Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Bad Santaland: Three Questions with Crumpet the Elf
Posted by Chris Davis on Wed, Dec 2, 2009 at 2:55 PM
- David Foster
It's tempting to call Foster a triple threat performer but that would be unfair. Not only can the man sing, dance, and act, this year's Crumpet can dish. In the short span of three questions he not only manages to plug his current show and his next show, he also sneaks in some juicy remarks about Memphis actors Kara Winsett and Stephen Huff. Naughty and nice.
Intermission Impossible: Artists and actors are known for taking on some odd jobs... like being an elf, for example. What's the strangest job you've ever had?
David Foster: Never been an elf, but I was Goldy the reindeer at Goldsmith's during christmas one year. Horrible experience. Kara Winsett was Smitty the duck. We were Santa's friends. That has got to be the worst. Oh, Stephen Huff was some nameless lady pig who traveled around with us?!?!? A christmas pig? You'll have to ask him.
Santaland has been around for quite a while now and there have been many Crumpets. Do you have any interaction with Santa's former elves? Is it a friendly fraternity? Or do you make snide Sedaris-esque remarks behind one another's back.
I have not talked to any former elves except for Dave Landis. I like taking a fresh approach. I will say, and I think everyone would tell you, that I am a very different Crumpet. I tried to stay away from the deadpan Sedaris delivery. Because we are in the Memphian Room [Playhouse on the Square's cabaret space]. I work the whole room and I think my Crumpet is more physical than past elves.
Obviously you don't only do musicals, but a one man show without any singing or dancing is quite a departure. Is it a comfortable show for you?
I am very comfortable in this role and in this space. My sense of humor is very similar to Sedaris. I love a true cabaret, where you actually connect with the audience, instead of focusing somewhere over their heads. I do get to sing a tiny bit in this show. Only one phrase actually, and I do that as Billie Holiday. I can't wait for a straight drama. I need a break from comedy. Up next is Jacques Brel. Lots of singing, but not much comedy.
The Santaland Diaries
When: Through Dec. 22
Phone: 726-4656
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