By Jason Hagey and Alisha Hagey
The irreverent holiday classic, SantaLand Diaries, plays at Provo, Utah’s An Other Theater Company with so much seasonal sass that it gives every audience a welcome respite from the craziness leading up to Christmas. In the late nineteen eighties, David Sedaris moved to New York with the dream of becoming a world-famous soap opera writer. Instead, he ended up at Macy’s department store dressed as an elf. Adapted by Joe Montello, SantaLand Diaries is a one-man show that captures Sedaris’ memoir of his time in the toe-bells and tight stockings.
Before the show begins, we are treated to the shenanigans of drag performers: Kaitlin Lemon Kocherhans, Brian Kockerhans, Laura Elise Chapman, and Bryce Lloyd Fueston. Their dancing perfectly sets the mood for the one-man show to follow, letting us know just how ridiculous (and adult) the show will be. Exploding onto the stage, Jordan Kramer (Crumpet) does a lip-sync rendition of Barbra Streisand’s infamous “Jingle Bells.”
After the drag performers exit, Kramer is left onstage to transition into the memoir. Becoming the mouthpiece of Sedaris, he tells an often amusing, always sardonic story about his time as a Christmas elf at Macy’s department store. Kramer wisps about the stage in an elf-like manner, punctuating the saccharine with sarcasm. As he narrates each vignette, Kramer does exceptional characterizations of the different adults and children, in all their innocence and innocuousness. Kramer’s Carol Channing is incredible – the highlight of the show.
This marvelous fantasyland fantasia is made possible by a delightful creative team. Kacey Spadafora directs and designs (costumes/props/lights/sound). With the support of Taylor Jack Nelson (costume/props) and Lyndee Bauman (set and mural), these three create a storefront wonderland reminiscent of all those holiday commercials with cheery people and bright red packages. Everything is fun, loud, and slightly over-the-top, which is exactly what is needed to set the tone of this satirical gem.
SantaLand Diaries provides the antidote to what can be a stressful season. Crumpet will more than likely not be on the nice list this year with his naughty reflections of excess during the holidays. SantaLand Diaries is a delightful night out. So hang up your stockings, put away the wrapping paper, find out your true elfin name (I’m Perky Peppermint by the way), and raise your metaphorical glass (or water bottle) to a great evening out.
There is adult language throughout the show. Approximate runtime: 60 minutes with no intermission.
An Other Theater Company presents Santaland Diaries by David Sedaris, Adapted by Joe Montello.
Provo Town Centre, 1200 Towne Centre Boulevard, Provo UT 84601 (second floor, on the Macy’s end)
Dec 6-7, 13-14, 20-21, 2019 7:30 PM, Sun matinee Dec 15 5:00 PM
Tickets: $15 Adult, $13 Senior, $12 Student. Tickets are $2 more when purchased at the door.
Contact: anotherTheaterco@gmail.com
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