PENDLETON — A Christmas movie classic with what some might call wacky humor and valid life lessons, “Elf” is loved and cherished by many across the age spectrum.
The public soon will have the chance to see local children taking part in a production of “Elf The Musical JR.”
Performances are set for 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9, on Mainstage Theatre in Anderson, 124 W. Ninth St.
[sc:text-divider text-divider-title=”Story continues below gallery” ]Click here to purchase photos from this gallery
The show is being presented by Studio 3 Music Academy, 116 N. Pendleton Ave., Pendleton. The non-profit organization offers performing lessons and recording opportunities for individuals and groups.
A couple of months ago, studio owner Tessa Denen decided to add a performing arts youth theater to the business offerings, and picked “Elf The Musical JR.” for the first presentation.
The idea to add theater training for aspiring youngsters was long in the works, but Denen’s 8-year-old son, Carter, expressed an interest in theater recently, and this served as a catalyst to add a youth theater section to the growing business.
“We’ve always wanted to do the theater — it was always on the docket, so we were glad to finally start something,” Denen said.
The idea has been successful.
The cast includes 35 local children in a holiday performance directed by Micaela Sharman and James Sterling.
All the children who wanted to take part in the musical are in the show, singing and supporting the main cast.
Main cast members include Buddy the Elf (played by Preston Johns), his girlfriend Jovie (played by Audrey Deckard), mother Emily Hobbs (played by Claire Barton), father Walter Hobbs (played by Preston May), brother Michael Hobbs (played by Carter Denen) and Santa Claus (played by Hank Lee).
The musical was open to area students ages 7 through eighth grade. Rehearsals started the week after Labor Day.
Since this is the youth theater’s first performance, it does not have a live band performing the show tunes, but that is the hope in the future, Denen said.
Tickets are $5 each. Babies who will be held for the entirety of the show do not need a ticket.
People can purchase tickets the day of the show at the theater or can buy them ahead of time by visiting studio3musicacademy.com, then clicking under “Studio 3 Youth Theater” and the “purchase tickets here” button.
Studio 3 Youth Theater will have two shows each year. A spring musical is planned, with rehearsals starting in late January or early February and performances set for early May.
Proceeds from “Elf The Musical JR.” will go back into the youth theater program.
[sc:pullout-title pullout-title=”If you go” ][sc:pullout-text-begin]
Elf, the Musical Jr. Presented by Studio 3 Youth Theater:
Where: Mainstage Theatre in Anderson, 124 W 9th Street.
When: 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8 & 2 p.m. Sunday Dec. 9.
Cost: $5
[sc:pullout-text-end]
