'SantaLand' is irreverent
Arline Greer
Sun Theater Critic

Don't be misled by the title, "The SantaLand Diaries," David Sedaris' account of his adventures as a Macy's elf during the Christmas holiday season. On stage at The Hippodrome, Sedaris' "SantaLand" most likely is not a place you'd take your young children, not unless you think they're ready for an X-rated elf who spews forth funny one-liners filled with expletives and politically incorrect observances that might make Jackie Mason blush.

"The SantaLand Diaries," which first saw the light of day in an NPR broadcast, was so well received, Sedaris converted his radio talk into a book which rapidly became No. 1 on the "New York Times" bestseller list. In its third incarnation, Joe Mantello adapated it for the stage where it has prompted giggles, loud laughter and any number of snorts and guffaws from audiences looking for a break from the treacle of most holiday fare.

Sedaris' "The SantaLand Diaries" is a true account of the author's adventures as a many-faceted elf assistant in Macy's during the holiday crush. Mark Chambers, the rubber-faced comic actor, whom many will remember for his comical interpretation in The Hippodrome's past seasons' productions of "A Tuna Christmas," is on hand to play Sedaris' alter ego, who takes on the elf job when he can't find other employment. Chambers is a funny performer who uses slapstick and broad physical moves to express the comedy of "SantaLand." He makes his entrance from the audience dressed in a voluminous fur coat and wool hat, takes center stage (handsomely decorated by J. Jeffery Guice's ceiling high red throne, candy cane poles and wind-up toys) and holds forth for the length of the show, describing how he came to be an elf named Crumpet and what it's like to serve in various capacities for different Santas.

No topic is sacred in "The SantaLand Diaries." The politically incorrect reigns as Chambers' Crumpet mocks deaf children, retarded children and foreign children. Parents, who scold and shame their children into sitting on Santa's lap; parents who insist on taking elaborate photos of their kids on Santa's lap; parents who, themselves, plop down on Santa's lap; parents who insist on visiting only a black Santa or only a white Santa; all get skewered by Sedaris' sarcastic put-downs. Chambers' Crumpet gives us a glimpse of the "Oh my God Corner" (where kids and parents freak out in the long line waiting to see Santa) and the "Vomit Corner" (self explanatory.)

As the days wind down to Christmas Day, tempers get shorter; parents get meaner; and the spirit of Christmas? Good will to men? You won't find it in "The SantaLand Diaries."

With Lauren Caldwell directing, Chambers has many funny moments in Sedaris' spoof of Christmas commercialism. He changes into his elf costume shimmying to traditional striptease music. He springs athletically from a small trampoline up to the big red throne. He informs the deaf kids that Santa has a brain tumor with an expression of such wicked glee on his face, he makes you laugh when you think you shouldn't.

Four letter words abound in the show as do sexual references. Parents who are considering whether to bring their children to The Hippodrome to see the show should decide if these components of "The SantaLand Diaries" make a negative difference. If they do, remember that "'SantaLand" alternates at The Hippodrome with Charles Dickens' classic "A Christmas Carol," whose "Bah! Humbug" eventually turns into sweetness and light. No such transformation occurs in the funny, irreverent "The SantaLand Diaries."