The Santaland Diaries

Before he became a best-selling writer and humorist, David Sedaris worked as an Elf at Macy’s during Christmastime. The Santaland Diariesis a brilliant evocation of what a slacker’s Christmas must feel like.

Out of work, our slacker decides to become a Macy’s elf during the holiday crunch. At first the job is simply humiliating, but once the thousands of visitors start pouring through Santa’s workshop, he becomes battle-weary and bitter. Finding consolation in the fact that some of the other elves were television extras on One Life to Live, he grins and bears it, occasionally taking out his frustrations on the children and parents alike.

The Santaland Diaries is a funny, touching — and twisted! — one-man show that takes a weary-eyed look at “the most wonderful time of the year.”

Adapted from the essays he originally wrote and performed on National Public Radio’s Morning Edition in 1992,David Sedaris’ The Santaland Diaries premiered at the Atlantic Theatre in New York City on Nov. 7, 1996, and played for 63 performances before closing on Dec. 29, 1996. The production was directed by Joe Mantello and starred Timothy Olyphant.

Audience advisory: Due to adult language and themes, this play is not suitable for children.

The Santaland Diaries is presented through special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service. The videotaping or other video or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited.