THE SANTALAND DIARIES
by David Sedaris; adapted by Joe Mantello

Directed by Bill Allman & Alan Marriott
Starring Alan Marriott & Sandra-Mae Luykx

GTI Theatrical Productions Society, with the generous support of Famous Artists Limited, is thrilled to present David Sedaris’ biting holiday comedy, The SantaLand Diaries, at Presentation House Theatre in North Vancouver from Thursday, December 8th to Saturday, December 17th, 2016.

Are your teeth aching from an overload of sugary-sweet Christmas specials featuring impossibly cherubic children and Christmas miracles aplenty? Are you passing out from pageants? David Sedaris’ masterpiece is guaranteed to add some jangle to your Yuletide jingle.

“The funniest Christmas play ever written”, The SantaLand Diaries is a slightly fictionalized account of author and radio celebrity Sedaris’ time as one of Macy’s department store Christmas elves. Sedaris’ elfin adventures are brought to life onstage for Christmas 2016 by the internationally renowned Alan Marriott as “Crumpet”, along with additional characters and live music brilliantly performed by Sandra-Mae Luykx.

Middle aged, out of work, and in need of holiday cash, a writer assumes the role of “Crumpet”, one of the magical elves in Macy’s New York SantaLand. Crumpet uses his gift for insight (as writers do) and relies on Alan Marriott’s host of wild voices and impersonations to bring to life the hordes of holiday shoppers, bratty kids, overzealous parents, store management, co-worker elves, and even the stout men themselves who don the red suit! “You don’t want to see a Santa undress” he cautions.

From leading the audience in a robust “S-A-N-T-A!” cheer to that point where, as it happens for all elves, the horrors begin, Crumpet takes us on his journey. Squeezed into a ridiculous costume with what looks like a heavily medicated smile on his face, Crumpet ushers people through SantaLand, even those who have wandered in by accident while shopping for a toaster. He brings to life shy kids, crying kids and kids having tantrums - and none of them as bad as their adult handlers. Crumpet shows us the worst of humanity, and their children. Will he find anyone to redeem this holiday season? Anyone? Anyone?

Venue:
Presentation House Theatre
333 Chesterfield Avenue, North Vancouver (just west of Lonsdale at 3rd Street)
(free parking available; wheelchair accessible)

Show Dates and Times:
Thursday, December 8th to Saturday, December 17th
Media Opening: Thursday, December 8th
Weekday Performances – 8:00 pm
Saturday, December 17th – 2:00 matinee; 8:00 pm evening
*No Saturday, December 10th or Sunday, December 11th matinees

The SantaLand Diaries runs 90 minutes with no intermission.
The play contains mature content and is NOT recommended for children. Rated 14A.

Ticket Information:
Adults: $25
Seniors (65+): $20
Students (with valid student ID): $20
Tickets can be purchased online at www.phtheatre.org, by phone at 604-990-3474 or in person at Presentation House Theatre.

Media Contact:
Kathleen Gibbs
Famous Artists Limited
kathleen@famousartists.ca