Local production of Elf, the Musical takes the stage next week

The Toccoa/Stephens County Community Theater’s production will be on hand at the Harvest Festival this weekend, and tickets for their November production of Elf, The Musical, will be available at their booth in Downtown Toccoa for $10. Tickets purchased online at Eventbrite.com or at the window before each show will be $12. 

The production, staged at the Ritz Theatre in downtown Toccoa, is the third show the Community Theater has staged since the group reorganized after a 14-year hiatus. 

Elf, the Musical is the family-friendly, comedic tale of Buddy, a young orphan child who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported back to the North Pole. Based on the movie Elf, starring Will Ferrel, but since it is a musical, it throws a few twists that make it a great show even for those who have seen the movie. 

Theater board member Nannette Spencer told WNEG News that the play is based on the movie Elf, starring Will Ferrel, but the live version offers a new look at the story, and will keep audience members of all ages laughing.

Audrey Johnson, who is a junior board member and choreographer for the show, as well as playing Jovie, says the role has taken her a little outside of her comfort zone. 

Mark Burke, who heads the Community Theater organization and is the director for the upcoming production,  said Elf is a great show for families, and that many family members are participating in the cast and crew. 

Spencer said that having a local theater group in Toccoa helps to spotlight some of the very talented people that live in this community. 

She said that everyone who attends the show will have an opportunity to get a free picture with Santa.

Jonah Young will play the role of Buddy the Elf, Amanda Shirely is the assistant director, Jeannie Edwards and Portia Burns share the music director credit, and there is a cast and crew of more than 50 people, including the live orchestra, Burke said. 

Opening night will be at 7 p.m. on Thursday, November 2, with 7 p.m. shows on Friday, Nov. 3, and Saturday, Nov. 4. There will be a matinee show on Sunday, November 5, with a 3 p.m. curtain time. Free pictures with Santa will be offered at each showing for ticket holders.

Concessions will be available.  For more information, search for Toccoa-Stephens Community Theatre on facebook.