SantaLand Diaries

SANTALAND DIARIES

It Was The Cure for The Common Christmas

What could be worse than applying for a job as a yuletide elf at Macy’s?

“…the very real possibility that I won’t be hired.”

So began the Crested Butte Mountain Theatre production, SantaLand Diaries.

Bruce Eckel, a veteran CBMT actor and the star of SantaLand Diaries, was unapologetically inappropriate as Crumpet the elf in this one-man play rendition of David Sedaris’ essay collection of the same name.   From the moment he donned his tights and perky cap, Bruce’s performance was uproariously spot on.   Changing voices, occasionally prancing across the stage, and mimicking customers of all shapes and sizes, Crumpet (Bruce) recounted with magnificent cynicism, every detail of elf training and Holiday “war stories” at Macy’s.   Audiences jaded by the crass commercialism of the season applauded 80 minutes of amazing off-the-cuff irreverent lampooning.

Sedaris, a celebrated playwright, entertainer and humorist, first read his chronicles on NPR in 1992.   Since then, SantaLand Diaries has become the perfect Holiday tradition for those who don’t believe in Holiday Traditions.   Theatrical versions have been gaining favor across the country ever since.

The CBMT interpretation played to a completely packed house for seven evenings at the Mallardi Cabaret Theatre in December.

PRE-SHOW MUSICAL MAGIC !

Live pre-show musical entertainment and a happy hour got the show off to a great start every evening. Artists included members of the group "Simpler Times" - Drew Murdza, Carl Meinecke, Sam Pankratz and Pierce. Les Choy brought his famous Gypsy Jazz band and Tyler Lucas and Ryan Herr were amazing with their BlueGrass sounds. Mikey Shorts was also a great crowd pleaser.