evening'sout

ANTHONY GRAY

Holidays can be charmed by a witty gay elf at Macy's

Curtis

Proctor as Crumpet the elf.

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The Santaland Diaries by David Sedaris Brick Alley Theatre, Cleveland

Reviewed by Michelle Tomko

Cleveland theatre goers stopping by the Brick Alley Theatre between now and December 19 can experience the holidays from the perspective of an opinionated man with strange clothes. No, not Larry King, Crumpet the Elf. Bad Epitaph Theater Company is currently producing gay author David Sedaris' The Santaland Diairies, an semi-autobiographical tale of working as an elf at Macy's Department Store in New York City.

Sedaris is the author of the best sellers Barrel Fever and Naked. He has commentaries on NPR's Morning Edition, essays in the New Yorker, and pieces on the radio show This American Life. He has a classy style of smart humor that challenges the canons of Middle America.

His short story The Santaland Diaries was adapted into a one-man show by Joe Mantello in 1996. In it, Sedaris gives us a gruesome picture of working retail during the holidays, beginning with the grueling interview, continuing through anxious moms refusing to send their children to black Santas, and ending with a glimpse of

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Christmas hope from a unique Santa Claus.

Bad Epitaph's production isn't bad, and is suited to the cabaret style of the Brick Alley Theatre (which also doubles as a bar). The hour-long production is chock full of cynical holiday humor and zesty characters.

Actor Curtis D. Proctor takes on the roles of the narrator David and the elf he is hired to play, Crumpet, to the best of his ability. When he comes onto the stage with his gigantic grin and raw energy, you can't help but be charmed in the same way you are when a baby crawls over to your feet and asks to be picked up.

His characterizations of the people he encounters on the job, as well as the tongue-and-cheek way in which Crumpet handles them, are the definite highlight of the show.

The drawback in his performance was that these cameo characters were far better developed than the narrator David. While Proctor was relaxed and confident in the smaller parts, he seemed anxious in the main role. He also failed to paint the picture of the world these characters live in. He explained

the intricate mecca of Santaland the way a secretary explains how to use the copier.

Proctor also seemed to lack direction in parts, with extraneous gestures and uncomfortable, unmotivated blocking. In sections he seemed nervous and just tried to muddle through. Some timing was off and punchlines were missed. But his singing and myriad of different voices were great.

The shortcomings were mostly the responsibility of the director, Thomas Cullinan. There were a lot of missed opportunities. The set is tiny and the blocking was uninteresting and stifling to the actor. He could have been brought down off the stage to "work the room" more. Cullinan did not take advantage of the campiness of the piece, or his actor, who obviously can work it.

The set and costume is fine, and of course reflective of the low (non-existent) budget that small theatres are forced to work with. The lights are purely for illumination only.

This performance will no doubt improve as the run goes on. Check it out. It will put even .the most cynical Scrooge into the holiday spirit.

The 'ladies who lunch, and play Carnegie Hall

by Michelle Tomko

Broadway fans are not alone this Christmas, as it seems Santa himself is strolling the Great White Way to bring us the most perfect stocking stuffer recording since the revival of Kiss of the Spider Woman.

My Favorite Broadway: The Leading Ladies hit shelves in November, just in time for the holidays. This concert, featuring seventeen leading female vocalists, was recorded

MY FAVORITE

sounding even better. This dream girl really packs a wallop. Plus Bebe Neuwirth and Karen Ziemba dazzle the crowd with their soft and sultry rendition of "Nowadays" from my kind of musical, Chicago. Not to mention Linda Eder's "Man of La Mancha," which will dazzle all the "Shrill" seekers out there.

Great character work by Faith Prince, Priscilla Lopez, and Debra Monk. The only time you'll hear more vamps is on Halloween. Look no further if you need new drag material.

BROADWAY

THE LEADING LADIES

ོཌ

live at Carnegie Hall on September 28, 1998.

Every chorus boy on your list will be happy to receive a copy of this concert. All of these dynamic divas do what they do best.

There are signature songs like "And I'm Telling You" as sung by the one and only Jennifer Holliday. She is looking great and

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There is a real eclectic mix of old and new artists singing both current and classic songs. There are old standards from A Chorus Line and Gypsy. Plus Andrea McArdle, in a red dress no less, gives us a little something from Annie. Also included is "The Webber Love Trio❞ arranged by David Loud, which braids together three famous love songs from the beloved com-' poser.

But if you think this holiday release is just for the boys, give me a break. Nell Carter's "Mean to Me" from Ain't Misbehavin' fuels the fire in any staunch feminist. Lea Delaria lets us know that, among her other talents, "I Can Cook Too," as she sings her hit from currently running On the Town. This booming voice jazzes up the whole show with her short but sweet number. The only disappointment centers on the seasoned veterans. Elaine Stritch finishes a little flat. Liza Minnelli seems not in full voice. And the emcee Julie Andrews doesn't even sing, but this will leave you more sad than critical. Like all true heroines, they go down fighting. Divas age like fine wine. ✔

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