The Santaland Diaries - An Elf's Confessions Ring True

Written by David Sedaris, The Santaland Diaries began as a radio essay read by the author on National Public Radio in 1992. An overnight sensation, it was the author's first big break and led to him continuing to share his diary entries with radio listeners monthly. The onstage version was adapted by Joe Mantello and first staged in 1996.

 

Though the source material is 20 years old, on opening night it certainly appeared to resonate with the audience. From laugh out loud funny moments to cringe-worthy remembrances, The Santaland Diaries is a caustic tale for anyone who's ever had a job where the whole world around you feels completely ridiculous. And the bonus here is that you can laugh at the Christmas traditions which most of us enjoy and/or endure depending on whether you're a Santa or a Grinch.

 

This production is solid - Ryan Beil is highly watchable as the grumpy elf, Candelario Andrade's projections look stylish and Sydney Cavanagh's costumes are bang-on. Elements of the set are tremendous - the light-up cube on wheels that flies across the stage is great fun! However, the ongoing twisting and turning of large white stage flats to create new corners of Santaland starts to be repetitive and loses its appeal throughout the 75-minute performance. Director John Murphy does set a quick pace and the show's diary entries string past you like a homemade garland of cranberries and popcorn.

 

So this year if you're looking for something different than It's A Wonderful Life, then definitely consider checking out The Santaland Diaries at the Revue Stage on Granville Island.

 

NOTE: The show is being held over for an extra week and will be playing until December 29, 2012. Tickets available by phone at 604.687.1644 or by visiting www.artsclub.com.