When the holiday season rolls around, it is natural for theatre audiences to attend traditional Christmas fare such as “A Christmas Carol” and “It’s a Wonderful Life.”
We have grown to love these seasonal performances but we also have seen them countless times in all different ways and they soon grow to be yet another holiday tradition.
This year, put something new on your theatrical Christmas list. Please consider an off-beat and unusual holiday treat.
After the Thanksgiving break the Shippensburg Department of Music and Theater Arts will present The Santaland Diaries at Memorial Auditorium on the SU campus.
You can expect this comic show to be anything but your typical, holiday show.
Right out of the gate it delivers a performance full of energy and humor and one belly laugh after the other.
The story comes from American writer David Sedaris and tells the riotous account of his experience working as a Macy’s department store elf.
Sedaris first read the story on National Public Radio in December 1992 and it was extremely well-received.
In 1996, actor/director, Joe Mantello adapted the essay into a one-man performance.
At a breezy 75-minute pace, The New Yorker magazine describes The Santaland Diaries as having, “a satirical brazenness that holds up next to Twain and Nathanael West.”
This is a holiday performance not recommended for anyone under the age of 13, however, this show is a special treat for parents who recognize the absurdities and mania of the holiday, shopping season.
The production features Ethan Goldbach, a senior at Shippensburg in the role of Crumpet, Santa’s sarcastic little helper.
His vivacity is certain to charm audiences in more ways than one.
The performance also has some brilliant “behind the scenes” support. The scenic design is created and constructed by Benjamin Balutis. The lighting and sound design is handled by Tyler Graybeal, also a senior.
Rounding out the ensemble are SU freshmen, Trevor Taylor, Vanessa Ruffo and Sara Bugh.
With this talented ensemble, The Santaland Diaries is sure to be a memorable holiday experience for all.
Performances are at 8 p.m. from Wednesday, Nov. 28 until Saturday Dec. 1 and at 2 p.m. for a Sunday matinee on Dec. 2 in Memorial Auditorium.
Shippensburg University invites you to begin a new holiday tradition and include “The Santaland Diaries” on your holiday wishlist.
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