It’s time to pass through the seven levels of the candy cane forest, through the sea of swirly-twirly gum drops, and then walk through the Lincoln Tunnel.
In other words, it’s time for “Elf Jr.,” on stage at Palmyra High School Dec. 5 and 8.
The Palmyra School District’s Palmyra Players Music & Theater Club, which encompasses students in grades sixth through 12th, will be performing the musical just in time for the holiday season. The story follows Buddy the Elf on his travels from the North Pole to New York City to meet his father.
While many may know the tale from the classic 2003 movie “Elf” starring Will Ferrell, “Elf Jr.” is a more condensed story. The show will last just over an hour, but will be sure to bring the same holiday magic to the audience as the movie does.
“For the last few years, we usually do a musical in the spring,” said advisor Linn Lofland. “This year, they moved the sixth graders into the building and we needed to include them in the club. We decided to make a fall production so that more kids can participate.”
“I like this play,” Lofland continued. “I think its cute and I like working with the kids, too, although sometimes it can be like herding cats. They’re all over the place.”
For Lofland and the cast, the hardest part about the play was getting everyone together and in the right place at the right time. With such a big cast, many of the students have several extra-curricular activities that they do after school and may not be able to get to each rehearsal. Nevertheless, for some cast members, such as Thomas Sacca, putting the play together has been nothing but fun.
According to Sacca, who plays Buddy the Elf, the most exciting part of the play is simply being on stage and wearing the costumes. While rehearsals have been chaotic, he hopes everyone will have a good time and enjoy the play as much as he has.
“I wouldn’t say it’s been that hard to learn my lines,” said Sacca. “Most of the lines are mostly singing, so getting into the play hasn’t been hard either. It’s really upbeat and happy. The play that we did last year was similar to it as well, so it’s easy to know how happy I’m suppose to be.
“Last year, we did ‘High School Musical,’” Sacca continued. “I played a basketball player and I sang really high and really fast, but it was fun. I’ve been having a lot of fun with this play.
“What I enjoy about theatre is being able to express yourself in different ways. It’s easier to express yourself in plays because, in general, there are social classes and sometimes you have to go by the status quo.”
Sacca said he is hoping the audience – and his fellow castmates – have a laughable, fun and enjoyable experience at “Elf Jr.”
The show will take place at the Palmyra High School at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 5, and again at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 8. Tickets are available at the door and cost $8 for adults and $5 for children/students.
