Grammy Award-winner Harry Connick, Jr. is expected to be in Bethlehem several times leading up to the show and for the opening night gala of the Pennsylvania Youth Theatre (PYT) production of his musical, "The Happy Elf," Nov. 30 - Dec. 16, Charles A. Brown Ice House, Sand Island, Bethlehem.

"We have staged this production over the years in a few cities and when I see the unadulterated joy on the faces of the kids in the audience, I know we have created something special," stated Connick.

"We are delighted to bring 'Happy Elf' to life with the help of the very impressive team at PYT. See you soon!" Connick stated in a PYT press release announcing the performances.

"The Happy Elf" is a holiday musical adapted from an original song by Connick that became a 3D animated family television special. The script is by Lauren Gunderson and Andrew Fishman, with music and lyrics by Connick.

The play tells the story of Eubie, known as the happiest elf at the North Pole, who is stuck with checking the naughty-and-nice list.

On Christmas Eve, he notices not one person in the town of Bluesville is on the nice list, and embarks on a journey with his friends to turn all of the children into nice persons in time for Christmas.

The PYT 2012 - '13 stage season includes "The Hobbit," based on the novel by J.R.R. Tolkien, author of "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy, directed by Mary Wright, March 15 - 24, 2013; and "The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley," May 3 - 19, 2013, both at the Ice House.

Information: 123pyt.org, 610-332-1400