Having spent several years of my youth working retail and customer service-related jobs, I can appreciate the sheer madness that is working retail during the holidays. Clearly David Sedaris has a much wilder experience working retail than I did, as displayed in The Santaland Diaries—a 70-minute one man show about Sedaris’ days as a Christmas Elf in at Macy’s in NYC. If you aren’t familiar with David Sedaris’ work, then The Santaland Diaries is a perfect introduction to his humorous work. And if you are a fan of David Sedaris’ work, then you know this is a must-see cult classic for the holiday season.
Darius Pierce returns to Portland Center Stage (PCS) as Crumpet the Elf for his third year in The Santaland Diaries. Pierce is a local stage and television actor, and this marks his 7th season with PCS. While Sedaris’ writing is nothing short of genius, Pierce’s delivery of Sedaris’ story is impeccable. The Santaland Diaries is by far one of the funniest shows I’ve ever seen, and definitely the funniest one-man show. Pierce’s talent speaks for itself with his ability to perform a 70-minute monologue.
The Santaland Diaries is based on the true chronicles of writer David Sedaris’ experience working as a Christmas elf in a Macy’s department store in New York City. This piece launched Sedaris’ career when his performance of the piece was aired on National Public Radio’s Morning Edition a few days before Christmas in 1992. Later adapted by Joe Mantello into a one man show, The Santaland Diaries has become a popular holiday favorite. It remains one of the most produced holiday shows on American stages, outpaced only by A Christmas Carol.
If you go to The Santaland Diaries:
The show runs through December 28, 2014. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through Sundays (excluding December 24 and 25) with 2 p.m. matinees on select Saturdays and Sundays and matinees at noon on select Thursdays. Performances are in the Ellyn Bye Studio at the Gerding Theater at the Armory, 128 NW 11th Ave., Portland, OR. The Santaland Diaries is recommended for ages 14 and up as it contains mature content and language, and the secret of Santa is revealed.
I received tickets to the show in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
- Different Reasons to Consider Using a Therapist in New York - March 12, 2025
- Is a Micro Wedding the Dream You Didn’t Know You Had? - February 14, 2025
- DIY Valentine’s Day Cards Inspired by Monster High - February 13, 2025
I have yet to dive into any Sidaris – almost avoided him on principle. May have to change that.
Great idea for kids this holiday season. 🙂
this looks hilarious! i love anything by david sedaris!
http://www.ladiesinnavy.com
Although I’ve read his writing, I’ve yet to see this show!
I bet this is super funny! I love listening to David Sedaris’s reading of this–I think it’s on the radio every year. Bet it is a great show to see!
I bet this is a great show!