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November 8, 2017Theatre Institute at Sage presents The Santaland Diaries
The Theatre Institute at Sage presents their production of the David Sedaris comedy, The Santaland Diaries. Based on the true chronicles of Sedaris’ experience as Crumpet the Elf in Macy’s Santaland display in NYC, the cult classic riffs on a few of the playwright’s truly odd encounters with his fellow man during the height of the holiday crunch.
Starring in the one-man piece is Charles Barnett (Musical Theatre ’18), who says, “Working on a one-man show is an experience like no other…it is one of the most challenging things I have ever set out to accomplish on stage, delving into a character that has to be interesting enough to watch for about an hour!” Barnett is also the costume designer for the show, having spent the past several summers working in the wardrobe department at the award-winning Williamstown Theatre Festival.
However, Barnett is not the only student designer on the team. AJ Joyner (Musical Theatre ’20) is designing the whimsical Santaland, who describes the experience as “both intimidating and humbling.” Joyner also adds that “the opportunity has provided the ability to understand and appreciate those who design [scenery] professionally in a way that I wasn’t able to before.”
TIS has invited back Russell Sage alumna Kaleigh Cerqua (Theatre ’16) to direct the comedy. “I’m always so impressed with the creative energy and dedication these students bring. Being from a smaller department, this is just one of many opportunities for them to take their learning beyond the classroom and gain practical, hands-on experience,” says Cerqua, who recently assistant-directed TIS’s sold-out run of Cabaret.
The entire team agrees that The Santaland Diaries is the perfect kickoff to the Christmas season, allowing one to enjoy an outing with friends and laugh at “how ridiculous we as humans can be when striving to create a picture-perfect Christmas.” Their hope is that “perhaps it’ll help us think twice before snapping at that elf who is just doing their job.”
Performances:
Sat. Nov. 25, 2pm & 7:30pm
Sun. Nov. 26, 2pm
James L. Meader Little Theater
Russell Sage College, Troy campus
Tickets: $15 adults, $12 students/seniors, $8 Sage Community
Box Office: (518) 244-2248
www.sage.edu/theatre
www.tickets.sage.edu/theatre
