Dear Santaland Diaries,

Q: “Santaland Diaries” was written by David Sedaris, who is well known for his comedic writing, can you tell me about the play’s premise?

A: It’s Sedaris’ commentary on the time he fell on hard times and found himself working as an elf in Macy’s SantaLand at their Herald Square store in Manhattan during the Christmas Holiday shopping season. His tale of mass marketing, stressed out sales clerks, drunk Santas, screaming kids and the general insanity of the holidays is hilarious.  

Q. How did you get into character? Did you go undercover as an elf to learn how to deal with irate, and irritating customers?

A: The closest to an elf I could find was the garden Leprechaun in my backyard. But he wasn’t forthcoming with any information. I think he was scared I was going to take away his gold. Actually, I’ve worked at Barnes and Noble for 11 years and before that 9 years with Target.  Altogether 20 years of holiday retail experience, so I know all too well what it is like working with the public. They’re GREAT! True Angels…every single customer.

Q: So were you able to give any input on the costume?

A: No.  It is the same costume American Stage used for the last production of the show with another actor a few years back. But it is a better costume this time around, because I’m wearing it. 

Q: Crumpet is described as an unemployed, chemically dependent writer. If you had to go on a Christmas bar crawl with him around town, what would be some of the stops on this “bar crawl”.  And would you recommend any specific shots or drinks  to help him drown in his misery?

A:  Well, Crumpet would want to hang where he could cool and chill out from the stress of his retail day. I’d start him off at Dave’s Aqua Lounge on Gandy, then to The Independent on 3^rd St,  The Pelican Pub next to Janus Landing, The Garden and Mastery’s on Central, and Steve’s Tavern further up on Central, not necessarily in that order. He’d probably want to mix it up a bit. Crumpet’s a Rum and Coke kind of guy, light on the Coke. If he’s really feeling the pain he’d ask for a Boilermaker. 

Q: You’re shouldering a one-man show. That must seem a bit daunting at first.

A:  I got off the phone with Todd Olson, the Producing Artistic Director of American Stage, after having accepted the role and quickly proceeded to have a 20 minute mini anxiety attack. Then I calmed down and reminded myself that this is what I love to do, perform.  I am one of the top actors in the Bay area, I am a professional and fully capable of giving the audience a great show. After that I got to working on the script and found the joy in the process. And now I have the joy of performing the show. 

Q:  You’ve done several projects with American Stage. How has the audience response been to the After Hours shows? 

A: The After Hours shows at American Stage just started in September. The Santaland Diaries, along with Reefer Madness, The Vagina Monologues, and An Evening With Tom Lehrer have been the first productions in the series. So they are just getting their regular theater patrons used to this new series as well as bringing in newer audience members. The response by 20 and 30-somethings coming out to enjoy these more risqué productions in a laid back atmosphere has been great. I think selling specialty drinks and allowing patrons to bring them into the seating area has been really popular.  Also, the “Pay What You Want” for every performance certainly helps in enticing people to come out to the theater, especially in these finically shaky times of ours. The audiences have given us positive feedback with regard to the quality of the productions and the flexibility of the ticket price. It is just a matter of getting the word out and audiences saying that this is a series that they want American Stage to keep.

Q:  What’s next for Brian? Are you going for any Santa roles?

A: Well, I am going to be training for another marathon, so Santa may be out of the question. In January I will be finishing shooting scenes of a supporting role I have in a new comedic independent film Jules Dongu Saves The World. Beyond that, I have hopes to be cast as Father Flynn in American Stage’s production of Doubt later in 2009, but the offer hasn’t been made. So Todd Olson, if you’re reading this, please cast me.

Brian Shea will be performing in Santaland Diaries at The American Stage Theater in St. Pete. For more informations including showtimes, click here.