One Christmas Eve with all of his packages delivered, Santa arrives at the North Pole to find something that leaves him a bit perplexed. That night an orphaned infant crawled right into Santa’s bag and from there the North Pole would be the place he called home.
Although the North Pole isn’t made for humans like Buddy, he goes about the normal elf activities like making toys—although he’s not good at it—and participating in all the various elf activities. While he might not be the best toy maker, Buddy is the star basketball player and the only baritone in the Jinglesingers.
Then one day, while making a round of the workshop with the cocoa cart, Buddy learns his true identity. However, learning he’s actually human isn’t the biggest surprise, as Santa shares that his father is a non-believer and on the naughty list.
With Santa’s permission, Buddy sets off on a journey to New York City to meet his dad and discover his true identity.
Along the way to finding himself, Buddy discovers that not only does he have a dad, but a step-mother and a 12-year-old brother who also have their doubts in the validity of Santa and the North Pole. In his unique way, Buddy sets out to bring his new family together and get them into the spirit of Christmas. And through his journey, Buddy discovers love and friendship and the special gifts he brings by just being himself.
The story of Buddy the Elf is a great way to ring in the holiday season and the Coal City Theatre Department is ready to share the story as a cast of sixth, seventh and eighth graders from Coal City Middle School will present, “Elf, Jr.” this weekend in the Coal City Performing Arts Center.
Tyson Harding, an eighth grader, takes on the iconic role of Buddy the Elf. His human family consists of dad, Walter Hobbs, played by Maddox Meents. Olivia Ferrari appears as Emily Hobbs, and in the role of Michael Hobbs is Derek Maxwell.
Connor Rodriguez appears in dual roles starting out as Santa and moves into the part of Mr. Greenway, the publisher of Greenway Press and Walter’s boss.
An also relatively new resident of New York City is Jovie, the department store employee that captures Buddy’s heart, a part played by Penny D’Arcy.
“Elf, Jr.” also features Jonah Micetich, Jackson Hollis, Cora Bill, Marina Figge, Emma D’Orazio, Brantley Brooks, Payton Boyd, Katherine Veronda, Bradley Street, Ben Stalter, Tess Jeschke, Patrick Doerfler, Aidan Morgan, Haley Johnson, Pearl Friddle, Cinna McKee and Teigan Trofimchuck. Featured elves are Jett Johnson, Gabby Byers, Aubree Dearth, Carson Picchi and Callie Lehnus.
Also taking the stage are Chase Clubb, Tristen Brncich, Kenzi Baldauf, Jaycee Chase, Lauren Jacovec, Alyson Shelton, Kinley Neary, Malorie Jones, Malania Lowe, Owen Burla, Emma Sinkular, Giavella Carver, Audrina Nugent, Brayden Brncich, Kylee Looper, Zoiey Jones, Jelenie Opyds, Rylie Peters, Caroline Grunwald, Cele Gordon, Victoria Buns, Fiona Lindley, Ryder Soernsen, Eathyn Rivera, Ryan Hausman, Collin Ness, Julian Carver, Jackson Pruim, Lily Connor-Mikos, Abi Donnelly, Lily Harding, Lilly Harney, Hannah Sinkular, Bailey Gabehart, Adelia Gonzalez and Ryleigh Kargle.
“Elf, Jr.” opens at 7 p.m., Friday, Nov. 15 and continues Saturday, Nov. 16 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 17 at 2 p.m. Reserved seat tickets are available in advance at cur8.com/projects/CCTheatreDept. Any remaining seats will be available at the door beginning one hour prior to each performance. On site sales are cash only.
“Elf, Jr.” with a book by Thomas Meehan and Bob Martin, music by Matthew Sklar and lyrics by Chad Beguelin is based upon the New Line Cinema film written by David Berenbaum. The musical is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International [MTI].