BWW Reviews: THE SANTALAND DIARIES at the Denver Center Is Filled With Hilarious Sarcasm, Holiday Delight

By: Dec. 18, 2013
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Denver Center Attractions is thrilled to present Boulder Ensemble Theatre Company's THE SANTALAND DIARIES playing now through December 24th at the Garner Galleria Theater. Local favorite and National Theatre Conservatory graduate, Matt Zambrano dons the candy-cane tights, bringing to life David Sedaris' hilarious real-life story of working as an "elf" in Macy's SantaLand. Filled with holiday hijinks and biting insights into the absurdities of the holiday season, is the laugh out loud comedy for the holidays!

I have always adored Matt Zambrano's memorable performances as the sarcastic sidekick/servant in so many classical works with the Denver Center company. It was refreshing to see Matt step up to the lead role, and an even bigger compliment that he can not only command the stage, but take the audience along for a thoroughly enjoyable holiday experience. He has this way of tugging at your heart strings and jabbing your funny bone at the same time with a impish grin and a twinkle in his eye. I also have to compliment director Stephen Weitz for picking the perfect actor for this wonderful show and for guiding him in a nice balance of comedy, tenderness, and heart.

I would also like to praise the genius mind who came up with this awesome idea of bringing the talents of the superb Boulder Ensemble Theatre Company and this hilarious production to the Denver Center. Honestly, I would love to see more collaborations with the DCPA and BETC (like the fantastic coop that the Arvada Center and Creede Rep have). I do hope that they make this hit show a returning favorite for years to come!

So make a new holiday tradition - Grab a group of friends, grab a drink and settle down for an evening of Christmas cheer and the funniest show in town. Don't miss THE SANTALAND DIARIES, sarcastically presented at the Garner Galleria Theatre at the Denver Center Performing Arts Complex now through December 24th. For tickets or more information, contact the Denver Center Ticket office at 303-893-4100 or online at www.denvercenter.org.

Pictured: Matt Zambrano. Photo Credit: Michael Ensminger.


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