Tom Chalmers returns to star in this year’s production of The Santaland Diaries. Described as “one terrific talent” by Jim Cavener of the Asheville Citizen-Times, Chalmers is the former Artistic Director of NYC’s Gotham City Improv/Groundlings East and has studied with the Groundlings, Second City, and comedy icon Del Close. Recently, he has appeared onstage with his original stand-up material as a part of the Laugh Your Asheville Off festival and in 35below’s Late Night Comedy Series. Chalmers and Josh Batenhorst have collaborated on Harm for the Holidays, Hometown Security, a short film which was awarded Best Film in the 2005 Asheville 48 Hour Film Project, and the stage productions of Heathers and Judy Blume’s Forever: An Unauthorized Parody.

The Santaland Diaries has sold out nearly every seat for every performance over the past six years. Program Director Jenny Bunn says, “In each audience, we have people who have seen the show numerous times, and people who are seeing for the first time because they weren’t able to get tickets before. Tom and Josh do a great job with keeping the show incredibly fresh.”

David Sedaris rose to fame on NPR's "This American Life" and has published several volumes of hilarious essays, notably "Naked," "Me Talk Pretty One Day," and his most recent "When You Are Engulfed in Flames."

When Sedaris read the essay version of “The Santaland Diaries” during an installment of “Morning Edition,” it generated one of the largest and most enthusiastic responses from the listening audience that NPR had ever experienced. A dark comedy, The Santaland Diaries follows a Macy's department store elf throughout the duration of the Christmas season. Full of dry insights, Sedaris comments on the best and the worst of people and culture during the holiday season.

Purchasing tickets in advance is strongly recommended for this production. Tickets are available at the Asheville Community Theatre Box Office located at 35 E. Walnut Street in downtown Asheville. Tickets can also be purchased online at www.ashevilletheatre.org or over the phone with a credit card by calling 828-254-1320. Any remaining tickets will be available at the door. All tickets are $15.

This show contains graphic language and is not recommended for children. The Santaland Diaries is presented by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc.

(Images provided by ACT.)