Returning for its 17^th anniversary production, Horizon Theatre Company turns “ho ho ho” into “ha ha ha” as it reprises its popular production of The Santaland Diaries by award-winning satirist David Sedaris, November 20-December 31.

This show is one of the funniest Holiday shows out there. We have found our new holiday tradition here at The Backstage Beat!

The setting for this naughty show is a Macy’s in New York City as they prepare for Santa and all the families that come to see him. Welcome to this wicked wonderland and exposé of all things elfin. Out of work and middle-aged, a writer in need of holiday cash decides to employ his gift for insightful observation in the trade of elfdom at Macy’s Department Store. Besieged by bratty kids with overzealous parents and donning a humiliating costume, he finds that his cynical self and his elfin alter ego, “Crumpet,” are not exactly compatible. His remedy for the saccharine overdose he endures in his never-endingly exuberant job is to tell all – giving us a backstage pass to the secret lives of Santas and elves. Though definitely not your traditional stocking stuffer, this caustic Christmas carol is a laughter-spiked antidote to the holiday blues. The Santaland Diaries serves up holiday cheer and sneer – and a rebel without a Claus.

Crumpet is played by Harold M. Leaver. I was truly impressed with his ability to stay in character with so much hilarity happening. He was a master at this role! What a naughty little elf!

Along with Harold, Lala Cochran and Enoch King perform as “Sidekicks” and bring the whole show together. Their various roles are both detailed and laugh out loud funny!

This is a true local masterpiece! For those of you who dare think you can’t see a great show with local talent, go see this one! But be warned, it is not for kids and the humor is not for everyone.

Give yourself a great gift this holiday season, see this show and let us know how you liked it!