmas this year? Tired of Christmas Carol and Gift of the Magi? Well, this is the script for eight reindeer dishing about the real Santa. All those rumors you've heard about him and the elves? About Rudolph's little secret? About Vixen's story that was leaked to the press? All true. Yes, the reindeer finally speak up and -- believe us -- they do not hold back! Please keep in mind th

Genres: Plays, Theatre

70 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2001

Reviews

[nicky · Rating 3 out of 5]

what the fuck

[Kevin Carson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really didn't know how to categorize this book. "Humor," which would at first glance be the most likely fit, doesn't seem... entirely appropriate.
I gave it three stars, but the atomic bomb-level shock value probably deserved a five. It's the literary equivalent of "Pink Flamingos."

[Jesse · Rating 3 out of 5]

So I really think the concept of this is funny...but the delivery got a little dark...

Maybe that was always Goode's intention, and there are definitely very interesting and poignant topics that are discussed, sometimes under the guise of humor...but often very in your face.

So I'm torn...
I think the concept is good and funny...
I think that the statement is well thought out and necessary...
But having both in a short little bit of holiday trinket is a bit bizarre. I really don't know who I would recommend this to...I'm glad I read it, but I'm just not sure what the purpose is...

[C Parker · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is a profoundly dumb and misguided play. It reeks of 1990's popular views on sexuality, sexual assault, and what constitutes "edgy" humor. The only redeeming quality of this work is that it would be a cheap way to end your season, and your theatre company as a whole.

[Rossi Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This play, while disturbing, might be one of the most interesting reads you can find when it comes to a not so Merry Christmas. Read with a grain of salt, it isn't necessarily for everyone.

[Anjum Choudhury · Rating 2 out of 5]

Okay, I'm not sure why I bought this play. I guess I thought that it would be funnier than it was. Either way, I kind of liked it and kind of hated it--hence the 3 star rating. The kind of liked it part comes from the important and creatively interesting things that were said. The feminist comments were largely correct and good to hear, even if this isn't a super credible source to be hearing it from, meaning people won't really take it seriously in this format. But it's nice to have attention drawn to feminism even if it is in a short play about reindeer.

I feel like most plays that are made up of related monologues do a better job of having them really be seamless. They start at the beginning of the story with a number of holes that are filled along the way. Well, this one did that to some degree but with massive diversions as well that didn't add to the story. Like Comet's monologue. Was it just to have a different testimonial? A different feel? A contrast after Blitzen. I don't know, but it seemed needless.

I don't know what more to say about this one, since it's so strange. If you're interested in it, then you'll just have to read it yourself. Also, I can't imagine what the mind is like of Jeff Goode to have written this. Lord almighty.

[Jordan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This collection of monologues (that read as one cohesive story0 was dark AF. I enjoyed it, though. It was funny, though I can't help but feel it was all pretty low hanging fruit. Anytime you take beloved, wholesome characters and cover them in kink, you're going to get a rise.

I mean, throw a ball-gag and some nipple clamps on the Easter Bunny and you are bound to get some tittering from the audience. (That did not happen in this play - it was just an example of how simple it is to shine the red light on anything.)

[Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super Short but really Sinister. I read this with my sister. It's gripping and dark and terrible. It really makes you think about the truth about all the darkness in the world and how there are things that are never what they seem and a million right moves does not erase one unspeakable one...Merry Christmas to all...may you have sense and speak the truth.

[angela]

freaking funny stuff

[Christina Pirog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dated, but still funny.

[Leah Angstman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super funny and original play.

[Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

My kind of twisted sense of humor. This play will be done at 90 Miles Off Broadway, and decided to research. Too freakin' funny. Already know which part I'd like to try out for!