There are no words to describe The Ultimate Christmas Show by The Reduced 
Shakespeare Company that would truly prepare you for what’s to come. The slapstick interfaith holiday variety show and pageant sounds cute and family friendly, but the level of inappropriate social irreverence was extremely shocking yet absolutely hilarious.
Written by, directed, and starring Reed Martin and Austin Tichenor, with zany partner, Matt Rippy, The Ultimate Christmas Show introduces a variety of comedic skits and funny, mock Christmas carols. The premise of the show: the three show hosts “discover” on opening night that all their performers are caught in a severe snowstorm and they will not be able to appear. Rather than canceling the show and sending everyone home with a full refund, the three gather up all the costumes and props and attempt to put on the show themselves. It’s obvious, and meant to be, that it’s all a ruse and their intention was to perform the show themselves, but it’s a funny, creative scenario regardless.
The trio perform a number of clever, absurd Christmas related songs and they do an exceptional job with quick costume and role changes. Tichenor proves his commitment to the show and his very limited shame when he “dons his gay apparel” and Rippy and Martin are outstanding as pretend puppets in the Billy Barty Ballet Company, performing “Lil Nutsy: the Elf Nutcracker.
In a hilarious interactive skit, audience members are put on the spot to come up with modern gifts for the outdated partridges and pear trees of “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” Among the new items: seven Panthers’ wins, nine jobs with good benefits, and a house with a swimming pool.
As an added “treat” for the audience, there is a gift exchange option. For only $2, audience members could purchase a wrapped gift from the lobby and exchange it for another gift under the Christmas tree. My sister, Gabriella, received a pair of costume glasses that made us laugh for hours after the show.
These three wise men create a memorable performance with borderline inappropriate
comedy. It’s festive, funny, and entertaining. If you want a unique, comedic twist to the traditional winter holiday traditions and stories, let The Ultimate Christmas Show take you on an irreverent yet heartwarming trip through the holidays.
You can find their tour dates at http://www.reducedshakespeare.com/tour-pages/tour-usa/
Enjoy the show and Happy Merry Chrismakwanukkahanzakah!
Bucket List Publications 
This looks like just what we need to kick off the intensity of the holiday season, a lighthearted romp ending with a gift exchange. What could be more fun!
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Looks like a very clever show! Would love to see it.
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I ADORE the Reduced Shakespeare Company! I’ve only ever seen the Complete Works of Shakespeare Abridged, but I would Love to see others!! So glad you posted about this since it’s coming the San Diego!!
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Love this. My Christmas performance treat to myself this year is seeing the Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus holiday show. I cannot wait. Enjoy the start to your holiday season!!
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I really miss live plays working overseas. I also love the Marx Brothers costumes. 🙂
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Really funny. Watched the trailer 🙂 Thanks!
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This sounds like a bunch of fun! I’ll have to look for something similar in our area.
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I’ve seen these guys do the complete works of Shakespeare a couple of times – it’s hilarious – they do everything except Hamlet in the first half, and yes, you guessed it, Hamlet in the second half. Lots of audience participation, it’s great fun.
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Looks like a lot of fun. I do enjoy live theatre.
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WHAT?!?!! WHAT!!???!! I performed in the Complete Works when I was 18!!! Gotta forward this to all my friends in the cast/crew of that show!!!!! FABULOUS!!!
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I didn’t know these guys did more than Shakespeare! I show the Shakespeare dvd to my English class each year when I introduce Shakespeare. Love them! Glad you got to go see them in action.
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I love those guys! I saw them years ago and am very exciting to see that they are still going.
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Love the RDC! I first saw them at a Renn Faire years ago. They are a level of over-the-top awesomeness I can only aspire too.
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Sounds like lots of fun. I wanted to let you know that I have a great giveaway on my blog today. It’s for a $50 gift card to Stuck On You Labels, perfect for labeling your daughters stuff. The contest end on Friday. Please check it out.
Agi:)
vodkainfusedlemonade.wordpress.com
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Love this idea, my husband’ll get a real kick out of reading about this. Maybe we can go!
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Looks like good fun to me.
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This show is on my list of things to do before I die. We convinced my senior year english teacher to let us watch all of their stuff on YouTube, because it was “related to what we were learning” LOVE LOVE LOVE these guys.
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