Tuesday, December 4, 2018

For immediate release: Allie Kent Director of Markeng Springer Opera House 706-256-0879 desk [email protected] the Musical transforms the favorite holiday film into a lavish Broadway show The not-so-elf-sized musical aims to be the biggest grossing producon in Springer history

Based on one of the most beloved holiday films in recent years, Elf the Musical, transforms the story of Buddy the Elf into a lavish Broadway musical opening December 7 at the Springer Opera House. The holiday-film turned-musical features songs by Tony Award nominees, and Chad Beguelin (Disney's on Broadway, The Wedding Singer), with a book by Tony Award winners, Thomas Meehan (Annie, The Producers, Hairspray) and (The Drowsy Chaperone).

Aer mistakenly crawling into Santa’s toy sack as a young orphan boy, Buddy is raised by elves at the North Pole. Unaware of that is he human, Buddy’s enormous size and lack of natural toy- making skills that the other elves possess eventually forces Buddy to face the truth. With Santa’s blessing, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father, Walter Hobbs, a cynical no-nonsense workaholic. Buddy also discovers that most New Yorkers no longer believe in Santa and the spirit of Christmas. The problem is Santa's sleigh will only fly if people believe in him. Buddy’s unrelenng sunny disposion and a profoundly ingrained love of Christmas not only creates hilarity amongst the cynicism of New Yorkers but may save Christmas.

Elf the Musical features Ethan Ray Parker as Buddy. Parker, last seen in the Springer's 2017 producon of Million Dollar Quartet as Jerry Lee Lewis, will reprise that role again in May 2019 when Million Dollar Quartet returns to the Springer main stage. The show also features Kirin Wilson (Jovie), Kaitlin Lawrence (Emily Hobbs), Rylee Bunton (Michael Hobbs), Lew Whitener (Santa) and Kyle Yampiro (Water Hobbs).

The Springer Opera House’s producon of Elf is directed by Mahew Swindell, with musical direcon by Debbie Anderson and choreography by Shane Hall.

You certainly do not have to be a fan of the movie to enjoy the musical adaptaon of Elf. Debbie Anderson, who has never seen the movie, said she could not imagine the story without music. “Each song adds depth and detail to the characters and the story - reminding us about the incredible magic of Christmas and its message of generosity toward all people. Remembering that innocent understanding of Santa through Buddy the Elf’s eyes will help children and adults renew their Spirit of Christmas in ways they cannot imagine,” said Anderson. The Springer’s producon will have a 14-piece orchestra led by Paul Vallaincourt.

Choreographer, Shane Hall, says his inspiraon for the choreography was his love of New York. “There is nothing like NYC during Christmas,” states Hall. “I have enjoyed creang more of a classic Broadway-style show with ELF.”

Hall has directed and choreographed the Springer’s holiday musical for the past three seasons. “I am no stranger to huge holiday shows, so with this being another huge, lavish show, the choreography is always made up of a large ensemble. The style is very classic, yet whimsical,” said Hall. “We have various sengs to dance in such as the North Pole, Macy's, Walter Hobb's office. That lends itself to various atmospheres and styles. The music has allowed me to make the show a stylish holiday show.”

The Springer’s producon of Elf the Musical will not be elf-sized. From the lavish scenery and costumes, Broadway-style choreography and non-stop laughter, it’s going to be a big producon. The holidays also mean big business for the Springer Opera House. More than a quarter of the theatre’s annual revenue comes during the month of December alone. Taking in a show at the Springer during the holidays has become a tradion for many area families. Elf the Musical aims to be Springer’s highest grossing producon to date with many shows close to selling out weeks in advance.

“We’ve produced hundreds of popular shows over the years, but I’ve never seen anything like this.” says managing director, Danielle Varner. “Tickets have been flying out the door for Elf since summer. I encourage patrons not to wait to purchase ckets. We’re close to a sellout on several dates, so far, a week away from opening.”

Elf the Musical takes the Springer stage December 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, and 22 at 7:30 p.m., with manees on December 9, 16, 22, and 23 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets on sale at the Springer Opera House box office by calling 706-327-3688 or online at springeroperahouse.org.

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