Crumpet, a 33-year-old starving artist turned Macy’s elf, is the cranky lead character in David Sedaris’ “The Santaland Diaries” to be presented Nov. 28 to Dec. 21 by Portland Stage Company. Bad Santas, naughty elves, crabby children and pushy parents test Crumpet’s last elfin nerves as he struggles to remain sane and perky amid the absurdity of the holiday season. With sardonic wit, Sedaris takes audiences playfully to task for plunging into the Christmas spirit but missing the point. Tickets to the play, meant for mature audiences, are $18. For tickets and showtimes, call 774-0465 or log on to www.portlandstage.com. Portland Stage shows are presented at the Portland Performing Arts Center, 25A Forest Ave., Portland.