The Castle Craig Players Stage THE SANTALAND DIARIES This Weekend

Forget visions of sugarplums and carols sung fireside! The Castle Craig Players have an alternative way to keep things jolly this holiday season -- irreverent comedy, with the hilarious play THE SANTALAND DIARIES. This sardonic "one-elf show" by award-winning American humorist David Sedaris, will run for four performances only -- this weekend, December 10-13 -- on the group's intimate Meriden stage.

A struggling young actor takes a job as a Christmas elf at Macy's in New York City, and offers a sardonic, witty, irreverent accounting of elf training, bad Santa's, abusive customers, and humiliating conditions. Adapted for the stage by Joe Mantello, THE SANTALAND DIARIES is based on Sedaris' semi-autobiographical recount of his days in candy cane tights and curly toed shoes. Packed with witty, dry insights into crass commercialism, THE SANTALAND DIARIES is welcome antidote to the schmaltz of the season.

"This year we wanted to try something a bit different," said director Melanie Del Sole. "We felt that this play, which is full of Sedaris' sarcasm and humorous commentary, was the perfect way to break from tradition."

Long-time CCP veteran Ian Galligan plays our merry misanthrope, recounting the tale of his stint at Macy's Department Store. "This show is perfect substitute to the other holiday shows that you've seen over and over," Galligan said. "It gives a cynical look at how the holiday season brings out the best, and the worst, in us all."

"It's been a very interesting process," Del Sole said of the collaboration on a one-person show -- something Castle Craig has not done before. "Basically, it's just Ian and me, really working together to find just the right balance of humor and heart. We've shared a lot of laughs along the way -- but it's also been very challenging, especially for Ian. There's a whole different process when you are the only one on stage. It has been exciting to help bring life to this wonderful character, and to find ways to keep him real and stay true to Sedaris' personal experiences."

THE SANTALAND DIARIES will be presented for four performances only -- December 10-13 (Thursday, Friday & Saturday at 8pm, Sunday at 2pm) at The Almira F. Stephan Memorial Playhouse, 59 West Main Street, Meriden, CT. Tickets are $15, and seating is extremely limited! Tickets may be purchased online at www.CastleCraig.org or over the phone by calling toll-free 1-800-838-3006.

Presented Cabaret Style with table seating, patrons are invited to bring their own dinner, drinks and snacks to enjoy! Come decked out in your UGLIEST CHRISTMAS SWEATER! Prizes will be awarded!

(THE SANTALAND DIARIES is recommended for MATURE ELVES ONLY, due to strong language and references.)

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