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Ross Kelly is a man who wears many hats.
He’s a father, brother, son. Starting this week he will be the only person on stage in “The Santaland Diaries” at The Cell Theatre. The show has been extended with two more shows before Christmas. The first of the two show extension is at 8 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 23 and then 2 p.m., Friday, Dec. 24.
“I’ve done this show two other times,” he says during a recent phone interview. “I did it three years ago at the Box (Performance Space) and three years before that at the Vortex (Theatre). It’s kind of become a holiday tradition for me.”
Kelly says that Lee Francis introduced him to the show about eight years ago.
“I’ve been a fan of David Sedaris and his writing is so clever,” he says.
“The Santaland Diaries” is an essay written by Sedaris. It’s a true and humorous account of Sedaris’ stint working as a Christmas elf in “SantaLand” at Macy’s department store.
It was adapted for the stage as a one-man, one-act play in 1996 by Joe Mantello.
“It’s a cyncial look at the holidays,” Kelly says. “I think people relate because we’ve all seen these types of people.”
Kelly says being the only person on stage doesn’t make him nervous. He feels confident in the play.
“Since I’ve done the play before, I know what I’m doing,” he says. “But with this play, we’re doing more of a show and I’m adding my spin to the character.”
Kelly says Josh Klein is directing the play and they will be utilizing a lot of multimedia in the play.
Despite doing the play a couple times before, Kelly admits that he thought it was going to get old.
“It’s an hour and 15 minutes and the pace is really quick,” he says. “Since I’m the only one on stage, I get a chance to use my comedy timing. The role is a nice break from the serious roles that I usually play. My heart truly lies in comedy.”
Kelly compares the play to doing stand-up comedy without the pressure.
“At some point you realize that you are all by yourself,” he explains. “What makes it easier is that you are using someone else’s words, but you have to bring yourself into the comedy and make it funny.”
Kelly admits that he’s looking forward to this run because of the great vibe he’s had leading up to the event.
“From rehearsals to the photo shoot for the promotional material, it’s all been so fun,” he says. “I’m looking forward to a lot of people coming out and enjoying a different side of the holiday spirit.”
WHAT: “The Santaland Diaries” starring Ross Kelly
WHEN: 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays; 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Sundays through Dec. 19. Two more shows added at 8 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 23 and 2 p.m., Friday, Dec. 24.
WHERE: The Cell Theatre, 700 First NW
HOW MUCH: $15-$20 available at www.liveatthecell.com or the box office at 505-766-9412
