An incident happened between Santa and one of his reindeer, Vixen.
It has left their only witness Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer in a catatonic state in a padded cell, and the remaining seven reindeer split between defending their "deer" friend or the jolly old elf himself.
What really happened is up to the audience as they listen to the absurdly hilarious "The Eight: Reindeer Monologues," presented through Saturday at Scene One Theatre, 623 Ohio St., and returns to Scene One Theatre for a third time.
"When Scene One was formed, we were on the lookout for edgy productions with adult content, and there are a few edgy Christmas shows available to perform. This was such a hit when we first did it in 2010, we brought it back for a second time in 2015, and now a third," said Mark Wegman, director of "The Eight: Reindeer Monologues" and founder of Scene One Theatre. "Did Vixen consent or Santa do something he shouldn't have, putting him on the naughty list? It is very funny and we have many actors reprising roles."
Playwright Jeff Goode brings Santa's eight main reindeer to life, allowing each to share their personal stories, opinions of the incident and true feelings for one another and Santa.
"Some are in Vixen's camp and some are loyal to Santa," Wegman said, noting the reindeer truly take on human characteristics.
Comet, played by Dan Zaiger, has got Santa's back, "grateful he took him under his wing," Wegman said.
"He talks about how he fell into a bad crowd known as Hell's Herd," he added with laughter. "Santa has changed everything for him."
Prancer, played by Tony Hoos, is also known as "Hollywood" and has let his fame go to his head.
"Prancer talks about the movie, 'Prancer,' and how he is not real happy about 'Prancer 2,'" Wegman said, sharing a line about the premise of that movie where Prancer is lost in a forest after he gets separated from Santa. "He says, 'What is this? Lost in a forest? Why can't I fly up over the trees and see where I am?' He also says he'd rather do a Schwarzenegger buddy film with Arnold playing Santa and Prancer playing himself as Cuban mafia cyborgs take over the North Pole."
New faces to Scene One Theatre include Alex Hoos as Dasher and Natalie Wittenberger as Dancer. Veteran actors round out the cast with Megan Sappington playing Blitzen, Tom Renner as Cupid, Barry Beach as Donner and Jessi Green as Vixen.
"The actors bring their own creativity both in their costumes and their representation of each reindeer. They really get into their monologues, with me giving them a few notes and just making sure they are all fit together," Wegman said. "It is very funny and definitely an adult show, with older teens allowed with parental permission. We have had several people wanting us to bring it back, and I'm glad we are able to do it alongside events kicking off the Christmas season."
Shrunken Head Tropic Lounge will serve beverages during each performance, which is held at 7:30 p.m. tonight and Saturday, and at 9:30 p.m. Friday after Living Windows. Tickets are $10 tonight and $15 Friday and Saturday.
For more information or to order tickets, call 573-635-6713, email [email protected] or visit www.sceneonetheatre.com.