The Strand Theater in Moundsville will be showing its two matinee performances of “Elf the Musical Jr.” on December 20 and 21 at 2 p.m. The show features an entirely youth cast, with performers’ ages ranging from first to twelfth grade. As the rehearsal process begins to ramp up, the local performers and directors are eager to share the production they’ve worked tirelessly on with the community.
“Elf” is a beloved 2003 Christmas movie adapted into a musical in 2010. It follows the story of “Buddy”, who is a human raised at “Santa”’s workshop in the North Pole. He faces hardships, laughter, and romance as he navigates New York City, excited for his newfound human life.
Director Renee Storm is undertaking the task of bringing the classic that many know and love to life on stage. Storm, who also directed The Strand’s 2024 production of “A Charlie Brown Christmas”, is excited to, once again, give audiences the childlike wonder that so often gets lost with time.
“Creating opportunities for young artists – especially during such a magical season – is incredibly important to me,” said Storm. “‘Elf Jr.’ is joyful, funny, energetic, and full of heart, and I think people will be surprised by just how much talent we have in the Ohio Valley.”
One part of the production that makes it so unique is the age range of the performers. With some actors as young as 6, older cast members must step up to the plate as role models for the kids. However, the young stars seem to be just as inspiring to the older ones as they are vice versa.
Austin Schwanker, a junior at Wheeling Central High School, stars as “Buddy” in the production. His younger co-stars serve as a source of inspiration and motivation during the rehearsal process.
“The audience should really pay attention to the cast itself,” said Schwanker. “Most of our cast is very young, and the fact that they are able to memorize…blocking, music, and lines is amazing. It inspires me to know that these kids are working as hard as they can, and it makes me want to work even harder.”
Chloe Patt, a sophomore at The Linsly School, plays “Charlotte Dennon”. She is proud of how far both the older and younger cast members have come in their performance abilities thus far, and how that will translate to audience enjoyment.
“[“Elf Jr.] has got a great leading cast,” said Patt. “The high schoolers are such great leaders and examples for the younger students interested in theater…This is such a fun show, and I’m looking forward to seeing the final product!”
The cast and crew have been at work since the beginning of October to bring the Christmas classic to life. Assistant Director Aubree Gray acknowledges the commitment necessary for each individual involved to set aside adequate time and energy to shape “Buddy”’s story.
“Everyone on stage took part in this production in addition to school, work, band, sports, speech and debate, school theater, and anything else they have going on,” said Gray. “It’s astonishing what the cast has done with limited rehearsal time.”
The talent, energy, and dedication necessary to make “Elf” come to life is abundant. “Elf” is a very vocally challenging show, but audiences are sure to be pleased with the final product. Leading actor Austin Schwanker elaborates on some of the trials he’s faced playing “Buddy”.
“‘Buddy’ and I are very different and very similar at the same time…it’s very important to find those similarities and differences in order for me to capture ‘Buddy’ on stage,” said Schwanker. “I love…the fact that [playing ‘Buddy is] a challenge. Because the show is very contemporary, the vocals are very ‘mix-y’ and challenge the performers’ techniques.”
As opening night draws nearer, the cast and crew are eager to share their hard work with the local community.
Director Renee Storm said, “Audiences should expect to leave filled with Christmas cheer and the holiday spirit. ‘Elf Jr.’ is joyful, funny, energetic, and full of heart…These kids shine, and I can’t wait for audiences to experience that.”
Not only does the production serve as a way to entertain the community through theater, but it also allows tens of local youth performers to do what they love most.
Assistant Director Aubree Gray said, “Theater has the potential to change someone’s life and teach them so many things…Being there to support the arts is sorely needed. What better place to start than by showing up?”
The show also features two Wheeling Park seniors and The Park Press staff members, Alexandra Glennon and Jana Schodzinski, in leading roles. Buy your tickets at https://www.strandtheatrewv.com/elfjr to support local arts by watching this holiday classic come to life!
