Photo Flash: Portland Center Stage Presents THE SANTALAND DIARIES, 12/3-1/2
By: Alexandra Johnson Dec. 04, 2009
The dynamic combination of beloved humorist David Sedaris with one of Portland's favorite performers Wade McCollum has lead to an unprecedented decision from Portland Center Stage: with most performances sold out two weeks before opening night, The Santaland Diaries will be extended through January 2nd, 2010.
The Santaland Diaries begins previews on Thursday December 3rd, opens Saturday, December 5th and runs Tuesday through Sunday in an extended schedule through January 2nd, 2010. Extension performances are on a somewhat unusual schedule, as follows: Tuesday, December 29th at 7:00 pm & 10:00 pm, Wednesday, December 30th at 2:00 pm & 7:30 pm, New Year's Eve ( December 31st) at 5:00 pm , and Saturday, January 2nd at 2:00 pm & 7:30 pm. There are no performances on Christmas Day or New Year's Day. For a complete performance schedule, go to http://tickets.pcs.org/buytickets/calendar.asp.
Ticket prices for the regular run performances of The Santaland Diaries start at $44. Extension performances start at $49, with student and under 30 prices available. There will be no rush tickets available due to lack of ticket availability. Standby tickets will go on sale for full price starting at 5:30 pm on the day of the performance. Standby tickets grant patrons the opportunity to snag seats left empty at show time. Standby patrons will be seated in the order their tickets were purchased on the day of the performance.
The Santaland Diaries launched the career of writer and commentator David Sedaris when his performance of the piece was aired on National Public Radio's Morning Edition a few days before Christmas 1992. Considered the quintessential "anti-holiday" tale, The Santaland Diaries recounts Sedaris' experience as a Christmas elf named "Crumpet" at the Macy's department store in New York City. Later adapted as a one man show by Joe Mantello, the show enjoyed success as part of Portland Center Stage's 2002, 2003 and 2004 seasons.
David Sedaris is the author of the bestsellers Barrel Fever and Holidays on Ice, as well as collections of personal essays, Naked and Me Talk Pretty One Day. Sedaris and his sister, Amy Sedaris, have written several plays which have been produced at La Mama, Lincoln Center, and The Drama Department in New York City. In 2001, David Sedaris became the third recipient of the Thurber Prize for American Humor, and was named by Time magazine as "Humorist of the Year."
Wade McCollum previously enjoyed hit runs at Portland Center Stage as Charlotte von Mahlsdorf in I Am My Own Wife in 2006 and the Emcee in Cabaret in 2007. Since then, Wade has had a workshop production of his musical ONE, at 59 E 59th St. by Sonnet Repertory Theater. Wade's recent performance credits include playing Nestor Le Fripe in Irma la Duece (musicals tonight); Jeffrey in Jeffrey at The Play's the Thing and Caleb in the Spitfire Grill (Fulton Opera House); and The Santaland Diaries at Syracuse Stage. Wade also starred in the
short film Only Time Will Tell which was part of the 10th annual RIPFEST film festival in July. Past roles at PCS include Batboy in Batboy: the Musical and Launcelot Gobbo in The Merchant of Venice. Other roles of note include: Norm Waxman in the 3rd national company of Broadway's Jersey Boys, Hedwig in Hedwig and the Angry Inch at both triangle! productions and in Los Angeles at the Celebration Theatre for which Wade received a Drammy Award, Backstage's Garland Award and the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Award. Wade is currently working on the next rewrite of ONE with book writer Kristin Steele.
Wade McCollum's performance of The Santaland Diaries will be directed by Wendy Knox with scenic and costume design by Jessica Ford, lighting design by Don Crossley and sound design by Sarah Pickett and adapted by Casi Pacilio.
Additional support for this production has been provided by Umpqua Bank and the Curtis Thompson, M.D. and Associates. Media support has been provided by Kink.fm.
Portland Center Stage's 2009/10 season is funded in part by the Regional Arts & Culture Council and Work for Art; the Oregon Arts Commission; the National Endowment for the Arts; the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation; Joanne Lilley; Helen & Jerry Stern and Tim & Mary Boyle.
PORTLAND CENTER STAGE inspires our community by bringing stories to life in unexpected ways. Established in 1988 as an off shoot of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, PCS became an independent theater in 1994 and has been under the leadership of Artistic Director Chris Coleman since May 2000. The company presents a blend of classic, contemporary and original productions in a conscious effort to appeal to the eclectic palate of theatergoers in Portland. PCS also offers a variety of education and outreach programs for curious minds from six to 106, including discussions, classes, workshops and partnerships with organizations throughout the Portland metro area.
THE GERDING THEATER AT THE ARMORY houses a 599-seat Main Stage and the 200-seat black box Ellyn Bye Studio. It was the first building on the National Register of Historic Places, and the first performing arts venue, to achieve a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum certification. The Gerding Theater at the Armory opened to the public on Oct. 1, 2006. The capital campaign to fund the renovation of this hub for community artistic activity continues.
The Santaland Diaries
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