The absurd vision of a grown man in elf garb — red-and-white striped stockings, curly-toe slippers, green velvet tunic and pantaloons with a ball-dangling cap — is comical in itself. The fact that the concept plays better in the theater of the mind on the radio than onstage, where we expect people to appear in costume, says something about what does and doesn’t work in “The SantaLand Diaries,” a one-man show by David Sedaris at The Jones starring Michael Bouchard.
* * ½ stars | Comedy
The tale began life as an essay by humorist Sedaris about his stint as a Macy’s elf during the holiday rush. He first read it on National Public Radio in 1992; an extended version became a beloved annual feature. It was adapted for the stage as a one-act play by Joe Mantello, premiering in 1996. Some of the elements, including un-PC stereotypes (overworking the word “retarded,” for instance), feel dated.
The combination of Sedaris’ funny, whiny voice and the ridiculousness of the imagined elf get-up boosted the impact of the aural project. His description may have been funnier than the reality. Onstage, some of the magic disappears. It’s an elf costume. Not as surreal as envisioned.
, a Boulder Ensemble Theater Company member, is better than the material. He appears first in street clothes (the overcoat and scarf suggest he has just entered with the rest of the audience), only later changing into the Crumpet the Elf threads. He sings, dances, ad-libs (even recapping for the benefit of latecomers) and runs through an array of voices. He overcomes our doubts even as the script lets our minds wander.
While the pace drags, director Stephen Weitz keeps the tone light, a style befitting the cabaret setting. A bar is featured prominently at the front of the house. The one-act is interspersed with off-color language and bits inviting audience participation.
A bit of sentimentality creeps in at the end, but the tone is mostly sardonic. Rude and racist parents, lecherous and drunken elves, disinterested Santas. Sedaris finds irony in the pretensions, predilections and contrived holiday cheer of the giant retailer’s pitch to consumers via the jolly fat man. You know, Santa, an anagram of Satan.
But there is a warm spirit beneath the cynicism — and Bouchard makes us believe, if only for a moment.
Joanne Ostrow: 303-954-1830, jostrow@denverpost.com or @ostrowdp
“THE SANTALAND DIARIES”
By David Sedaris. Adapted for the stage by Joe Mantello. One-man show directed by Stephen Weitz, starring Michael Bouchard. Recommended for ages 16 and up. Through Dec. 27 at The Jones, DCPA, Speer and Arapahoe in Denver. Tickets start at $25. Call 303-893-4100 or online, denvercenter.org
