A Very Merry Unauthorized Children's Scientology Pageant

Hilariously disturbing is the reason for the season. "A Very Merry Unauthorized Children's Scientology Pageant," conceptualized by Alex Timber, with script, music and lyrics by Kyle Jarrow, is the latest in Table 8 Productions series of groundbreaking theater redefining the relationship between audience and performers.

A young cast of the valley's notably talented children, directed by Troy Heard, present a very adult musical. When I first heard about this show I did not realize all of the actors were children. I wondered how children could deliver such complicated material. I quickly discovered they could do so with great humorous effect.

The musical leads the audience though a biographical tale of the life of L. Ron Hubbard, founder of Scientology. The tale begins with the appearance of an angel (Joelie Mountain). She sings a light, airy-sounding carol that leads the audience to believe they are about to watch a simple children's Christmas pageant. The entire cast joins in with dance and song.

Next, the audience is introduced to a precocious, young L. Ron Hubbard (Gary Easton) questioning everything he sees. Easton's stage presence equals that of a man who would found a religion. Easton believably transitions in age as the story goes on.

As Hubbard grows older he continues to seek the meaning of life. He travels the world seeking answers. First he goes to New York where he encounters a New Yorker (Ashlee Grubbs) from whom he attempts to elicit the answers to the meaning of life. Grubbs responds to his questions with an adorable New York accent and mannerisms of a Wall Street mover and shaker.

Hubbard travels to China and Hawaii as well seeking answers to the meaning of life only to be met with answers that do not satisfy his yearning nor answer his questions. He even time travels, encountering founding father George Washington (Will Haley) who also has no answers for him.

War breaks out and Hubbard is called into duty to fight for his country where he heroically overcomes incredible odds. Soldier (Sam Lin) fights by his side as the cast simulates a battle scene in slow motion to simulate the war. Easton gives an amusing James Bond impression during the battle.

Hubbard is portrayed as a brave hero who helps others survive and narrowly escapes the battle with his life. He is stranded on a life raft with Donald (Cash Freeman). Freeman is outstanding in his portrayal of an unbeliever who is steadfast in his doubt and fear.

The tale then transitions as Hubbard decides that he himself will have to find the answers to life's questions. He decides that he has discovered the meaning of life in Scientology. At this point the cast reveals some of the zanier doctrines of Scientology in song and dance. Xenu (Sydney Lin), the alien god who 75 million years ago brought billions of his people to Earth on a spaceship.

These aliens -- thetans -- attach themselves to human bodies. The cast portrays the thetans with great hilarity as the children attach themselves to audience members in the front row, bringing the audience indirectly into the production. Xenu rules the cast and the audience proclaiming his dominance. There is even a robot (Yaara Aybar Agron) dispensing the 'truths' of Scientology in perfect robotic form. Agron's character shows the mindlessness created by following self-proclaimed religious 'gurus.'

The crux of the religion is revealed in the song, "The Science of the Mind." Hubbard's wacky theology centers on 'clearing the mind' by eradicating bad memories and the emotions and senses associated with them. This is accomplished by splitting the brain's rational and emotional functions. This is amusingly illustrated by George Washington (Sam Lin) chopping the brain in half and the emotion half reels offstage cast away. The influences of his writings as a science fiction author are evident in his doctrine.

Hubbard's meteoric rise as guru and creator of a new religion leads him to Hollywood where he hob nobs with the rich and famous. John Travolta (Sam Lin), Kirstie Alley, and Tom Cruise all take turns testifying to the ways Scientology made them. Hubbard takes turns converting each of the cast members as they at first resist, but eventually experience conversion becoming blind, paying followers of Hubbard through a process called auditing.

Auditor (Grace Riedy) subjects the other cast members to questions and measuring with a device created by Hubbard with an amusing, professional manner. Each of the cast members take on several roles in dance and song to tell the tale.

"A Very Merry Unauthorized Children's Christmas Pageant" runs through Dec. 20 at Art Square Theater, 1025 S. First Street, Las Vegas, NV. For tickets and information, visit www.Table8lv.com.