David Sedaris' "The Santaland Diaries" first came to public attention when National Public Radio featured Mr. Sedaris reading excerpts from it in 1992. That broadcast helped not only to launch Mr. Sedaris' career as a writer and comedian but the work itself is well on its way to becoming a holiday classic. But, if you're only familiar with the NPR broadcast, the theatrical version is richer, deeper, and even more funny. Actor Daren Scott ably demonstrates the classic nature of this piece in his solo performance of Joe Mantello's adaptation, now playing until December 23 at the New Village Arts Theatre, in Carlsbad.

Daren Scott as Crumpet the Elf

Photo credit: Mr. Scott

You probably know the basic set up: an out-of-work actor seeks temporary holiday work at Macy's in New York and ends up as an elf helper in the area where children can sit on Santa's lap and have their picture taken with him. Crumpet, as Mr. Sedaris dubs himself, endures rigorous training (in bureaucracy), squirrelly relations with co-workers, truly odd customers, and even a bit of the Christmas spirit. In a very funny manner, Mr. Sedaris manages to deconstruct the uniquely American ability to merchandise products through using familiar symbols while still running something akin to an assembly line for its workforce.

Mr. Sedaris' original delivery dripped of the irony that was oh so hip in the 1990s. Mr. Scott and director Kristianne Kurner play Crumpet as more of a sad sack who is amazed at the madness that surrounds him. This interpretation not only fits Mr. Scott's look and style, but it turns out to be a choice that is at least equally as funny. At the preview performance I saw, Mr. Scott displayed excellent comic timing and with experience in front of audiences the show should notch up from very funny to hilarious.

I wasn't as pleased with Tim Wallace's cardboard cut-out set, as it looked too generic and did not include many of the elements of Santaland that the script describes. Kate Stallons' elf costume was a hoot, however, and Adam Brick's sound design brought its own humor to the proceedings.

Of all of the off-beat holiday theatre offerings this one ranks as highly satisfying. If you have only one opportunity for theatre during the holidays, this one would be a good bet.

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