The Santaland Diaries

David Sedaris’ “The Santaland Diaries” to Play in the Clarence Brown Theatre Carousel Theatre The cult holiday classic, “The Santaland Diaries,” adapted by Joe Mantello from the essay by humorist and best- selling author David Sedaris, will play in the Clarence Brown Theatre’s Carousel Theatre December 3 – 20, 2015. A Pay What You Wish Preview performance will be held Thursday, December 3, a talk back with the designers will take place Sunday, Dec. 13 following the matinee, and the Open Captioned performance is Sunday, December 20. The production, which is for mature audiences, will have staggered start times of 2:30 pm, 7:00 pm, 8:00 pm, and a special “for night owls” showing of 10:00 pm depending on the show date. It will be performed without an intermission and will include smoke. Media sponsors are WUOT, WUTK, the Knoxville News Sentinel and the Knoxville Mercury. Free and convenient parking is available in the McClung Tower Garage on Volunteer Boulevard. Based loosely on Sedaris’ real life experience, “The Santaland Diaries” tells the tale of a struggling actor in New York City who out of necessity takes seasonal work as Crumpet the Elf in Macy’s Department Store’s Santaland Village. The comic holiday adventure chronicles Sedaris’ humiliation, frustrations and ultimately his hopefulness all told though his masterful sardonic wit. David Sedaris made his National Public Radio debut on December 23, 1992 when he read his essay titled “Santaland Diaries” on the show “Morning Edition.” Since his successful debut, Sedaris has gone on to publish multiple bestselling books including “Barrel Fever,” “Me Talk Pretty One Day” and “Let’s Talk Diabetes With Owls.” He also has been a frequent contributor on NPR’s popular radio show “This American Life,” all of which has contributed to his reputation as one of America’s preeminent humorists. Sedaris’ story was adapted for the stage by Joe Mantello and premiered on November 7, 1996 at the Atlantic Theatre Company in New York City. Originally from Atlanta, GA, director Jeff Stanley has directed for Triad Stage, PlayMakers Repertory Company and Hartford Stage Company and in New York with Prospect Theater Company, The American Globe Theater, The Sanford Meisner Theater and in several NY International Fringe Festivals, among others. He also has directed professionally at Fairfield University (where he also taught theatrical clowning and comedy improvisation), Fordham University, and the University of Iowa. Also active in youth theater, he has directed and taught acting for the Summer Youth Conservatory at PlayMakers, Applause! Youth Theater in Cary, NC, The Arts Center in Carrboro, NC and for the Mississippi Summer Arts Institute at Delta State University in Cleveland, MS. He worked in the Communications / Education and Outreach Dept. in the national office of Actors' Equity Association for four years and served as the Company Manager for PlayMakers Rep for two seasons and in the same position at Long Wharf Theater in New Haven, CT for three. Jeff holds a BA in Acting from Fordham University's College at Lincoln Center and an MFA in Directing from Rutgers. Performing the role of Crumpet the Elf, David Brian Alley is in his 16th season as a CBT Artist-In-Residence, having appeared in over 40 productions. He was most recently seen in “The 39 Steps.” Additional CBT credits include: “A Midsummer Night's Dream,” “Noises Off,” “A Christmas Carol,” “The Trip to Bountiful,” “Kiss Me, Kate,” “Fuddy Meers,” “Moonlight and Magnolias,” among others. Regionally, he has performed at The Mark Taper Forum, Playmaker’s Repertory, Hollywood Actor’s Theatre, The ImprovOlympic Theatre, and Chicago TheatreWorks. Regional: The Mark Taper Forum; Playmaker’s Repertory; Hollywood Actor’s Theatre; The ImprovOlympic Theatre; and Chicago TheatreWorks. He also has been seen in film and on television. The creative team for this production includes: visiting guest designer Stephen Brown (Costume and Scenic Designer); Travis Gaboda (Lighting Designer); Mike Ponder (Sound Designer), and Casie Morell (Stage Manager). Preview for “The Santaland Diaries” is Thursday, December 3, followed by Opening Night Friday, December 4. The show runs through December 20. UT faculty/staff, senior citizens, children and students receive discounts. For tickets, call the Clarence Brown Theatre box office at 865-974-5161, Tickets Unlimited at 865-656-4444 or order online 24/7 at www.clarencebrowntheatre.com With a dual mission to train the next generation of theatre artists and to provide top quality professional theatre, the Clarence Brown Theatre at the University of Tennessee Knoxville is one of only 13 academic LORT (League of Resident Theatre) institutions in the nation. Under the leadership of Producing Artistic Director Calvin MacLean and Managing Director David B. Byrd, the CBT season runs from August through May and features eight productions ranging from musicals to drama. The CBT provides a cultural resource for both the university and the larger East Tennessee community and affirms diversity and inclusivity in all their forms. The 2015/2016 remaining season productions include: “Titus Andronicus,” “A Lesson Before Dying,” “The Open Hand,” and “South Pacific”. For more information or tickets, call the CBT Box Office at 865-974-5161 or visit us online at http://clarencebrowntheatre.com/. Stay connected to the Clarence Brown Theatre on Facebook (Clarence Brown Theatre), follow us on Twitter (@ClarenceBrown) and view Clarence Brown videos on YouTube (Clarence Bro). ###