“The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loudly for all to hear.” Buddy, the elf, is coming to Town! After discovering he is not actually an elf, Buddy becomes determined to meet his real father in New York City. Armed only with his Christmas spirit, Buddy struggles to find his place in the less-than-welcoming Big Apple. To make matters worse, he quickly learns that his father is on the naughty list AND his half-brother doesn’t believe in Santa! What’s a new non-elf to do?

Wearing the coveted elf shoes in the role of Buddy is Tyler Broughton (Beauty and the Beast) and Nathan Jackson (Matilda). He con­fronts his stubborn father, Walter, taken by Michael Seezen (Willy Wonka) and Tracy Steele (Spamalot). Buddy finds camaraderie in his half-brother Michael, portrayed by Kyran Burkett (Mary Poppins) and Town newcomer, Hudson Freeman. He also receives surpris­ing warmth from the mother he never had, Emily, shared by Caitlin DeGrave (making her Town debut) and Taryn Davis (42nd Street). Of course, our story includes some puppy love as Buddy becomes smitten with the Macy’s Department Store beauty, Jovie, portrayed by Mary Jayne Davis (Mary Poppins Jr.). And then there’s the big guy himself, Santa, with Lewis Causey (Beauty and the Beast) donning the white beard.

A full stocking’s worth of talented actors joins to make this holiday offering the best kick-off to the season. Come see Addie Andrews, Portia Bell, LaShelle Upton-Moore Billings, Madson Butler, Catherine & Zach Cieri, Chloe & Elijah Collier, Maddie Freeman, Bianca Goodlet, Juliet Gregg, Elise & Samantha Hansford, Olivia Hite, Brock Jones, Gabbie & Micheal Kawooya, TJ Leitzsey, Avery McCree, Anniston Redd, Gaby Robinson, Miriam Ross, Jack Seezen, Stephanie Smoot, Abi Tuorto, Trey Weaver, Terrence Weeks, Jordyn Williams and Sadie Wiskes.

Elf The Musical is directed by Hans Boeschen with musical direction by Lou Boeschen, choreography by Roxanne Rich, costumes by Billy Bishop and scenic/lighting design by Danny Harrington. Chelsey Art stage manages.

The show is sponsored by Abacus Planning Group, Burr Forman McNair, First Citizens Bank and CIU.

Tickets range $15 to $25 and are available at towntheatre.com or by calling 803-799-2510. The show runs Nov. 12-Dec. 12 with curtain is at 7:30 PM Thursdays through Saturdays and 3:00 PM Sundays. There is no performance on Thanksgiving or Saturday, Nov. 27.

Be sure to check out our “dinner and a show” options too! Villa Tronco or Pitas – make it a great evening from start to finish! More details at towntheatre.com!