StageQ, Inc. a local not-for-profit theater company announces its production of the controversial play The Eight: Reindeer Monologues by Jeff Goode. The show opens Thursday December 1, 2005 and runs through Saturday December 17, 2005 at the Bartell Theatre on 113 E. Mifflin Street in Madison.

The Eight is a story about Santa’s beloved reindeer and their issues with sexual harassment, alcoholism, homosexuality and the working conditions at Santa’s toyshop. When one member of the sleigh team speaks out, the media wants answers to what happened that night in the toyshop. The dark comedy, set in the North Pole, takes you through each of the famous reindeer’s thoughts on the scandalous claims against Mr. Claus. With all of this going on, will the spirit of Christmas survive?

Jeff Goode is a director, actor and author of over 50 plays, musicals and children’s shows. His story of The Eight: Reindeer Monologues previously was produced by StageQ in 2001 and played to packed houses and acclaimed reviews.

Produced by Steve Noll and StageQ Artistic Director Thomas McClurg, the show will be directed by Karen Saari-Paschke, who performed in the previous production of the show. The Eight is sure to impress once again.

The Eight: Reindeer Monologues runs Thursdays (December 1, 8, 15) at 7:30pm, Fridays (December 2, 9, 16) at 8pm and Saturdays (December 3, 10, 17) at 8pm. Tickets are $10 for Thursday shows and $15 for Friday and Saturday.