If you are looking for something different in Yuletide entertainment – a dramatic offering without “Christmas” in the title – the Fusion Theatre Company is serving up a helping of holiday silliness at The Cell. And it’s a world premiere! Jacqueline Reid directs some Fusion regulars and a few newcomers in “You Can’t Get a Decent Margarita at the North Pole” by Matt Hanf, winner of two short-play contests at The Cell. This one is as frothy as whipped eggnog and fun to watch.
It appears that there is trouble in chez Claus. Mrs. Claus (Marjorie to her friends) is tired of living at the North Pole and having a workaholic for a husband. Santa (Nick) Claus works the year ’round to provide gifts for the children of the world, and things are especially hectic during the last two months of the year. Mrs. Claus thinks, however, that her jolly old elf may be getting his jollies with his cute assistant Rita (short for margarita?).
Unhappy Marjorie is taking shooting lessons from – wait for it – the Tooth Fairy. They share some drinks at a local bar where Arthur (aka Tooth Fairy) listens to her problems and offers his services in areas beyond oral hygiene. Meanwhile, Rita has her heart set on being the second Mrs. Claus.
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If you go WHAT: “You Can’t Get a Decent Margarita at the North Pole” WHEN: 8 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 6 p.m. Sundays through Dec. 24 and 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 21 WHERE: The Cell Theatre, 700 First NW HOW MUCH: General public $30, seniors and students $25. For reservations call 766-9412. |
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Cynically observing these love triangles is none other than Rudolph, the reindeer of red nose fame. Rudolph dislikes his work and files a workman’s compensation claim against Santa. He also quotes Shakespeare (Iago and Rosalind) and uses a rasp instead of an emery board. Rudolph manages to get everyone to Mexico, where everything is resolved.
Richard Hogle’s scenic design is simple. Minimal furniture is brought on and off stage – Santa’s desk, a cocktail table at and under which characters sit, a palm tree and oversized beach chair, for example. Jaime Prado’s costumes are memorable. Mrs. Claus wears two dresses in red poinsettia patterns, Tooth Fairy has pastel wings, Rita wears a short, pink, fur-trimmed outfit with frilly undies, and Rudolph sports brown fur pants and bib and antlers.
Laurie Thomas’s Marjorie is a stylized virago, and Georgette Reeves is pleasant enough as Rita. Bruce Holmes is rather restrained as Santa, but he does a great drunk scene. Jody O’Neil gives a refreshingly outrageous portrayal of Rudolf, and Gregory Wagrowski is fun as a Mafioso Tooth Fairy. In the clever script and lively performances there is plenty to ho-ho about.
