The Vineyard Playhouse is bringing best-selling, humorous author David Sedaris’ “SantaLand Diaries” to the stage for five performances starting this Saturday, Dec. 11. One of several essays in Mr. Sedaris’ “Barrel Fever” and “Holidays on Ice,” “SantaLand Diaries” is a true, comedic account of the author’s stint working as a Christmas elf at Macy’s in New York City, and earned the author his first public recognition when NPR broadcasted it in 1992.
Island actor Chris Brophy stars in the one-man show, which is rated PG-13. Mr. Brophy also starred in the same show in 1998 at the Playhouse. The original production was directed by Jon Lipsky, Playhouse artistic associate, and these performances are dedicated to him. An excerpt from the story follows:
“I am trying to look on the bright side. I arrived in New York three weeks ago with high hopes, hopes that have been challenged. In my imagination I’d go straight from Penn Station to the offices of ‘One Life to Live,’ where I would drop off my bags and spruce up before heading off for drinks with Cord Roberts and Victoria Buchannon, the show’s greatest stars. We’d sit in a plush booth at a tony cocktail lounge where my new celebrity friends would lift their frosty glasses in my direction and say, ‘A toast to David Sedaris, the best writer this show has ever had!!!’…But instead I am applying for a job as an elf. Even worse than applying is the very real possibility that I will not be hired, that I couldn’t even find work as an elf. That’s when you know you’re a failure.”
Mr. Sedaris, known for his autobiographical and self-deprecating humor, has penned New York Times Best Sellers “Naked,” “Me Talk Pretty One Day,” “Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim,” and “When You Are Engulfed in Flames.” His most recent book is “Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk: A Modest Bestiary.”
Show dates and times are Dec. 11, 16, and 17 at 7:30 pm; Dec. 12 and 19 at 4 pm. All shows are $15. Pre-register for reserved seating: 508-696-6300 or boxoffice@vineyardplayhouse.org.