One of this season’s best-kept secrets is the production of “The Santaland Diaries” now playing at The Warehouse Theatre.
This production of the beloved writer David Sedaris’ story is produced in cooperation with City Artistic Partnerships, a non-profit arts service organization dedicated to assisting and promoting artists in the Washington area. If this production is any indication, they deserve all the support possible to continue such first-rate shows.
The caveat is that the story is so ingrained in the minds of Sedaris fans that any deviation from the original true-life tale — about a 33-year old man who takes a full-time job as an elf at Macy’s during the holidays — is immediately noticed. But what makes this production sparkle is that Joe Mantello — who adapted this story for the stage — is clearly in sync with Sedaris’ mindset.
From the time the out-of-work writer is told “Congratulations, Mr. Sedaris. You’re an elf.” to the time he leaves the job on Christmas Eve to catch a flight from New York City to his family’s North Carolina home, the story is a rollicking ride of mayhem and irony to which most holiday revelers can relate.
This one-man show starring Joe Brack is told as reminiscences when the main character presumably hangs up his green elf outfit. Except for a large Macy’s shopping bag, the stage is fairly empty except for a dumpster, crate and other sparse extras normally found in an alley.
If there’s one downside to the play it’s that some of the words and mannerisms by Brack are just a bit meaner, a bit ruder, than one believes Sedaris intended. And it’s tough to believe that Sedaris would at one point lament that he wasn’t a “good person.” But sarcasm, humor and even empathy are in the eyes of the beholders so that could be an individual interpretation — and a fairly minor quibble at that.
Brack is a top-notch performer engaging the audience and enlisting them in minor yet camaraderie building tasks such as spelling out S A N T A as it presumably was during Macy’s Elf training. And some of the additions to the story are priceless and easily recognizable character types such as the tale of an elf dubbed Gingersnap who so enjoys the role that she requests a year-long assignment.
Whether the holiday season leaves you feeling as grumpy as the Grinch or as merry as Kris Kringle, “The Santaland Diaries” will assuredly add extra spark to your season.
If you go
The Santaland Diaries
Where: The Warehouse Theatre, 1017 7th St NW
When: 8 p.m. Thursday (Dec. 11 and 18), Friday (Dec. 12 and 19), Saturday (Dec. 13 and 19), 3 p.m. Sunday (Dec. 14 and 21). Special Christmas week performances at 8 p.m. Dec 22-24.
Info: $15; 202-213-2474; www.cityartisticpartnerships.
