Glacity Theatre Collective to offer spirited reading of ‘Santaland Diaries’

November 25, 2009 | Arts, UToday
By Staff



Dave DeChristopher, UT instructor of theatre, as Crumpet the Elf

Dave DeChristopher, UT instructor of theatre, as Crumpet the Elf

Leave the young ones at home with a sitter and a “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” DVD, and join the Glacity Theatre Collective for an alternative tradition of Christmas crimes and misdemeanors.

“The Santaland Diaries” will open Friday, Nov. 27, at 8 p.m. at the Valentine Theatre, 410 Adams St. Performances continue Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 28 and 29, and Friday through Sunday, Dec. 4-6, and Dec. 11-13. Curtain time will be 8 p.m. except for Sunday matinees, which will take place at 2 p.m.

Noted humorist David Sedaris first came to prominence on NPR with his wickedly funny story of playing Crumpet the Elf in the holiday extravaganza known as “Santaland” at Macy’s. Now adapted into a play by Joe Mantello, “The Santaland Diaries” has become a new, subversive Christmas classic with its backstage exposé of that seamy underbelly of the holidays known as Elf School.

“The story, when first read by Sedaris on NPR, quickly became the second-most requested piece in Morning Edition’s history,” said Glacity Theatre Collective Executive Director Holly Monsos, UT associate professor and chair of theatre and film. “And it’s not surprising. All too often the stress of trying to make the holidays perfect can drive people a little crazy. Crumpet the Elf deals with such craziness — and we’ve all been there — with wit, subtle anarchy and something that almost, but not quite, resembles compassion.”

Dave DeChristopher, one of Glacity Theatre Collective’s founding members, will play the acerbic Crumpet. He is an instructor in the UT Department of Theatre and Film.

Glacity Theatre Collective Artistic Director Cornel Gabara, UT assistant professor of theatre, is directing the production. James S. Hill, UT professor of theatre and film, designed the set and lighting, and Monsos created the costumes.

Ticket prices are $20 and are available in person at the Valentine Theatre Box Office, online at www.valentinetheatre.com/boxoffice.html or by phone at 419.242.2787.

The Sunday, Dec. 6, matinee will be a “pay what you can” show, and tickets will be available at the door only.

The Glacity Theatre Collective is a company comprised of professional local theatre artists, including UT faculty, staff and students. In September, it became a new resident company in the Valentine Theatre’s studio spaces.

For more information, go to www.glacity.org.

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