The Gamm Theatre's second show of their 22nd season is David Sedaris'
comic monologues "The SantaLand Diaries" & "Season's Greetings". The two one
act shows are adapted from the author's best-selling "Holidays on Ice".
"The SantaLand Diaries" is based on Sedaris' true experience as a one-time
Macy's Christmas elf named Crumpet. He arrives in New York with dreams of
being a writer for the soap opera "One Life to Live" and instead lands a
part-time job as an elf. From humiliating elf indoctrination to scrapes with
miscast Santas and obnoxious customers, the hilarious tale is spun by a
talented, Steve Kidd as Crumpet, the elf. "Season's Greetings'' is about a
determinedly sunny Mrs. Jocelyn Dunbar played superbly by Casey Seymour
Kim who takes pen to paper recounting the joys, the jobs and unexpected
surprises of the past year which include the arrival of her husband's
illegitimate gold-digging Vietnamese daughter on their doorstep. It is
twisted, tragic and hilarious in its lurid revelations. Both clever shows
are a wonderful alternative to "Christmas Carol" and their high energy
presentations by both performers will have you cheering at the end of the
night.
The first show is directed by Chris Byrnes and stars Steve Kidd as
Crumpet. Steve is a bundle of energy during his over one hour long show. His
comic description of the characters on One Life to Live as well as his
exploits on becoming an elf are well done. Steve commands the stage running
around explaining the different sections of SantaLand and all the weird
people he works with and meets every day. He has a touching scene describing
a Santa who takes a real interest in the people he meets which shows
the softer side to the character. The second show is excellently directed by
Wendy Overly who makes Casey use every inch of the stage. Wendy gives
Casey's character the nuances necessary for different levels of the script.
Casey is brilliant in this role. She is a whirling dervish on the stage and
her lines are beautifully delivered. Casey commands the stage at all times
and is perfect as Mrs. Dunbar especially funny is the scene where
she describes making burlap dresses for her slutty stepdaughter. The comic
slides of her family and friends for this show are hilarious and add the
needed touches to it. The festive and beautiful sets and costumes are by
David Howard. So for a Christmas show with an adult theme to it, be sure to
catch Gamm's latest production where you will leave the theater laughing
merrily.
THE SANTALAND DIARIES & SEASON'S GREETINGS (24
November to 24 December, 2006)
GAMM Theatre, 172 Exchange Street, Pawtucket, RI
1 (401) 723-4266 or www.gammtheatre.org
