Fans of horror and comedy alike can find something to love in Bluebarn Theatre’s latest performance, “Silent Night of the Lambs,” by Ryan Landry.
Bluebarn has long been known for their unique Christmas shows—past seasons included “A Very Die Hard Christmas,” “Little Nelly’s Naughty Noël,” and others—and they are always well-received by theater-lovers. This year’s holiday play takes on much of the plot from 1991’s “Silence of the Lambs.” “Santabel Lecter” is sitting in a prison cell for killing and eating several naughty children one Christmas Eve while making his rounds. FBI agent Clarice Starling comes to Santa hoping to bargain with him in order to catch a serial murderer known as “The Skinner.” In exchange, Santa wants children to believe in him again.
“Clarice” is the daughter of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer whose mother (also named Clarice, according to the 1964 TV film) was brutally murdered. The young doe and FBI agent is trying to figure out who is behind the brutal murders.
There’s a beloved character from another Christmas special, “Frosty the Snowman,” who has captured “Brittney Bitch,” recently released from the horrific conservatorship of her mother. And, yes, there are lambs, woefully bleating the entire time they are onstage.
The show uses a screen and live camera to dramatic effect, sometimes showing the action in the theater and onscreen simultaneously. The sets included vehicles, plexiglass jail cells, and more, maneuvered on- and offstage by humans. The costumes were done well, from a glowing red nose on Rudolph to “Brittney Bitch’s” python.
Those who know the film “Silence of the Lambs” will understand the plot, and get many of the references. Those who know the story of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” will understand much of the symbolism. The mash-mash of holiday classics, comedy, and horror will have audience members laughing aloud, in fact, several members of the audience at the Dec. 1 matinee didn’t stop giggling from the time they arrived to the time they left.
The show is under the direction of Susan Clement, with Theresa Sindelar as assistant director, and Carrie Nath as choreographer. Wai Yim and Jill Anderson adapted the play, which runs through Dec. 22.
As well as holding a fantastic holiday performance, Bluebarn Theatre is taking the opportunity to support the Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging, a fundraiser they have held for 17 years. Theater-goers can purchase an ornament with the name of elderly person in need. The money raised will go to ENOA to assist with Christmas gifts for the elderly.
Visit https://bluebarn.org/ for more information about the theater. Tickets are unavailable as of the time of this review.
