Opening night for "Elf" is Nov. 8
Posted on: Nov 1, 2019
Delano High School will take a lighthearted leap into the holiday season when about 70 students produce “Elf The Musical” on two weekends in November.
Click here for tickets. Click here for a brief preview video.
The story follows Buddy, a human who was raised as an elf in the North Pole after crawling into Santa’s bag of gifts as a child. When his enormous size and poor toy-making abilities eventually cause Buddy to question his elf authenticity, he embarks on a journey to New York City to find his father and discover his true identity.
After his arrival, he discovers that his father, driven businessman Walter Hobbs, is on the naughty list and his new step-brother doesn’t even believe in Santa. Buddy resolves to win over his skeptical new family and help New York recapture the Christmas spirit.
“‘Elf The Musical’ was adapted from the 2003 holiday hit movie and has many of the same hilarious quotes with spectacular numbers and scenes that will create a heart-warming experience for audiences of all ages,” said director Kerri Olson.
Shows are at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 8, and Thursday through Saturday, Nov. 14-16 in the DHS Performing Arts Center. A 3 p.m. matinee also takes place on Saturday, Nov. 9.
Bringing ‘Elf’ to life
Buddy is portrayed by junior Hunter Elwood, who relishes the role.
“I think it’s fun to have a character that kind of is clueless,” Elwood said. “He’s new to society and I get to portray that and be just a child the whole time, just bounce around with energy.”
Inhabiting the character made famous by comedic actor Will Ferrell in the movie is no small task. It requires memorizing a daunting number of lines and storing up a boundless reserve of happiness mixed with naïve wonder.
“Lucky for me it kind of comes naturally just because I fit the Buddy the Elf kind of characteristic. I’m a happy-go-lucky kind of guy,” said Elwood.
On the opposite end of the emotional spectrum, at least in the beginning, is Buddy’s grouchy father, Walter Hobbs, played by sophomore John Lahlum.
“You know how some people are in sports, when they’re in football or something, and they get to let out all their aggression? (In this role) you get to take all your experiences of being angry and just let it out, just get to be someone you’re not,” said Lahlum.
While Elwood, Lahlum and their fellow cast members will enjoy the spotlight, sophomore assistant stage manager Emily Barron is among a sizable group of students that make the show go from the shadows. Over the past few weeks, crew members have been constructing sets and working out the details of lighting, sound and scene changes.
“I like the idea of being on stage, but I also like the idea of (being) behind the scenes, because there is a ton of behind the scenes that goes into everything,” said Barron. “It’s just a cool experience. My favorite thing is just working with the set changes.”
Elf marks Barron’s third show, and she has been learning from senior co-manager Steph McClelland.
“Every show has its own (challenges) timing-wise,” Barron said. “This one has several different set pieces that you have to change and move around, and there are light cues and sound cues and all sorts of stuff. That’s probably the biggest challenge, keeping them all in order. This show in particular has a lot of cues. Steph usually calls the shows and she is the master at keeping the cues, but I’m learning how to do it. That’s probably the most challenging part.”
Musical moves to fall
While the high school generally produces a play, a one-act and a musical each school year, the musical has been moved to the fall this year in order to allow students who typically have other obligations in the spring to participate. The timing also allows participants to stir up holiday cheer.
“When the season of Christmas is coming up and we get to pep everybody up for Christmas with some awesome music, it kind of gives you a good feeling,” said Lahlum.
Olson said she was pleased with how preparations have progressed to this point.
“The students have been enthusiastic, cooperative and enjoyable to work with,” she said. “They are willing to experiment with physical and emotional states of their characters. They are learning how to communicate this to the audience and how making these connections brings the characters and scenes from Elf to life!”
Olson added that Elwood, who first took the stage as an actor in third grade, is excelling in the lead role.
“Hunter … does a hysterical job,” she said. “His quick comebacks and obliviousness will keep audiences giggling throughout the show!”
Big screen connection
While there are many similarities to the popular movie, the theatrical version offers some of its own charms.
“If you like Elf the movie, you’re going to love this show,” said Lahlum. “It’s very, very similar and it brings a lot more with extra music and lots of dancing.”
Olson said that the storyline is punctuated by an outstanding soundtrack.
“The music contributes to the spirit of the story and there are spectacular dance numbers, including ‘Sparklejollytwinklejingley,’ ‘Just Like Him,’ and ‘There is a Santa Claus,’” she said. “The children in this story remind us of the sense of wonder in the season and the need to find balance in our lives. Elf the Musical reminds us that true holiday spirit is found within family.”
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