Elf Jr. a musical twist on the movie
Sing Hosanna! is giving audiences one last taste of Christmas spirit this winter, with its upcoming production of “Elf the Musical Jr.”
Ralph Christy, producer and director of Sing Hosanna!, said the show adapts the 2003 movie “Elf,” and follows a similar story. The big difference is that this stage version adds “probably 15 to 18 songs” that the cast of 24 children ages 7 through 18 will perform.
“Of all the kids' musicals I have done, this one is probably the cutest,” Christy said. “The music is kind of a big band sound from the 1940s, and for one big number, we're doing a kick line which is pretty cool.”
The musical will begin at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 28 and noon Jan. 29 at St. Michael the Archangel Church Hall, 432 Center Ave. Tickets are $18 per person and are available at singhosanna.org.
Christy said the story is mostly taken from the movie. It is about a human who thinks he is one of Santa’s elves traveling to New York City to find his real father.
The cast has been rehearsing for more than a month, and Christy said the show’s leads have enjoyed putting together what he calls a high-energy show.
“The kids have really worked hard with it and have done a great job,” Christy said. “They're having a blast.”
Isaac Hixon plays the lead, Buddy the Elf, in the show, and said the attitude of the character is enjoyable.
“My character is fun and energetic, also super naive,” Isaac said. “I love playing Buddy. He is such a fun, awesome character with so much Christmas spirit.”
Isaac said the musical numbers in the show reflect the naive energy of its main character. He said he is looking forward to performing what the cast has practiced in front of an audience.
“I really enjoy the festive music and all the fun dancing in the show,” he said. “You can’t help but smile when you hear some of the over-the-top tunes.”
Quinn Warheit, 8, portrays Buddy’s brother, Michael, in the show. He also enjoys the musical aspects of the show, and said he hopes the audience will as well.
“I hope the audience really likes seeing the songs and dances being performed,” Quinn said.
Quinn also said he has liked performing with the older children in the musical. As one of the main characters, he gets to sing lead on some songs, which has been a fun process for him.
“I have really liked getting to sing my own songs,” Quinn said. “It makes me feel good to be able to try something I've never done before.”
Christy said the show is full of laughs and some heartfelt moments.
“He finds his father who is an executive of publishing books and, he is just amazed at what New York City is like compared to the North Pole,” Christy said.
Isaac said anyone who likes the movie will probably like the show, but fans of musicals will definitely be charmed by the Sing Hosanna! production.
“It’s a must see,” Hixon said.
For more information about the production of “Elf the Musical Jr.,” visit singhosanna.org.
