David Sedaris’ The Santaland Diaries
“Santa no longer traffics in coal. Instead, if you’re bad, he comes to your house and steals your things.”
Crumpet (Derick Loafmann) is not a good elf. He tries to be, but he’s not. Crumpet is the kind of elf that likes to toy with the Christmas geared minds of children and parents alike. And in Flashpoint Theatre Company’s 5th annual presentation of David Sedaris’ The Santaland Diaries, adapted for stage by Joe Mantello and directed by Meghann Williams, Crumpet depicts the life and struggles of being Santa’s elf.
“Congratulations sir, you are an elf.”
For an hour, Crumpet goes on, in detail, about the more amusing aspects of being an elf. Derick Loafmann is fabulous at this. He’s absolutely hysterical and the show flies by, leaving the audience feeling as if no time has passed. This is a really witty Christmas comedy, one that doesn’t necessarily give you a Christmassy feeling, but it’s definitely a great time.
“An elf in Santaland is one thing. An elf in sportswear is another thing entirely.”
Technically, this show is very understated, which works. The set is very simple, a chair, tree and whiskey bottle. Audience seating on the stage creates a very intimate feeling throughout the show.
“I sang it the way Billie Holiday would have if she had put out a Christmas album.”
Flashpoint’s The Santaland Diaries produces the promise of a great time – it’s fun, touching and a little ridiculous. If you’re the smallest bit cynical when it comes to Christmas and the holiday season, this show will just inflate those feelings, but in the best way possible.
Flashpoint Theatre Company presents David Sedaris’ The Santaland Diaries, adapted for stage by Joe Mantello and directed by Meghann Williams, December 3rd to 20th at the Second Stage at the Adrienne at 2030 Sansom Street. 215-665-9720, www.flashpointtheatre.org.
