If viewers thought Buddy had it bad at the North Pole, try walking a mile in the shoes of Crumpet, the 6-foot-3 elf of Macy’s Santaland.

Crumpet is the sole character in the play “The Santaland Diaries,” written by NPR comic David Sedaris. It retells the real-life story of an elf in the Macy’s department store, Santaland.

The show is put on through collaboration between the Moscow Art Theatre (Too) and the Kenworthy Performing Arts Centre.

“We have worked (together) several times,” said Christine Gilmore, executive director for Kenworthy.

Gilmore said currently the theater is decked out in holiday decor, perfect for a holiday show.

“We have a stage and we want it to be utilized,” she said.

“The Santaland Diaries” was originally written through essays by Sedaris, with a mix of humor and some cynical points. Adriana Sanchez, the show’s director, said the story follows Crumpet as he originally moves to New York to be an actor, holding great expectations upon arrival.

However, those expectations fall short, and he soon finds himself jobless. In his desperation, he stumbles upon an advertisement to be an elf in Macy’s Santaland, and he jumps at the opportunity. Through this job, he discovers the ups and downs people experience during the Christmas season.

“There’s a lot of cynicism … but it’s a cover for finding the light and positivity through all of the holiday time stress. (And it’s) not supposed to be a stressful time,” Sanchez said.

The one-man show stars David Harlan, who portrays Crumpet and every other character that appears in the story.

“I spend a lot of time talking about humanity and Christmas and how Americans in department stores don’t necessarily celebrate Christmas in the best ways,” Harlan said. “(But) I discover some moments of true Christmas spirit.”

Harlan described the play as sarcastic. Much of the humor in the show considers the human condition, in situations that are truly comedic funny and uncomfortably funny, he said.

Sanchez said it was a little difficult at first, working with the solo actor. Rather than having two actors intermingling and providing action, most of the show is set on the foundation of the storytelling from Harlan.

“As an actor myself, I feel like when I’m working on a monologue for an audition; I have to create all this stuff for myself,” Sanchez said. “We’ve been working together creating images that he can hopefully communicate physically to the audience.”

Harlan said he couldn’t really compare himself to his character, and that ultimately he and Crumpet become one onstage.

“Let me just say that every actor has to bring himself into a character,” Harlan said.

Per the demand of the role, Harlan is required to wear a typical elf’s uniform: a yellow turtleneck, a green tunic, red-and-white-striped tights, and a “perky stocking cap.” But what really makes the outfit is the fact that Harlan stands more than 6 feet in height.

Sanchez said Harlan will look like a very tall, lanky elf, which will make it fun to watch him bring in these other characters.

“When people see me in that costume, they’ll find it amusing in a good way,” Harlan said. “It’s a costume you can believably see on an elf in a department store Santaland.”

Gilmore warns that “The Santaland Diaries” is not meant for children, and is set at what she would call a PG-16 rating due to swearing and excessive talk ofdrugs and sex.

“The Santaland Diaries” will run Friday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at the Kenworthy. A second evening show will take place Dec. 12 at 9 p.m. Tickets are available at BookPeople of Moscow and at the door for $10.