“The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear!” If this phrase sounds familiar to you, then you know of the most famous Christmas movie in America. Elf is a hit movie that first premiered in 2003. The prominent characters, silly outfits, and funny lines make this movie the blockbuster that it still is 22 years later. Although many audiences enjoy watching this movie, why not turn it into something with more pizazz? Movie to musical, big screen to stage, the hit movie turned musical is coming to Lewis Cass this November! So, fasten your seatbelts, let your Christmas spirit show, and let everyone know you are singing about the upcoming musical!
As most know, last year, the Lewis Cass choir program brought the hit musical Grease to the Lewis Cass auditorium stage. This musical was a huge success, and the community adored it. The more serious, realistic feel this musical had to it was definitely a contrast to some of the past musicals Lewis Cass has done. This will be the fifth musical brought to the stage, after a long break. Elf the Musical is a fun way to get students, cast members, and viewers into the Christmas Spirit. The income from Grease and the overall adoration from the audience made directors Abby Guy and Joyce Bower begin planning for the next big show Lewis Cass would perform. Many factors went into choosing it, and its reasoning. Abby Guy, head music director, said, “From a music teaching perspective…I learned a lot from Grease last year! It can be a challenge to learn music when there’s a different mix of students at each rehearsal due to schedules.” She also talked about how she plans to do things differently this year to more effectively learn the music. Guy said, “This year, I want us to have our group numbers memorized much earlier than we did for Grease. This will make learning choreography & blocking so much simpler! I also have the mindset of “never waste a rep”. Every time we run a song, there is something we can fix and make better on the spot instead of waiting until we have a music rehearsal to address issues.” Having the attitude of fixing something right after, rather than waiting until after a few runs, and having the mistake be memorized, and then it being harder to correct.
The audition process for this musical was quick and easy, one day, no callbacks, and the cast list was released the next day. Buddy the Elf, the main attraction of this crazy musical, is portrayed by sophomore, Brecken Smith. Brecken also starred as Danny Zuko last year in Grease. Brecken said, “It’s been really fun and I am excited to be the lead role for two years in a role. I can’t wait to see how everybody does and how the show turns out.” Walter Hobbs, the renowned man with no Christmas spirit, is portrayed by freshman Sam Hull, with Emily and Michael Hobbs being played by junior Raegan Mundy and freshman Spencer Favors. Jovie, Buddy’s “girlfriend”, is played by Maddy Willis, who was staged as Sandy Dumbrowski in Grease last year as well. Along with many other stars who are going to make this show come together so nicely, and make this show the best it can be.
Throughout the process of building a show, many things come into play. Set-building, memorizing songs and lines, learning choreography, and so much more. The Lewis Cass Choir Program is continuing rehearsals, keeping positive attitudes, and bringing their Christmas Spirit to life. So, remember to smile because smiling’s your favorite, you are not a cotton-headed ninny muggins, and that Elf Jr. is coming to Lewis Cass, and they need a huge audience! November 22 and 23, in the Lewis Cass auditorium, the Christmas Spirit will be buzzing, people will be singing, and Santa will be there! So bring the family, friends, and maybe even the manager, and come get Sparkle-Jolly-Twinkle-Jingly with them!
