Amidst holiday shopping, ‘Elf: The Musical’ staged at Wyoming Valley Mall in Wilkes-Barre through Dec. 19
From a press release:
If the rush of busy shoppers in the Wyoming Valley Mall didn’t give it away, an unusually tall elf who enjoys singing loud for all to hear will make sure everyone in Wilkes-Barre knows that Christmas is here again.
The Ovation Playhouse is currently staging “Elf: The Musical,” based on the 2003 film starring Will Ferrell, Zooey Deschanel, and James Caan, in the former Sears storefront at the mall (29 Wyoming Valley Mall, Wilkes-Barre Twp.).
Performances began on Dec. 4 and will continue on Friday, Dec. 10 through Sunday, Dec. 19.
The big-elf-living-in-a-small world comedy follows Buddy the Elf in his quest to find his true identity in a holiday bedazzled New York City. Featuring songs written by the creator of Disney’s “Aladdin” on Broadway and a book by the writer of “Annie,” “The Producers,” and “Hairspray” this feels and sounds like a sweet holiday treat for all ages – maple syrup not included.
The Ovation Playhouse has welcomed a huge cast of local talent, including John Toussaint (who played John Brook in Ovation’s spring production of “Little Women”) as Buddy and Lauren Fredmund as Jovie. Other supporting roles include Jessica Ferik and Owen Ferik as Emily and Walter Hobbs. Tate Elliott plays their son Michael, and Patrick Simmers portrays the man in the red suit, Santa. Jessica Werbin, Walter Slivinski, and Cordell Gresh are featured as Deb, Mr. Greenway, and the store manager.
With a book adapted by Bob Martin and Thomas Meehan, lyrics by Chad Beguelin, and music by Matthew Sklar, “Elf: The Musical” captures the whimsy, magic, and heart of the modern day classic movie written by David Berenbaum, all the while adding the festive vocals and dance expected in a holiday musical. The cast of 26 is rounded out by Rocco Pugliese, Kelly Kreiger, Kevin Caffrey, Andrew Simmers, Creed Gorham, Andrue James, Alex Ferik, Connor Ferik, Devonte Ford, Nate Kuhns, Abigail Barhight, Madison Chacko, Leia George, Paige Watkins, Elena Giraldi, Rachel Lewis, Emmalee Carlsson, and Sarah Gallagher.
It really is perfect for the entire family, said director Michael Marone, who is joined on this production by musical director Amanda Ficca and choreographers Jamie Burns, Becky Phillips, and Jessica Ferik.
The show runs on Dec. 10, 11, and 18 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 18 and 19 at 2 p.m. Tickets, which range from $15-$24, are on sale now via Ticketleap. Those entering the theater should use the outside entrance located between Ken Pollock Nissan (229 Mundy St., Wilkes-Barre Twp.) and Macy’s Men’s Department (59 Wyoming Valley Mall, Wilkes-Barre Twp.).
Ovation Playhouse is a new performing arts venue dedicated to producing professional quality theatrical productions in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
