Santa Diaries opens at Houlton High School Nov. 30

    HOULTON — Penobscot Theatre, Bangor’s professional theatre, this year brings back bestselling author and NPR personality David Sedaris’ outrageously funny The Santaland Diaries. Before the hilarious tale of a Yuletide elf employed at Macy’s plays the Bangor Opera House, the performance will open at Houlton High School on Friday Nov. 30 at 7 p.m.
    The Santaland Diaries is a delightfully thorny account of a washed-up, out-of-work actor who lands temporary employment as Crumpet the elf at a major department store. What’s in store for audiences?  Loads of laughs!    
    Last season’s Penobscot Theatre production of The Santaland Diaries won over crowds and critics alike, garnering such praise as “wonderful,” “a swell time,” “smart…with the relentless force of a tidal wave,” and “directed smartly by Joye Cook-Levy.” Penobscot Theatre is committed to bringing one of its mainstage shows each season to communities in Northern and Eastern Maine and is thrilled to bring this award-winning holiday treat to five venues this season.
    Joye Cook-Levy returns to direct this season’s production of The Santaland Diaries. Cook-Levy is the Director of Education and Outreach at Penobscot Theatre and also teaches acting at the University of Maine.  She has a MA in Educational Theatre and co-directs the Youth Theatre Program.
    Starring in Sedaris’ monologue is Penobscot Theatre’s director in residence, Nathan Halvorson.  Halvorson recently directed The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife and last season’s productions of Falsettos and A Christmas Carol as well as the summer’s Anything Goes in Pickering Square.  A professional actor, Halvorson has appeared extensively throughout New York City and the entire United States.
    For tickets call 532-9119.