I discovered David Sedaris via a wickedly funny monologue on NPR about working as an elf at Macy’s in New York City. When The Santaland Diaries became a theater piece a decade ago, I was entertained, especially if a good actor took it on.
This year I wanted to see Joshua Steele, a talented local actor, star in this adults-only holiday piece. New Edgecliff Theatre has staged the show before, but this is Steele’s first outing, and the production has been newly directed by Jim Stump. Steele’s Crumpet is the elf for the job (pictured), a skinny, frizzy-haired guy in a silly, green velvet costume with curly pointed shoes.
Santaland is a series of brief sketches and takes on Sedaris’ real experiences. Some are devastatingly wicked (his Billie Holiday version of “Away in a Manger” is memorable), others are sadly wise. One is actually heartwarming. Steele has a real vocal and physical talent, amusing as the deadpan narrator, sometimes shifting voices as he plays visitors, fellow elves and oddball Santas. Gion DeFrancesco’s set uses four cartoonish Christmas trees with Santa photos on the reverse.
New Edgecliff Theatre’s The Santaland Diaries continues through Dec. 12. Go here to read Rick Pender’s full review and to get show times and ticket information.
This article appears in Dec 1-7, 2010.
