By David Sedaris, Adapted by Joe Mantello
Directed by Steve Scott

"Funny, foul-mouthed and festive"
– CHICAGO READER

November 29 - December 29 in Goodman's Owen Theatre

Around 1 hour with no intermission

Strapped for cash, a struggling actor takes a job as “Crumpet the Elf” at Macy’s Santaland—and his hilarious observations are more naughty than nice. Brimming "with [David] Sedaris' wicked humor" (Chicago magazine), this "sweetly snarky holiday treat“ (Daily Herald) is perfect for those who prefer their eggnog spiked.

Please Note: for mature elves only.

Audiences react to The Santaland Diaries.

Steven Strafford discusses what he loves about The Santaland Diaries and the sardonic wit of humorist David Sedaris.

The Santaland Diaries | Magic Window Elf

The Santaland Diaries | My Name is Crumpet Trailer

The Santaland Diaries | The Truth About Santa

The Santaland Diaries | Teaser Trailer

Steven Strafford as Crumpet the Elf in The Santaland Diaries at the Goodman Theatre.

The Santaland Diaries at the Goodman Theatre.

Steven Strafford as Crumpet the Elf in The Santaland Diaries at the Goodman Theatre.

Audiences react to The Santaland Diaries.

Steven Strafford discusses what he loves about The Santaland Diaries and the sardonic wit of humorist David Sedaris.

The Santaland Diaries | Magic Window Elf

The Santaland Diaries | My Name is Crumpet Trailer

The Santaland Diaries | The Truth About Santa

The Santaland Diaries | Teaser Trailer

Steven Strafford as Crumpet the Elf in The Santaland Diaries at the Goodman Theatre.

The Santaland Diaries at the Goodman Theatre.

Steven Strafford as Crumpet the Elf in The Santaland Diaries at the Goodman Theatre.

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Audience Response

  • Laughed all night. I love David Sedaris' humor.

    Cathi G. via

  • Great performance! We loved it.

    Jo Ann M. via

  • Always worth seeing this David Sedaris gem.

    Mike N. via

  • Highly recommend it.

    Carol C. via

  • Steven Strafford is phenomenal! 

    Joy R. via

  • Super funny, he did a great job.

    Susi M. via

Artists
  • David Sedaris

    David Sedaris Author

  • Joe Mantello

    Joe Mantello Adapter

  • Steve Scott

    Steve Scott Director

  • Steven Strafford

    Steven Strafford Crumpet

  • Teddy Boone

    Teddy Boone u/s Crumpet

  • Kevin Depinet

    Kevin Depinet Set Designer

  • Rachel Lambert

    Rachel Lambert Costume Designer

  • Mike Durst

    Mike Durst Lighting Designer

  • Christopher Kriz

    Christopher Kriz Sound Designer

  • Kaitlin Kitzmiller

    Kaitlin Kitzmiller Production Stage Manager

  • Adam Belcuore

    Adam Belcuore Casting

Recommended Reads
  • It's Not Easy Being Green

    It's Not Easy Being Green

    An interview with Steven Strafford

    Celebrated for his knack of identifying the odd in the obvious and weirdness around every turn—expressed with a genuine astonishment at the ways of the world—humorist David Sedaris has become something of a regular Christmas visitor, thanks to The Santaland Diaries...

    READ MORE

Accessibility

Join us for any of the following accessible performances.

Questions? Please contact 312.443.3800 (voice), 312.443.3829 (TTY/TDD) or email Access@GoodmanTheatre.org.

Touch Tour and Audio Described performanceTouch Tour and Audio-Described Performance
Sunday, December 15
12:30pm Touch Tour & 2pm Performance

American Sign Language Interpreted PerformanceAmerican Sign Language-Interpreted Performance
Thursday, December 19 at 7pm

Open Caption Performance Open-Captioned Performance
Saturday, December 7 at 4pm

See All Accessibility Information for The Santaland Diaries