THE SANTALAND DIARIES
By David Sedaris
Adapted by Joe Mantello
Directed by Chip Decker

December 7-22, 2007

ABOUT THE PLAY

Back by Popular Demand, this ‘Anti-Christmas’ play is for those who like a little spice with their sugar. The Santaland Diaries is a hilarious one-man play about a man’s experience working as an elf in Macy’s SantaLand. Witty, sardonic and unpredictable, this new holiday ‘classic’ mercilessly cuts through the Christmas spirit, pointing out all of the crazy things people do during the holidays.

For mature ELVES only.

MEET THE PLAYWRIGHT

David Sedaris was born in Johnson City, New York; his father's job caused them to move to Raleigh, North Carolina where he grew up. David is the second of a family of six children, and is the sibling of actress Amy Sedaris.

Attending such schools as Duke University and Kent State University, he finally graduated from the Art Institute of Chicago in 1987. David has since settled in a small French village with his partner, Hugh Hamrick, and has become a critically acclaimed author of autobiographical books such as THE SANTALAND DIARIES, ME TALK PRETTY ONE DAY and NAKED.

He is also a familiar voice on PRI's “This American Life” radio program.

MEET THE DIRECTOR

Chip Decker  was born and raised in the Green Mountains of Vermont (Yes, I like Ben & Jerry’s. No, I never went “Cow Tippin”) and has lived in Texas, North Dakota and North Carolina. Chip joined Actor’s Theatre in 1996 and became Artistic Director in 2002.

In addition to acting in our productions of Dark Rapture, Stumps, Zara Spook & Other Lures, Bug and the Reduced Shakespeare’s “Abridged” plays, Chip received Creative Loafing’s Best Director (Comedy) Award for our production of Wonder of the World, as well as sharing Theatre Person of the Year honors. He also directed the popular Polish Joke, which opened our 2005-2006 season, and directed last season’s The Oldest Profession, and will be directing this years hilarious Santaland Diaries.

MEET THE CAST

Joseph Klosek (AEA) is excited by the challenge of his fifth Actor’s Theatre production. Earlier this year he was Henry in NATURAL SELECTION, and you may recognize him as Mr. Marks in INTIMATE APPAREL, Michael in TICK, TICK...BOOM!, or as The Dancin’ Kid in JOHNNY GUITAR. Last year at this time he was finishing a nine-month run with Charlotte’s longest running production, SHEAR MADNESS, at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center.

He has created productions for Disney, and performed regionally as Frankie in FOREVER PLAID, Tony in WEST SIDE STORY and Off-Broadway as Philemon in TALLAHASSEE. Joe holds a BFA in Music Education and an MA in Music Theory/Composition. He would like to thank his family and friends for their constant love and support and would like to wish a joyful holiday season to all.