By DAVID DIXON | Uptown News<\/p>\n
All Christmas shows need not necessarily conform to the traditional \u201cfamily friendly\u201d format, and one example is Diversionary Theatre\u2019s production of the dark comedy one-man show, \u201cThe Santaland Diaries.\u201d<\/p>\n
The story is adapted by Joe Mantello from David Sedaris\u2019 essay of the same title, with Wil Bethmann playing Crumpet, a Macy\u2019s department store elf who, as part of his work, deals with numerous problems involving both flawed parents and their children.<\/p>\n
As the tale unfolds, Crumpet shares his glum thoughts on his work and the Christmas holiday with the audience.<\/p>\n
Director Anthony Methvin (who calls himself a \u201cChristmas nut\u201d) is a fan of Sedaris and loves the original essay from the humorist and author. \u201cI actually have never seen the piece staged before,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s kind of exciting to come in with a fresh pair of eyes.\u201d<\/p>\n
Methvin wants the work to connect equally with admirers of Sedaris and people who aren\u2019t familiar with his writing. \u201cHopefully, people who don\u2019t know Sedaris will dive into his work more deeply,\u201d he said. \u201cHe really is one of our greatest literary minds.\u201d<\/p>\n
Labeled as a Legacy Revival Production, Methvin is glad to direct a work from the openly gay Sedaris at the LGBT theater.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt feels fitting that we\u2019re doing a legacy production of a classic queer piece of theater,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Like Methvin, Bethmann wanted to become involved with the staging because of Sedaris\u2019 unique depiction of Christmas.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s an unconventional Christmas show, which is what I like about it,\u201d he said. \u201cMy humor and outlook on the world aligns with Sedaris a little more compared to something like \u2018A Christmas Carol.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n
The truthfulness in the way Sedaris writes appeals to Bethmann. \u201cEverybody knows the good side of Christmas,\u201d he said. \u201cWe all have to deal with the bad side, and the story gets to deal with both.\u201d<\/p>\n
This interpretation reunites Methvin and Bethmann, who worked together earlier this year in Methvin\u2019s production of \u201cSignificant Other\u201d at Diversionary. While the success of \u201cThe Santaland Diaries\u201d largely rests on their collaboration, they also give credit to stage manager, Beth Hall, for her contributions to Methvin\u2019s vision.<\/p>\n
A major difference between the two productions is that, although Bethmann was a supporting performer in \u201cSignificant Other,\u201d he is now the focus of attention in the \u201cThe Santaland Diaries.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBethmann is doing beautiful work of finding where the center of this human being is,\u201d Methvin said. \u201cIt\u2019s been beautifully challenging work, so I\u2019m really grateful for the experience.\u201d<\/p>\n
Despite being featured in all kinds of plays, including Cygnet Theatre\u2019s acclaimed productions of \u201cAngels in America\u201d and \u201cThe Virgin Trial,\u201d Bethmann has never been a sole performer. \u201cThere is a lot of pressure, but the show flies by when running it, because it is so fun and funny,\u201d he said. \u201cIf you have fun going into it, then everybody\u2019s going to have fun with you.\u201d<\/p>\n
Diversionary\u2019s rendition of \u201cThe Santaland Diaries\u201d is far from a typical staging. The entire venue is holiday-themed and, before being seated, audience members are able to take a picture with Santa Claus.<\/p>\n
After most performances, there will also be an additional event, \u201cLinda Libby\u2019s HoliGay Storytime,\u201d which will be performed at the Diversionary Fritz Lounge. The local actress will read stories and sing songs that tie into the Christmas holiday.<\/p>\n
Methvin does appreciate that the piece, despite its warped humor, still features an emotional payoff appropriate for the holidays.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt the end, people are going to be examining the magic of Christmastime and how there\u2019s something outside of our cynical brains that makes this season tick in a beautiful way,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Full of Sedaris\u2019 wit, Methvin\u2019s rendition is meant to give adult theatergoers a hilarious evening of fun. Regardless of how much you love this time of the year, you will likely have a great time with Crumpet.<\/p>\n
For tickets and more information on \u201cThe Santaland Diaries,\u201d visit diversionary.org<\/a> o llame al 619-220-0097.<\/p>\n