BUCYRUS—The Bucyrus Little Theatre will usher in the holiday season with a modern-day Christmas classic filled with holiday cheer and hilarious hijinks.

“Elf the Musical,” based on the 2003 hit film starring Will Ferrell, will be presented Dec. 2-4 and Dec. 9-11. The show was originally set for last year but was canceled at the last minute due to COVID-related issues, and ticket money refunded.

The play, which is being directed this time by Cindy Light, features a cast of more than 50 members. “The show calls for a big cast,” said Light, a B.L.T. veteran. “There’s so many pieces and parts to it. Most people know the story and like the story of Buddy, the Elf. It’s a fun show.”

E.J. Walker again has the lead role of Buddy, the Elf, while Katie Duncan is back as Jovie. Tim Lutz plays Walter Hobbes, Heather Carvel plays Emily Hobbes, and Landon Parsons is Michael Hobbes. The cast also includes 15 children who play Santa’s elves.

The tale chronicles the journey of Buddy, a young orphan, who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and ends up at the North Pole. But Buddy doesn’t realize he is human as he struggles with his size and his ability to make toys with the other elves.

With Santa’s permission, however, the would-be elf embarks on a journey to New York City and a quest to find his birth father. In the end, he not only discovers his identity but also helps New Yorkers remember the true meaning of Christmas.

The show’s assistant director is 16-year-old Mackenna Parsons, who also assisted Light in August with the theatre’s production of “Madagascar Jr.” “I knew she would be great with us. She steps up and she works very hard,” Light said.

Martha Tidball is music director and Karellyn Sterling, who is cast as Deb, is also the show’s choreographer.

Mackenna’s mother, Amy Parsons, is in charge of the costumes. Tom Etsinger is again designing and building the set.

Light said rehearsals are going well, with many ensemble numbers back-to-back. “I’m really happy to have the talent. It’s amazing the talent we have in the area, people that can sing and dance and like to come together and have fun doing a show.”

Friday and Saturday performances are at 7:30 p.m., with Sunday matinees at 2:30 p.m. Tickets may be purchased online at bucyruslittletheatre.com or by calling the box office at 419-562-0731.

The theatre is located at 130 Songer Ave.