WANT TO GO?
WHAT: The Human Race Theatre Company presents The Santaland Diaries
WHEN: Dec. 10-19; Tuesday-Friday, 7 p.m.; Saturday, 5 p.m. and 9 p.m.
WHERE: The Loft Theatre, 126 N. Main St.
COST: $24. Purchase via ticketcenterstage.com
INFO: humanracetheatre.org. This performance is not recommended for children.
For those who feel underwhelmed by all the “Glad Tidings” and “Good Cheer” of the holiday season, here’s a play that will get you in the Christmas spirit while you laugh at its more materialistic nature.
The Human Race Theatre Company presents "The Santaland Diaries," a one-act, one-man production that places front-and-center all the blood, sweat and tears that millions of retail workers experience during the holiday shopping season. Based on the David Sedaris comedic essay of the same name, Sedaris originally wrote the essay as an account of his own time spent working as an elf at Macy's Department Store in New York and performed it on National Public Radio in 1992 to widespread acclaim. Tony Award-winning director Joe Mantello adapted the story for the stage in 1996.
Though the play is short, it’s not very sweet: If you’ve read Sedaris, you know that he holds little back. While the performance may not be suitable for all ages, the off-kilter and cheeky mood will appeal to anyone who wants to say “Bah Humbag!” at the sight of twinkling lights and smell of gingerbread.
"The Santaland Diaries" features two longtime Human Race Resident Artists: Tim Lile, an auctioneer by day and longtime comedic actor with Human Race, is the irreverent Crumpet, one of Santa's little helpers. Actor/director Scott Stoney directs the performance, which runs Dec. 10-19 at the Loft Theatre.
Lile took a break from learning his lines to tell us why “The Santaland Diaries” is a must-see.
Why do you think people should check out “The Santaland Diaries?”
TIM LILE: "Santaland Diaries" will offer a nice break from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season without over-taxing your time. We hope to have you in and out of the theater in under an hour. More than that, we hope after that hour, you'll face the the rest of the holidays with a smile because you realize it could be worse. You could have to go to work and put on an elf costume.
What should the audience be aware of before they attend?
TL: Audiences should know that this isn't your traditional "eggnog" Christmas show. It's spiked. Young children should not drink it! I'd say it's about a PG-13 by today's standards.
I also want them to know that I didn’t write the material. So, if they are offended by Crumpet’s treatment of any particular group, it isn’t me. I love everyone.
Tell me about your character.
TL: My character is David Sedaris, the writer of the piece who, according to Wikipedia, "is an American Humorist, comedian, author, and radio contributor" and according to his agent, is "…one of America's pre-eminent humor writers who slices through cultural euphemisms and political correctness." His agent also says that "Sedaris is a master of satire and one of the most observant writers addressing the human condition today."
I’m trying to get all of that into my character while wearing an elf costume.
You are a longtime actor with the Human Race Theatre Company. What makes you excited about its past, present and future?
TL: It's been nearly 20 years since my first show with the Race. This production may end that long run, but 20 years is pretty good.
In all seriousness, The Human Race Theatre means the world to me. I couldn’t be more proud of what this company provides for our community. The fact that it has a present is a testament to the commitment of its leadership, the dedication of its artists and the loyalty of its audience.
Economic factors threatened its existence in recent years and The Human Race Theatre has been a microcosm of the larger “Human Race” in its unwavering will to survive in what, in these times, can feel like uncontrolled chaos. I cannot express the gratitude I have for Marsha Hanna and Joe Deer giving me that first shot 20 years ago to be a part of The Human Race. It’s just sad that it might end in an elf costume.
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