It's been a few years since director Theresa Carson put Jeff Goode's "The Eight: Reindeer Monologues" on a local stage, but the warped holiday production is back for the 2011 yuletide season for a two-weekend run at the Durango Arts Center. Don't confuse this with the early show at the Arts Center; the monologues couldn't be more of a departure from the family-friendly "Hark the Neville Angel Sings."

First off, very few Christmastime stories portray St. Nick as a sexual deviant, and almost all stop short of calling him a rapist. Such taboos don't exist on the utilitarian set of the "Monologues." Each reindeer, in turn, gives his or her own testimony to address charges that Santa overstepped his bounds with the alluring and at times promiscuous Vixen, who is brought to life convincingly by Leah Nikula.

The success of any stage production begins with good writing and ends with good performance, and that's why this local production scores a 10.

Sets and other stage visuals are always appreciated window-dressing, but without good writing and acting, no show works. Carson's choice of actors works. Each has about 10 minutes solo on stage to convince the audience of the anthropomorphic process that allows for social and physical interaction between the Clauses and a bunch of animals, and at the risk of sounding pandering, every one of them pulls it off:

Dasher is the cocksure veteran leader of the team, played by Geoff Johnson (who, in this writer's opinion, is one of our best local actors).

Michael Martin plays the flamboyantly homosexual Cupid in one of the most amusing yet disturbing monologues.

Charles Britton's Prancer (AKA Hollywood) is a bitter actor who holds a grudge against any reindeer who gets more press than he.

Louise Edwards is the feminist Blitzen, who is willing to go on strike in support of Vixen.

Comet, played by Clay Sullwold, is a reindeer with a checkered past who is steadfast in his support of the Man in Red.

Sarah Syverson's Dancer is more concerned with keeping her job and benefits than going to bat for her teammate.

Donner, played by Ben Mattson, comes across as the most human but also most flawed. He made some bad decisions in life.

By the time Nikula's Vixen closes the show, things have gone from dark humor to just plain dark. But she's a strong finisher.

While watching the monologues, it's hard to not draw parallels between the play and recent events at a couple of notable major universities. But that's just an unfortunate coincidence, because Carson selected the show long before those stories broke. Really.

"The Eight: Reindeer Monologues" is not for everyone, but rather for those who can take the whole Christmas thing with a grain of salt. Like me.

Even then, it's a bit heavy at times. It is not for children of any age, as emphasized by a 9:45 p.m. start time.

Goode's script is as much a social commentary as anything, and why he chose to frame the discussion around a figure so above reproach is its own message.

It's fun, disturbing, titillating and will make you think. Just know what you're getting yourself into and proceed accordingly.

ted@durangoherald.com