Santa Claus Conquers the Martians
A Christmas cult movie classic gets a fresh festive spin when Halifax-based Lions Den Theatre unwraps its audio theatre production of Santa Claus Conquers the Martians.
Based on the 1964 film that’s probably best known for featuring future celebrity Pia Zadora in her first role, Lions Den offers a slightly more adult version of the story of Santa’s kidnapping by invaders from Mars who want to cheer up the children of the red planet.
The free premiere of Christmas camp classic, described by the troupe as “everyone’s favourite Yuletide fever dream” will begin on the Lions Den Theatre Youtube channel beginning Thursday, Dec. 17 at 7:45 p.m.
“The film is in the public domain, so it was fair game as to what was done with the script,” says Lions Den artistic director Keith Morrison. “We could have gone with a straight adaptation and geared it toward children, but the real fun in the story is the stuff that is not said in the original film.
“It became apparent early on that we could tell the same story with the same characters, but speak to an older and more politically charged audience. Rather than produce another sentimental holiday-themed show, we could speak to those who might not buy into the Dickens, Capra view of Christmas.”
Lions Den Theatre has previously produced Santa Claus Conquers the Martians at Dalhousie’s Dal Club and with Dartmouth Players.
For nearly a decade of presenting live theatre around the province, Morrison points to Santa Claus Conquers the Martians as one of the most-requested titles in Lions Den Theatre’s repertoire.
“Every September, people — cast and audience members — message me to ask if Martians is on the docket again,” he says.
“There are a number of people who haven’t been to any of our other shows, but have seen all three versions of Martians. They might not be into Lions Den, but they sure love Martians.”
The group began performing live audio plays with its presentation of It’s a Wonderful Life at the Bus Stop Theatre in Halifax in 2013, and has since presented versions of A Christmas Carol, Arsenic and Old Lace and The Hound of the Baskervilles.
With the start of the pandemic this past spring, it began presenting online audio drama for listeners everywhere.
“We planned on some live shows, but our hands were tied by COVID. We soon realized that the internet allowed us to reach a larger audience and, more importantly, work with actors living throughout the world,” says Morrison.
“So far, we’ve had over 70 actors — all currently or formerly based in Nova Scotia — participate in our online audio drama series. It’s been great.”
For more information, visit the Lions Den Theatre page on Facebook, or follow the @lionsdentheatre account on Twitter.