THE SANTALAND DIARIES at Horizon Theatre Returns with New Crumpet!

After nearly two decades of holiday hilarity, Horizon's 19th year of The Santaland Diaries will be marked by a passing of the elf hat and booties to a new leading actor! Horizon Theatre Company announced today that acclaimed local actor, columnist and playwright Topher Payne will take over the role of everyone's favorite satirical, sarcastic elf, Crumpet, in David Sedaris' The Santaland Diaries! Actor Harold Leaver, who blossomed into a beloved local celebrity in this iconic role which he has played at Horizon since it first debuted in the 1990s, is hanging up his tights and turning the telling of Sedaris' now-classic alternative holiday tale. Returning November 17 -December 31 to Horizon Theatre, the hilarious holiday sensation is sure to brighten the season. Creative Loafing describes the show as "a hilarious cocktail, serving up a dose of seasonal spirit so potent even the most cynical Scrooge could get tipsy." This non-traditional, adult-only, Christmas comedy provides the perfect laughter-induced remedy to the holiday hustle and bustle.

Jolly and tall, Topher Payne will bring his own Will Ferrell-like presence and caustic wit to the festivities as Crumpet depicts the tale of his stint as a Macy's Department Store elf. Adapted from award-winning satirist David Sedaris' best-selling book Holidays on Ice, this festive story is a modern classic made famous when it aired on National Public Radio.

"Taking on the role of Crumpet in The Santaland Diaries is a bold, thrilling challenge I'm eager to face," said Payne. "I'll be spicing up this iconic role by creating a new atmosphere while providing the same mischievous, ludicrous behavior that continuously brings new and loyal audiences out to see the show!"

The Santaland Diaries will run November 17 - December 31. Performances are Tuesday through Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 8:30 p.m. and Sunday at 6 p.m. There will be additional 6 p.m. shows on Saturdays December 16 and December 23. There will be no performance Thanksgiving Day or Tuesday, November 28. Tickets are $30-$45 and prices increase as performances sell out, so get your tickets early. Seating is general admission, but patrons can upgrade to the VIP experience for an additional $15, which includes reserved seating and a complimentary holiday beverage. Tickets and information are available at horizontheatre.com or 404.584.7450. Don't miss this holiday favorite that sells out every year