The Santaland Diaries at Theater Wit

Chicago Reader - Recommended

"...White wine in hand, Fain's temp elf complains about his stagnating career, comments on the bizarre backstage ecosystem of the department store Santa industry, and, flexing his ad-lib muscles, shoots the shit with the audience. A few too many punch lines get steamrolled by shouted delivery, but when Fain relaxes, his holiday storytelling is as guilty and cathartic as a hot Christmas Eve toddy."

ChicagoCritic - Recommended

"...This sarcastic glimpse into the world of those dedicated to keeping the Christmas spirit alive is a major triumph. Fain delivers the vignettes about the chaos of the NYC Macy's Santa exhibit with varying comedic styles. From subtle to silly to poignant to sarcastic to charming, Fain swiftly paints an energetic yet defeated look into the world of holiday helpers. We both laugh and empathize with Crumpet's plight. Mitchell Fain easily wins us and keeps engaged as we laugh heartily. This show is for those who don't believe in holiday traditions."

Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended

"...It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Here we are, almost Thanksgiving ( and this year Channukah , as well) and the Holiday shows are popping up everywhere. While everyone loves this time of year, we often forget about those who have the task of working in the retail stores, catering to those who LOVE Christmas, Ths is one of the reasons that I absolutely love watching the eevr so funny Mitchell Fain bring his version of David Sedaris's "The Santaland Diaries" to the stage at Theater Wit on Belmont. This is a short ( 85 minutes) classic about an unemployed actor who lands a job as an "elf" at Macy's during one Holiday season."

Chicago Theatre Review - Recommended

"...Also, at only 80 minutes, "The Santaland Diaries" does not wear out its welcome, though I did find its concluding moments a bit clunky. That said, though, this is certainly among the more sardonic, deliciously cynical ways to celebrate the holidays, so if you're like me and have grown increasingly disenchanted with the rampant consumerism and ego that seems to define the Christmas season nowadays, you'll find a welcome companion in Fain, who, I should add with one final note, had the most unique send-off I've seen in some time. After thanking the audience for seeing the show, Fain asked us to recommend it to our friends; if we did not like the show, though, he suggested we do two things: "One, go f**k yourselves, and two, go see 'A Christmas Carol' at The Goodman." So with that in mind, I heartily recommend "The Santaland Diaries"!"