YOU THINK YOU’VE GOT SANTA ISSUES?
TRY BEING SANTA!
Comedy Therapy presents
SANTA ISSUES: THE MAGIC IS YOUR ISSUE
An Outrageously Naughty, R-Rated Dark Holiday Comedy
Starring Real-Life Hired Claus John C. Guild

NEW YORK, NY — Did Santa bring you the wrong gift? Forget your chimney entirely? Or did your well-meaning parents hire a mall Kringle who turned Christmas morning into an impromptu family therapy session?

This holiday season, take a swig of eggnog and prepare for the truth. Comedy Therapy proudly presents the New York run of Santa Issues: The Magic Is Your Issue, an original, adult-oriented solo theatrical comedy written and performed by veteran comedian, actor, and professional Santa-for-hire John C. Guild. Directed by Jim Mendrinos, the production runs November 25 through December 20, 2026, as part of The Chain Theatre Factory Series (312 W. 36th Street, New York City).

Make no mistake: this is NOT a traditional children’s holiday pageant, and it is strictly not for kids.

For over a decade, John C. Guild has strapped on the heavy red suit, fielded impossible gift requests, dodged questionable parenting decisions, and discovered the rawest secret of the holiday industry: the most unbelievable part of Christmas isn’t the magic—it’s the grown-ups.

Through unfiltered stand-up, theatrical storytelling, puppets, original music, and outrageous, stranger-than-fiction encounters, Santa Issues exposes the hilarious, absurd collision between what we desperately want to believe and what happens when real life crashes into the North Pole.

“Every year, adults dump their neuroses, marital disputes, and secret wishes directly onto Santa’s lap,” says creator and star John C. Guild. “Behind the velvet and fluff, Santa sees humanity at its most vulnerable, its most ridiculous, and occasionally its darkest. Santa Issues is for every grown-up who loves the holiday, hates the holiday, or needs a stiff drink to survive it.”

Clocking in at an electric 80 minutes with no intermission, Santa Issues balances laugh-out-loud irreverence with surprising, heartfelt emotional resonance, exploring family estrangement, grief, childhood memories, and the enduring human hunger for wonder.

Creative Team & Collaborators
Under the direction of Jim Mendrinos, the production features original music co-written by John C. Guild & Drew Lawrence, with music production by Greg Pajer. The whimsical and twisted world is enhanced by original puppets designed by Austin Phillips, atmospheric lighting and sound design by Dot Scuotto, and videography by John Rigores. Additional creative development contributions were provided by Jim Mendrinos, Drew Lawrence, Mary Kennedy, and Charlene Ward.

VIP Experience: Sit on Santa’s Lap (If You Dare)
The show may be over, but Santa is still on the clock. Audience members can purchase an exclusive VIP On-Stage Experience upgrade ($25). VIP ticket holders are invited onto the Chain Theatre stage immediately following the performance for a personal interaction and photo-op with Santa John using their own devices—perfect for the most unhinged holiday card you will ever send.

SUMMARY OF DATES, VENUE & TICKETS
Title: Santa Issues: The Magic Is Your Issue
Written & Performed by: John C. Guild
Directed by: Jim Mendrinos
Presented by: Comedy Therapy
Venue: Part of The Chain Theatre Factory Series, 312 West 36th Street, New York, NY 10018. Chain Theatre provides renters with production support which may include subsidized space, rehearsal studios, and equipment and the overarching marketing, publicity, and technology enhancements for the theater.
Performance Run: 
November 25 – December 20, 2026 (Multiple performance dates and times)
Running Time: 80 minutes (performed without intermission)
Content Advisory: Strictly recommended for audiences 18 and older. Contains adult language, suggestive sexual humor, irreverent religious themes, dark comedy, and candid discussions of grief and family dynamics.
Tickets & Information: Available online via Eventbrite. General Admission seating. Early arrival (at least 15 minutes prior to curtain) is strongly recommended, as late seating may be restricted.

Bring your sense of humor. Leave the kids with a sitter. The magic isn’t gone—it’s just your issue.

Industry Reservations & Press Inquiries:
Jay Michaels Global Communications
Email: info@jaymichaelsarts.com