"Hilarious… not your usual sweet Christmas tale" —Erika Thorkelson, The Vancouver Sun [Read More]

"Very funny stuff, especially in the hands of a virtuoso comedian like Beil" —Jerry Wasserman, The Province [Read More]

"Does justice to Sedaris's trademark wit… both fans and newcomers to Sedaris can laugh away the holiday stress with Crumpet" —Christopher Lane, Charlebois Post  [Read More]

"Beil is brilliant as sardonic Santaland elf" —Kimberley Davison, Vancouver Vantage [Read More]

"Laugh out loud funny" —John Jane, Review Vancouver [Read More]

Praise for David Sedaris and The Santaland Diaries

"If you’re in the mood to get goofy and giggle, don’t deprive yourself of this holiday treat" —The Los Angeles Times

"Laced with priceless observations, both outrageous and subtle" —The New York Times

"A joy to read…Sedaris is a connoisseur of human nature at its worst" —Boston Globe

"He’s the best there is" —People

Ryan Beil takes a humiliating trip in Santaland Diaries —Georgia Straight interview with Ryan Beil [Read More]

Santaland survivor tells all —Vancouver Sun preview [Read More]

Santaland Diaries offers comic relief for stressful season —Province preview [Read More]

 

Audience Comments

"This is the perfect Christmas play- funny, poignant, and straightforward. Although some of the language and situations are dated, as it pertains to 1991- the story is timeless! Ryan Beil puts on an impressive and exhausting performance- once again! The set is simple and clever, and the Revue stage is perfect for a one man (elf?) show"
—Patricia

"An absolute treat of a Christmas show. We laughed out loud and the elf insight was witty & thought provoking. BTW - love the reminder emails and this follow up email. Love technology when used for good & not evil"
—Sheila, Coquitlam

"My husband and I took my adult daughter and we all had an evening full of laughs. Its difficult for one person to keep you entertained for 75 min, but he did a great job. Thanks for a amusing evening"
—Sandy, Langley

"A wonderful reality check on the pleasures of the season delivered with wit and wisdom by author David Sedaris and actor Ryan Beil (who looks pretty cool in tights). Took me back to lining up with kids for photos with Santa at Park Royal. Who knew!"
—Ann, Vancouver

"Wonderful Show! Ryan Biel is a Christmas treat as an elf"
—Ken, Richmond

"Absolutely brilliant. Ryan Beil is always utterly compelling—when he's on stage, you can't take your eyes off him. Like Tony Hancock and Rowan Atkinson, he can make you laugh with just a look or a gesture. He can make almost anything interesting and entertaining, but when he's working with the words of David Sedaris…well, I haven't laughed so much since I saw Ryan in Comedy of Errors. We're starting a campaign to make this an annual event"
—Jane, Vancouver

"Ryan was excellent. We didn't notice the time going by"
—Mary

"Ryan Beil was channeling his inner David Sedaris. Great performance! And I am always impressed by an actor who can do a 75 min monologue. Will recommend to others"
—Adrienne

"What a talented actor Ryan is-enjoyed the Dec 24 matinee very much and so pleased to see a full house. The performance makes true the saying "less is more"! Was also pleased that the extra shows were added-it made it possible for us to continue our Christmas Eve Day tradition of seeing a holiday themed matinee- (had already seen White Christmas and It's a Wonderful Life)"
—Lyn, Surrey

"Worth buying season's tickets just for this show. Perfect actor for the part. It kept the four of us in stitches"
—Don

"Oh my my—what a fabulous show. I enjoyed myself from start to finish. I have told everyone about the show and if I happen to be back in Vancouver before it finishes would come again. It is wonderful to be so entertained. Thank you"
—Kelly, Vernon

"Saw this play at the Revue Stage with my daughter, Tracy, who is currently an acting student at UBC. The script was hilarious! Ryan Biel was marvelous as the sardonic Christmas elf! Absolutely enjoyable!"
—Janice, Surrey

"Irreverent and funny"
—Robyn, Richmond

"What a wonderful satire of the whole commercial Christmas scene. So funny for most of the time but also touching as David Sedaris describes the veteran Santa guiding people to express their love of others. The writing was superb and the acting by Ryan Beil was outstanding. His timing was very good but his acting allowed you to feel what the 33 year old rookie elf was experiencing. An A-1 show by the whole crew and cast"
—Kenneth

"Ryan is terrific—what else can you say! This should become a regular event for Christmas in Vancouver!"
—Joann, Surrey

"What a great show! Ryan Beil did a fantastic job. His impressions were hilarious and the elf costume really suited him. I'm already recommending this show to all my friends"
—Stephanie, Vancouver

"Great antidote to saccharine Christmas fare. Ryan Beil is, as usual, terrific"
—Jane, Sechelt

"Fantastic. Dark and delicious. Ryan Beil is perfect. We were taken by his boundless energy and perfect timing with stage management. He easily carries this one-man show"
—Kim

"Ryan Biel is perfect! We loved every minute!"
—April, Delta

"Absolutely wonderful. Bravo!"
—Tracy, Abbotsford

"Refreshing and fun Christmas tale. And an amazing one-man show acting/stand-up comedy feat. I highly recommend this even more than a hot-rum as having restorative holiday season values...."
—Karen

"We had some out-of-town visitors and thought it would be something different to do than just the standard Granville Island tour. We are so happy we attended as it was a great belly laugh! A fantastic one-man show"
—Pam, Vancouver

"Hilarious. Came in tired after a long drive. Expected to sleep, laughed all way through. Like all great comedy pathos & laughter. Fast-paced superb one man show. A winner"
—Ralph

"Very funny play, cozy venue, sipping red wine in our seats, Granville Island decked out in holiday lights—perfect night out!"
—Jim, New Westminster

"LOVED this show. Ryan Beil is the perfect Crumpet and his occasional off-book remarks were the icing on the cake. This show has gut-busting laughs, a few well-placed poignant moments to leaven the humour, and very clever staging—who could ask for more! Hats off to director John Murphy, too—he's really nailed it"
—Heather

Behind the Scenes

It’s beginning to look a lot like Macy’s Santaland

It’s a party! Everyone’s invited!

Artistic team

By David Sedaris
Adapted by Joe Mantello
Starring Ryan Beil
Director John Murphy
Set and Lighting Designer Ted Roberts
Costume Designer Sydney Cavanagh
Sound Designer William Moysey
Projection Designer Candelario Andrade
Stage Manager Peter Jotkus
Apprentice Stage Manager Lucy Pratt-Johnson

Downloads

House Programme