BUCYRUS – The Bucyrus Little Theatre is ushering in the holiday season with a modern-day Christmas classic – “Elf, the Musical.”
The play, based on the movie by the same name, will be presented Dec. 3-5 and Dec. 10-12 at the Theatre, 130 Songer Street. Friday and Saturday performances are at 7:30 p.m. with Sunday matinees at 2:30 p.m.
“I think that really and truly people who have seen the movie will enjoy it, and people who have never seen the movie will also enjoy it,” said the show’s director, Amanda Zucker. “It’s fun for all ages.”
A cast of about 30, including several children, have been busy rehearsing for the musical, the second production of the Little Theatre’s 2021-2022 season. E.J. Walker has the lead role of Buddy, the Elf.
The play follows Buddy, a young orphan, who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and ends up at the North Pole. With Santa’s permission, the would-be elf eventually travels to New York City to find his birth father and his identity.
Zucker said the “childlike wonder” of the Elf character – portrayed by Will Ferrell in the 2003 movie – is a beautiful storyline about first-time discoveries. “And what better way to get you in the Christmas spirit.”
Directing the play has been challenging, Zucker admitted, because it’s a large production for a small stage packed with singing and dancing. “There’s a lot of ensemble numbers that happen back-to-back. Many of the characters are doing double duty.”
The theatre veteran, who recently played Morticia in “The Addams Family-A New Musical Comedy,” said she still prefers working in small, intimate venues. “There were a lot of things about the Bucyrus Little Theatre that drew me to it,” she said.
Another veteran of the theatre stage, Katie Duncan, has the role of Jovie. Preston Mackell plays Walter Hobbes, while Kristie Chandler plays Emily Hobbes, and Sage Whalen plays Michael Hobbes.
“Elf is a very appropriate play for this time of year,” said Dave Cory, the show’s production manager, and a theatre board member. “They’ve been working very hard, and I think it’ll be a very good presentation.”
BLT protocols require all patrons to wear face masks while inside the building, regardless of their vaccination status. This also includes volunteers as well as cast and crew members when they are not on stage.
Tickets for the musical may be purchased online at www.bucyruslittletheatre.com or by calling the theatre box office at 419-562-0731. Adult tickets are $15, and students get in for $10.