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Macaroni Theatre: The Santaland Diaries

By Kyrie Collins, Highlands Ranch-Parker-Castle Rock-Lone Tree Publisher November 29, 2016
The SantaLand Diaries
The Jones, Denver
Playing through December 24
BUY TICKETS


This time of year tends to be all about the kids and ho-ho-ho! It's time to put a little snark in your stocking and have a grown-ups only night out on the town!

Crumpet the Elf returns to Denver to share his hilarious hi-jinks in this acclaimed one-man show based on true stories by satirical essayist David Sedaris. Crumpet's twisted tales from his stint in Macy’s SantaLand are the cure for the common Christmas show. Release your holiday stress and get all of those obnoxious carols out of your head!

The SantaLand Diaries has been a staple of the holiday season at the Denver Center for several years now. We've always wanted to attend but have never been able to squeeze it into our hectic schedule. I'm so glad we made it this year!

For the second year, Michael Bouchard plays the part of Crumpet. I think a one-man show has got to be a lot of pressure, but Bouchard is a master entertainer. From his facial expressions to his intonations to his ad-libbed lines directed toward anyone brave enough to go to the bathroom in the middle of the show, he had the whole audience laughing from beginning to end.

The stories prove what most people have always suspected — being one of Santa's elves at the mall is probably one of the worst jobs around. From drunken St. Nicks to difficult parents, the holiday season can bring out the worst in people in a most wonderfully hilarious way. The show is a bit slow at times — it is a one-sided hour and a half conversation after all — but the sarcasm and cynicism kept me interested.

The show ends with a pretty sweet story that reminds us what Christmas is really all about. So set aside the commercialism, the lengthy wish lists, and the hustle-and-bustle and go get your giggle on at The SantaLand Diaries. You can always hit the mall next weekend!

Tickets start at $25. Purchase tickets online, by calling (303) 893-4100, or at the Denver Center Ticket Office located at the Helen Bonfils Theatre Complex lobby. The show is 90 minutes with no intermission. Located in the Denver Center for the Performing Arts Complex, The Jones is a small, intimate thrust theater with a full-service bar.


Disclaimer: I received two complimentary tickets to attend the show for the purpose of this review. No other compensation was provided.