Scottsdale will get a jolt of North Pole sparkle when “Elf Jr.” opens Dec. 5. 

The family musical, adapted from the hit 2003 film, runs through Dec. 14 at Greasepaint Youtheatre and promises a playful mix of comedy, heart and high-energy song-and-dance for all ages.

“At its core, ‘Elf Jr.’ celebrates what makes the season meaningful—showing up for each other with kindness, hope and heart,” said director Jordan Cline. 

“It’s playful and funny, and it also carries a message families can feel long after the curtain falls.”

“Elf Jr.” follows Buddy, a human raised by elves at the North Pole, who heads to New York City to find his father and spread some Christmas spirit along the way. Beyond Buddy’s Christmas optimism, the story zeroes in on the Hobbs family – Walter, his wife, Emily, and their son, Michael – —who aren’t exactly brimming with holiday spirit. 

Meanwhile, Buddy falls for Jovie, a sharp, weary New Yorker who needs a reason to believe again. Their connection becomes the spark that powers the show’s big emotional turn: Walter must choose between appeasing his boss or showing up for his family.

Walter finds his backbone, Jovie finds her voice and the Hobbs family rediscovers why believing, and belonging, still matter.

Musical moments like “There is a Santa Claus,” “A Christmas Song” and “I’ll Believe in You” drive home “Elf Jr.’s” sparkle and heart.

The creative team includes Cline as director, Elise Kurbat as music director, Tawny Audi as choreographer and Taylor Penn as stage manager. Together, they guide a large youth cast through brisk choreography, tight harmonies and a storyline that swings from North Pole whimsy to Midtown mayhem.

Cline said the cast’s enthusiasm is contagious.

“What I love about ‘Elf Jr.’ is how the comedy sits on top of real craftsmanship,” Cline said.

“These young artists are tackling tight harmonies, fast choreography and honest storytelling—and the payoff is a show that’s joyful, polished and genuinely moving about what it means to belong.”

The production features a Valley-wide ensemble, including 15 Scottsdale youth: Emily Brodie as Shwanda; Cecilia Conti Mica as Elf No. 6; Nina de la Chevrotiere as Elf No. 1; Siena Hardy as Police/Security No. 1; Eli Liu as Chadwick; Hallie Merrill as Emily; Avery Miller as Charlie/Office Worker; Wade Miller as Fake Santa; Eleanora O’Leary as Saleswoman; Pierce Seidenberg as Jogger/Sam; Olivia Share as Elf No. 5; Ella Silver as Macy’s Mom; Archie Vap-Fredson as Manager; Mateo Vap-Fredson as Buddy; and Lucy Woudenberg as Emma.

As part of Greasepaint’s commitment to inclusion and accessibility, the company will offer a sensory-friendly performance at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6. Admission is free for qualifying families, and tickets may be requested by emailing Moe Dias-Watson at Moe.Dias@greasepaint.org. 

The sensory-friendly performance is made possible through a grant from APS. An ASL-interpreted performance will be presented at 7 p.m. Dec. 13, with interpretation provided by ASL Impact.

Performances of “Elf Jr.” take place at Greasepaint Youtheatre, 7020 E. 2nd St. in Scottsdale.

Tickets are $25 at greasepaint.org.