Directed coy Covington

Cast: Nye Cooper

Reviewed by Mark-Brian Sonna, Associate Theatre Critic for
John Garcia's THE COLUMN

______________________THE SANTALAND DIARIES________________________

What can possibly be said that hasn't already been said about David Sedaris? The
SantaLand Diaries? This essay has managed over the last few years to become a
staple of American Culture and the holiday season. It is our modern Night before
Christmas, or Christmas Carol. Go to any bookstore and this essay appears in
numerous editions with various book covers. It is brilliantly witty, sardonic,
touching, biting, etc. It also has been turned into a one act/one person play.
Contemporary Theatre of Dallas presents this famous essay and it is an
unqualified success.

The story is about an unemployed loaf needing a job and applying to Macy?s to
become an Elf named Crumpet in SantaLand. He proceeds to narrate the inner
workings of the department store and SantaLand. In the process he also makes
quips and observations about the various people working there and the clientele.
He re-enacts a few comically bizarre encounters with the public. The play ends
at the same time the ?job? ends.

Nye Cooper is reprising the role for what seems like the umpteenth year, and he
proves why he is so perfect for the role. While he may not look like David
Sedaris, he is able to channel the spirit of the man, and with his enormous gift
of talent bring the delightful essay to full life. Seldom does a movie or a play
match the original source material because it's hard to meet the high
expectations of what a reader imagines.

But to my eyes and ears, Nye Cooper's narration actually exceeded my
imagination! Lines that I thought as simply amusing became much funnier after
hearing him deliver them, and I found myself more profoundly touched by those
moments of true sincerity. Bravo, Mr. Cooper!

Rodney Dobbs also constructed a playful set in which Nye Cooper is allowed to
use to full force. It is visually comical yet it captures a department store
feel to a T. Coy Covington ?s direction turned what could have become a visually
tedious show -after all, it's only one person speaking non-stop for an hour-
into a constant source of amusement as Cooper moved ?set pieces? by stacking
them and placing them in various configurations so that we knew he was now in
the training room, on break, in an office, etc.

What also worked was the wonderful costume design of Aaron Patrick Turner.
Crumpet's outfit was spot on ridiculous yet exactly what I would have imagined
the powers of Macy?s would have concocted.

I also must compliment Diane Worman who did the voice of Macy?s over the loud
speaker. She vocally encapsulated the insane stress employees experience as the
season progresses.

My theatre companion is a rabid fan of David Sedaris, more so then I am. He
stated after the play was over ?I could see this every year and make it my
tradition, as long as that guy does the role.? My sentiments exactly.

Reviewed by Mark-Brian Sonna, Associate Theatre Critic for
John Garcia's THE COLUMN

______________________________________________________________________

THE SANTALAND DIARIES
by David Sedaris, adapted for the Stage by Joe Mantello
Contemporary Theatre of Dallas
Through December 20, 2009

Performances are Thursdays at 7:30pm, Fridays and Saturdays
at 8:00pm, Sundays at 2:00pm.

Tickets: Main floor and Balcony seating: $15
Tixs online: www dot contemporarytheatreofdallas dot com

Location: 5601 Sears St., Dallas TX 75206 (one block west of
lower Greenville, behind the former Arcadia Theatre). Visit
website for directions (see above for website link)