Theater Review: ‘Elf’ through Pa. Youth’s eyes
One doesn’t usually expect it to snow indoors, even at the historic Charles A. Brown Ice House, 56 River St., Bethlehem.
But if one were to go see Pennsylvania Youth Theatre’s (PYT’s) production of “Elf The Musical Jr.,” that’s exactly what you would see, provided you bring the necessary Christmas spirit with you. But don’t worry, if you don’t have it when you come in, you’ll definitely acquire some before you leave.
The production, which runs through Dec. 11, centers around the tale of Buddy the Elf, who (spoiler) is not really an elf, and his search for a family during the Christmas season.
“Elf: The Musical” was created in 2010 for the Broadway stage and based on the 2003 film of the same name, and the students of PYT do a fantastic job of bringing the characters to life and up to date. There are references to “Hamilton: the Musical” and children write letters to Santa Claus on their iPads. A rotating cast of more than 60 first to 11th graders, known separately as the SparkleJolly and TwinkleJingley casts, take turns putting on the shows. The SparkleJolly cast was in action at the Dec. performance for this review.
The star of the show is the titular Buddy, exuberantly portrayed by Jack Heffelfinger, who lives in Christmastown with Santa (Paul Bonnici) and the other elves and is loved by all. The elves proclaim in song that “If he was any sweeter, we would all be diabetic.” His nonstop adoration of all things Christmas, especially Santa, makes him the perfect choice to head to New York City and spread cheer to a world that has stopped believing in the jolly, bearded gift-giver.
There’s quick-footed choreography by Camille Armstrong and Brittany Gordon, show-stopping musical numbers directed by Brittany Baumeister and it’s all helmed by the Artistic Director of PYT Jill Dunn Jones. The small army of students onstage and backstage transform the sets form Santa’s workshop to Macy’s department store, Rockefeller Plaza, Central Park and other settings in the blink of an eye.
Every single student puts their all into this production and it shows. PYT Managing Director Valarie Reinhardt says that’s nothing new for these theater students.
“All of them have rehearsed six days a week for the last 12 weeks to put on this show,” said Reinhardt at the SparkleJolly cast’s opening matinee. “They truly rise to the occasion and I’m incredibly proud of them.”
It’s not only the perfect time of year to watch a Christmas show, it’s made more perfect by the fact that the tale is told with Lehigh Valley children who know a thing or two about holiday cheer. As Buddy himself says, “To thine own ‘elf’ be true.”