“The SantaLand Diaries” December 4, 2008

Santa, why are you spitting on me?
-Crumpet the Elf, “The SantaLand Diaries”

(Denver, CO) – It’s the return of one of Colorado’s great holiday traditions: “The SantaLand Diaries” by David Sedaris at The Bug Theatre.

Adapted by Joe Mantello and directed by Donna Morrison, “The SantaLand Diaries” chronicles author and NPR host David Sedaris' stint as a disgruntled Christmas elf at Macy's in New York.

Now in its tenth year, “The SantaLand Diaries” is the perfect antidote to all the holiday schmaltz and stars local favorite and Parker native Gary Culig in his final appearance as Crumpet the Elf.

Said Culig: “I get to embody this character that is so sardonic and caustic in the middle of this winter wonderland. After hanging out with the audience for 80 minutes, sharing Crumpet’s cynical view of the madness of the season, I get to turn it around and explore that magical part of the holidays that everyone can relate to in some way."

On leaving “The SantaLand Diaries,” Culig said: “We always knew this day would come. It's gotten increasingly harder to align the stars, so that I can come home to Colorado to do the show year after year. I've loved playing Crumpet. He's part of so many people's Christmas traditions, and I'm honored that audiences keep coming back. I'm going to miss playing him, but ten years seems like a good time to hang up my elf hat."

The Denver Post previously named The Bug Theatre Company’s cult hit “Best Remount” in 2003 and Culig “Best Actor in a Comedy” in 2002.

Evening shows: December 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 and 22 at 8:00 p.m. Matinees: December 14, 20 and 21 at 2:00 p.m.

Tickets for performances on December 4 through December 7 are $23 general admission and $20 students with ID & seniors. Starting December 10, tickets cost $26 general admission and $23 students with ID & seniors.

Please go to www.bugtheatre.org or call the BugLine at (303) 477-9984 for details, reservations and a calendar of performances. The Bug is located at 3654 Navajo Street, Denver, CO 80211.