ELF! No, not the Will Ferrel holiday movie. The Santaland Diaries observes a Macy's department store Santaland elf in a humorous, snarky production by the CVTG. (Image from CVTG's production poster)

The Chippewa Valley Theatre Guild is putting on a season extra for the community as a fundraiser event on Dec. 16 and 17.  Jake Lindgren – founder of Eau Claire theater company Downstage Left and a member of the Chippewa Valley Theatre Guild – is directing The Santaland Diaries for this two-night production.

“When the opportunity came up to help (CVTG) do this fundraiser, it was just a natural fit, and a show I’ve wanted to do for a very long time,” Lindgren said.

The Santaland Diaries is a David Sedaris piece, first published in the 1990s, recounting his experience of moving to New York and working as a Macy’s Santaland elf. It’s an adult, one-person show that has a run time of about 90 minutes with no intermission.

The show stars local actor Kobi Shaw who has been working with the piece since June. The rehearsal process hasn’t been a typical one for Lindgren and Shaw as they started when Shaw already had the play mostly memorized. 

ring those bells Kobi Show, shown here in Volume One’s 2018 stage show True North, stars in The Santaland Diaries. (Photo by Andrea Paulseth)

It’s been a huge treat to work with her and watch her bring this to life,” Lindgren said. 

Lindgren grew up in the CVTG since joining in his mid-teens. He also attendedUW-Eau Claire, finishing with a degree in Comprehensive Theatre with an emphasis on directing. Lindgren is well-versed in directing, acting, dancing, costume design, and more: You name it, he’s done it.

For CVTG, Lindgren has directed the shows Arsenic and Old Lace, A Christmas Story, and Love, Loss and What I Wore. For his own company, Downstage Left, he’s directed Gruesome Playground Injuries, The Amish Project, 21A, God of Carnage, and more.

Lindgren encourages folks who are interested in the stage to get involved.

“(People) want to do theater but don’t have the experience and get scared to audition or show up,” Lindgren said. “It’s a great place to show up, you’ll find your people, you’ll find your family and you’ll find your niche. There’s always stuff to do beyond what’s happening on stage.”

The Santaland Diaries is sure to be great fun for those in attendance. It’s only on for two nights so make sure to get tickets soon.

Tickets are $25 for adults, $15 for students. Call (715) 832-7529 or visit the Chippewa Valley Theatre Guild’s website for more information.