By Katy Springer | Greasepaint Youtheatre volunteer<\/p>\n
A troupe of Phoenix youth performers is heading to the North Pole \u2014 by way of Scottsdale \u2014 as Greasepaint Youtheatre presents \u201cElf Jr.\u201d Dec. 5\u201314.<\/p>\n
Adapted from the hit 2003 film, the family musical blends big laughs, heart and high-energy song-and-dance in a fast-moving show for all ages.<\/p>\n
\u201c\u2018Elf Jr.\u2019 is a joyful, big-hearted reminder of what the holidays are all about \u2014 connection, kindness and believing in something bigger than ourselves,\u201d said \u201cElf Jr.\u201d director Jordan Cline. \u201cIt\u2019s full of laughs and lovable characters, but beneath the fun is a message that truly lands this time of year.\u201d<\/p>\n
The story follows Buddy, a human raised by elves at the North Pole, who travels to New York City to find his father \u2014 and to restore a little belief along the way. Beyond Buddy\u2019s elf-level optimism, the plot centers on the Hobbs family \u2014 Walter, his wife, Emily, and their son, Michael \u2014 whose holiday spirit is running on empty. Buddy\u2019s arrival shakes things up: he falls for Jovie, a tough-on-the-outside New Yorker ready to rediscover wonder, and nudges Walter to choose family over fear when a make-or-break deadline looms.<\/p>\n
Onstage, the musical features a book by Tony Award winners Thomas Meehan and Bob Martin, with music by Matthew Sklar and lyrics by Chad Beguelin, the team behind \u201cThe Wedding Singer\u201d and \u201cThe Prom.\u201d Musical moments like \u201cHappy All the Time,\u201d \u201cThere is a Santa Claus\u201d and \u201cI\u2019ll Believe in You\u201d bring Buddy\u2019s outsized cheer to life.<\/p>\n
The creative team includes Cline as director, Elise Kurbat as music director, Tawny Audi as choreographer and Taylor Penn as stage manager.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat makes this cast special is the way they balance go-for-broke comedy with real craft,\u201d Cline said. \u201cThey\u2019re delivering crisp harmonies, clean choreography and a shared sense of play that lights up the stage. It\u2019s joyful from first cue to curtain call, and audiences will feel that energy the minute the lights come up.\u201d<\/p>\n
The production features performers from across the Valley, including 11 Phoenix youth: Liliana Bell as Matthews; Alfie Christie as Santa; Betsy Chandler as Elf No. 3; Maggie Chandler as Deb; Jozette Fagan as Elf No. 2; Khalia Fagan as Charlotte; Shiloh McDonough as Darlene; Edel Pasquel as Elf No. 4; Joelle Reifler as Jovie; Sam Roalofs as Michael; and Scarlett Shilling as Sarah.<\/p>\n
As part of Greasepaint\u2019s 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. In addition, an ASL-interpreted performance will be presented at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13, with interpretation provided by ASL Impact.<\/p>\n