POTTSTOWN PA – Steel River Playhouse, 245 E. High St., offers a sweet treat for the holidays. “Elf,” the production based on the New Line Cinema film written by David Berenbaum, arrives Friday (Dec. 1, 2023) for an 11-performance run to heighten the borough’s seasonal spirit.
Here’s its story:
“Buddy, a young orphan, mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported to the North Pole. The would-be elf is raised, unaware that he is actually a human, until his enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father and discover his true identity.”
“Faced with the harsh realities that his father is on the naughty list, and his half-brother doesn’t even believe in Santa, Buddy is determined to win over his new family and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas.”
With a book by Bob Martin and Thomas Meehan, music by Matthew Sklar, and lyrics by Chad Beguelin, the production is directed and choreographed by Jessica Bostock, with Music Director Kat Lansang.
“What I love about this movie-turned-musical is that they kept the iconic lines and plot points of the film, while creating a stage version that is special and endearing all on its own,” Bostock said. “The musical itself is full of humor, but it also is about the importance of family (and found family), and the power of believing in magic.”
“The magic in this case being trusting in those you love, and prioritizing love over all the other trappings of life,” she added.
- Elf is scheduled to run Dec. 1-17. Performances will be at 7 p.m. on Dec. 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, and 16. Matinees will be at 2 p.m. on Dec. 3, 10, 16, and 17.
- An additional, relaxed performance is set for Dec. 10 at 2 p.m. It’s intended for individuals with ADD, ADHD, dementia, autism, sensory sensitivities, or anyone else who would enjoy a performance where they can freely express themselves.
- The running time for this two-act show is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes with one intermission.
Tickets are available now for seating choices and online purchase at $29 for adults, $24 for seniors age 65 and older, and $17 for students. Tickets also are available by calling the playhouse box office at 610-970-1199. Be aware, though, that management reports “several shows are already sold out.”
Steel River Playhouse is a non-profit theatre and education organization. For more information on its upcoming shows, educational offerings, or volunteer opportunities, send an e-mail to info@steelriver.org.
The playhouse said it thanks Kate Hoffman for the designer sponsorship, in memory of Thomas Hoffman; and Ken Wilhelm, Hobart’s Run and The Hill School as opening night sponsors. The 2023-2024 season is sponsored by Scott and Susan Bentley.
Photos by John Daggett provided by Steel River Playhouse to Travels With The Post
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