David is not your average elf. He is an unemployed, 33-year-old writer who takes a job at Macy’s in New York City as a Christmas elf named Crumpet. He recounts his experiences working in a retail store during one of the busiest shopping times of the year. “The Santaland Diaries,” originally written by David Sedaris, has been adapted for the stage by Joe Mantello.

It may be a one-man show, but there certainly is not a lack of characters. In the span of 65 minutes, David (Matt Crabtree) presents 50 different characters. The show covers all of the types of people one would likely encounter during the hectic time leading up to Christmas including Santa, black Santa, angry mothers, and screaming children to name a few. Crabtree makes a wonderful Crumpet, and deserves recognition for his ability to create four dozen other characters on top of that.

This play will leave audiences smiling and wanting to sing Christmas carols. While the play is hilarious, it has its touching moments as well. David is sarcastic, grumpy, and witty. He messes with customers and compares Santa to Satan all the while putting on a fake smile as a chipper elf. As David plays Crumpet, he encounters a myriad of different customers and realizes that people have lost sight of the true meaning of Christmas. Working at this job changes him for the better as he goes from pretending to be a merry elf to actually being happy.

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All by himself, David completely transforms the set (designed by David Mauer). What starts as a bland apartment turns into a winter wonderland. The christmas lights, snow, and presents create the holiday atmosphere - and a Christmas show would not be complete without music (sound design by Amanda Mauer). Audiences can expect a strip tease to the Christmas classic “Santa Baby” and a Billie Holiday-esque rendition of “Away in a Manger” among other hilarious moments.

In short, "The Santaland Diaries" brings the joy of Christmas and all of the madness that goes along with it. It reminds us that the holidays are supposed to be a cheerful time, not a stressful one. Give yourself a break from shopping and treat yourself to a night at the theater.

“The Santaland Diaries” is playing through December 21 at the Working Stage Theater (1516 Gardner Street, West Hollywood). Tickets are $25 ($20 when you bring an unwrapped child’s toy or sporting equipment to benefit the “Spark of Love” Toy Drive). For more information visit WorkingStage.com

Contact Contributor Alliyah Ferrera here

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