By: Skip Sheffield
Fed up with Christmas holiday season good cheer?
Parade Productions has just the show for you: “The Santaland Diaries,” running through Sunday, Dec. 23 in the black box theater of Mizner Park Cultural Arts Center.
Multi-talented Michael McKeever stars as an out-of-work New York actor who lands a temporary job as a Santa’s helper elf called Crumpet at Macy’s flagship department store.
The role was written and created by humorist David Sedaris, based on personal experience. It was adapted for stage by Joe Mantello.
“Santaland Diaries” is more about the humiliations of an actor than it is about the crass commercialization of Christmas. It’s a short show: only 70 minutes, without intermission. This is a good thing, because it’s a pretty slight piece; more like an extended monologue than a stage play.
McKeever is short and slight, befitting his elfin character, and invariably charming. He is assisted by a lovely young woman “Elfina” (Sheri Wieseman), who handles various props, including a countdown to Christmas. One recurring prop is Crumpet’s martini glass. Drinking makes the job bearable.
You would be stressed too if you had to deal with insufferable brats and their obnoxious parents on a daily basis. This is not to mention the “vomit corner” or the mom who encouraged her boy to pee in the artificial snow, or the Santa who spits when he talks.
Just so you don’t think Sedaris is a complete Grinch, there is a redeeming monologue coda about the real meaning of Christmas.
And so a Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.
Tickets are $35 ($30 group). Call 866-811-4111.
Caption: “Santaland”