“You want me to do what to the toilets?” Many artists and writers start out their careers by working jobs that are humiliating and demoralizing, just so that during the night these brave rebel artists can rage against the dying of the light by working on their craft, firing paint on a canvas, words on a blank page, or standing in front of the mirror, practicing their “O” face for their big scene. But during the day, these artists are wearing a Statue of Liberty costume and twirling a sign that reads, “We Buy Gold.” Whatever it takes. But no matter how awful an artist's job, there is nothing more painful and humbling than what David Sedaris had to do to pay the bills at Christmas time — a freaking elf at Macy's. And The Stella Adler Theatre in Hollywood is staging a production of Sedaris' classic story, The Santaland Dairies, as a one-man play. What starts as a classic case of humiliation, the elf at Macy's starts to get used to his job, and he begins to take out his frustrations on children and parents. This hilarious evening is perfect for anyone frustrated with the holidays or in need of a laugh that points out the ridiculous lengths we go to for the spirit of Christmas. The Stella Adler Theatre, 6773 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood; thru Dec. 19; $30. (323) 661-9827 or www.theblank.com.

Sat., Nov. 19, 8 p.m.; Thursdays-Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Sundays, 2 p.m. Starts: Nov. 19. Continues through Dec. 18, 2011

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