Weekend Showcase: Stages Theatre’s “Elf the Musical, Jr.”
Elves have a way of capturing the spirit of the holidays. Thanks to Stages Theatre Company, you can see one big, friendly elf.
Stages Theatre welcomes Christmas with its presentation of “Elf the Musical, Jr,” which features Buddy the Elf,
“It was kind of a challenge to try to figure out how to play Buddy. He’s so open and he so emotional and he’s so sincere in all of his emotions that you can’t find a hidden meaning. He just says what he wants to say,” said Jackson Lyon who plays Buddy.
Buddy learns that he has a human father and is sent by Santa to go meet him.
“It’s about family. It’s about finding out who your family is. Whether it’s the family you choose or the family you have. It’s enjoying spending time together,” said Sandy Boren-Barrett, artistic director at Stages Theatre Company.
Cast members say the opening number of the musical is especially fun.
“We get to be elves and it’s really fun and crazy,” said Indra Khariwala, who plays an elf.
“I get to bring out a whole new personality. I get to be crazy on stage, and I get to be my natural self,” said fellow elf Josie Turk.
“There’s different characters in different ways than the movie. So there’s like plot twists and it’s really fun to watch,” said Lilie Rankin, who plays Charlotte in the ensemble.
The show is fun for small children. Afterward Buddy the Elf comes out to meet everyone, sign autographs and wish everyone a very merry Christmas.
”Elf the Musical, Jr.” runs through Dec. 28 at the Hopkins Center for the Arts.
