Santaland Diaries, The

It's surprising that The Santaland Diaries, the hilarious David Sedaris tale about his time spent playing an elf named Crumpet at Macy's during Christmas, is just now on stage at Actors Theater of Louisville for the first time. The wait has been worth it, and ATL has another major attraction to add to its two other popular seasonal offerings, A Tuna Christmas and A Christmas Carol.

In this one-man show, Oliver Wadsworth scores impressively as Sedaris and all the other characters he mimics -- fellow elves, harassed parents, good and naughty children, various Santas, and officious officials who parade through Macy's' glittery, glistening Christmas wonderland.

Three weeks after arriving in New York, young Sedaris has not succeeded in his ambition to land a role on the "One Life to Live" soap opera. He's $20 away from having to get a job walking dogs. So the Macy's ad seeking elf applicants comes at the right moment.

He's hired, and on stage he strips off his jeans, sweater, and leather jacket and, feeling foolish, puts on the colorful elf suit that makes him look ridiculous.

Wadsworth is a riot as he recounts the outrageous behavior of people who go through Santaland.  Yet there is no viciousness in his stories; some even verge on the sentimental.  All of them hold the attention through his masterful voice changes and athletic vigor.

Directed for maximum merriment by Sean Daniels, ATL's associate artistic director, The Santaland Diaries takes place on Paul Owen's all-out Christmas set with a throne for Santa, decorated trees, huge ,brightly wrapped gift boxes; dolls, toys, and candy canes filled with sparkling lights.

Before Wadsworth does Sedaris, Santa himself shows up to dispense gifts to game audience members who sit on his knee and say what they want for Christmas. Santa even hands out presents to several Jewish theatergoers while putting in a word for Hanukkah.