I apologize if I am using this term incorrectly, but for me, “garage theatre” is performance done on a shoestring, usually comedy. As if performed in a garage (or a basement) the production uses objects, props and costumes that don’t feel especially polished, and sometimes downright jeery-rigged. Like other genres, garage theatre is often harder than it looks. As a rule, the best performers can manage a lot with a little, so this particular approach relies heavily on chops and inspired impulses.
A few years ago, Andi Allen’s Santa Claus vs The Martians greeted holiday audiences with its own take on low-budget entertainment. Based on the infamous, schlocky film: Santa Claus Conquers the Martians, it featured Betty and Billy Foster, two kids who are kidnapped, along with Santa Claus, by aliens. Martian King Kimar notices his two children are dejected, after watching Earth television. Seems they long for the same jollity brought by Santy, and the toys he delivers to Earth children. Taking Hargo, Voldar, Rigna and Dropo (who stows aboard) Kimar visits Earth, to fetch Santa back to and initiate Christmas on Mars. Voldar, a warrior to the marrow, is seriously irked by this plan, and sets out to kill Santa, Billy and Betty. Clearly Voldar has issues.
Somehow, some way, every year, when Santa Claus vs The Martians returns, it feels fresh, with material added to keep it current. Like Steven Spielberg, Allen and Director Kevin Fuld sneak in lots of “adult humor” without tipping their hand to the kids. Consider an elf named “Winky”, Voldar denouncing Kimar because he’s gone “soft” and Mrs. Santa, perpetually intoxicated and a shameless flirt. Santa vs Martians completely exploits the horrible dialogue, tortured acting and abysmal production values of the film, and carry it off, with merry, goofy, gloriously ridiculous results. The godawful execution becomes part of the comedy. A bottle of talcum powder creates smoke to surround Chochem, the oracular sage reminiscent of Yoda. Mrs. Santa skates through the action, for the sole purpose of tossing snowflakes. After their brush with danger, a polar bear waggles his hiney at Betty and Billy.
Successful comedy is so elusive, so difficult to conjure, so susceptible to nuances of tone and delivery. So much can go wrong. Who would imagine such shameless facetiousness would pop, year after year? When you find a show that consistently graces you with helpless laughter, in retrospect you feel something like awe. Kudos to the mad maniacs who conspired to kindle this splendid alternative to the usual Yuletide fare. How often do you leave a comedy that’s 90% chutzpah, feeling giddy and jazzed? Santa Claus vs The Martians is taking a hiatus after this season, so don’t miss your chance.
Cast members: Alexis Nabors, Rhonda Durant, and Jordan Pokladnik, Bill Otstott, Joel Frapart, Jeny Sidall, Lauren Ashley Hearn and Steve Roberts, Veronica Day, Sunny Bundy, Eileen Kennedy Alger, Robert G. Shores and Jake Shanahan.
Camp Death Productions presents Santa Claus vs The Martians 5.0, playing December 6th-22nd, 2018. Margo Jones Theatre in The Magnolia Lounge (Fair Park) 1121 First Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75210. 1-800-838-3006. santaclausvsthemartians.brownpapertickets.com