Santaland Diaries

Just in time for the holidays, a revisit to one of the most humorous essays by one of America's favorite authors comes back to our area. When David Sedaris first read his writing on National Public Radio way back in 1992, he had no idea that the piece, and indeed his career was about to take off.

"The Santaland Diaries" began its life humbly, as an essay, later published in his collections "Barrel Fever" and "Holidays On Ice." Sedaris' well-known humor was about to become public knowledge, and this account of his experiences as an elf working for a Macy's Santa Claus attraction doesn't disappoint. A casual reader of Sedaris will note that his style is snappy and sardonic; writing about his life and experiences in a variety of ways.

Crumpet (Steve Kidd) is an underachiever, to be sure, and worrying that this job must be locked down to ensure the ability to make next month's rent makes for a stressful interview process. The show is a one-man tour de force; keeping the audience rapt and engaged for just over one hour isn't for the amateur. Kidd delivers this fictional account like it was his own memory, and with a gleam in his eye. The funniest moments are when he's regaling us with tales of his co-workers (other elves and Santas) in mock voices and giggling at the recollections.

The stage design by Jessica Hill is a simple setting mimicking the cold white platforms of a department store, with minimal props and still manages to look festive. A bit of Christmas music, some well-placed sound effects and you've got a funny show. "Santaland" is at its best when the laughs are plentiful, and yet there's a hint of pathos thrown in for good measure. Sedaris was trying to hit all the notes on commercialism, family, unemployment and working with children. Crumpet comes across as the everyman, albeit one with a keen sense of irony and humor.

"Santaland" was adapted way back in 1996 by Joe Mantello and produced off-Broadway with film star Timothy Olyphant. The show has been produced all over the country, and Steve Kidd reprises his role here, also being a member of the Gamm's company, he also teaches English and Drama locally at the Moses Brown school.

A one-act show, this production is an amusing and pleasant diversion for a chilly December night, and truly a breath of fresh air from other Holiday productions.

"Santaland Diaries" runs through December 23 at The Sandra Feinstein-Gamm Theatre, 172 Exchange Street, Pawtucket, RI 02860. For information or tickets, call 401-723-4266 or visit www.gammtheatre.org