Buddy the Elf is coming to Andover! AYS TheatreWorks presents "Elf Jr. the Musical"

Buddy the Elf is coming to Andover! As Buddy said, “the best way to spread Christmas Cheer, is singing loud for all to hear”! Elf Jr. the Musical is based on the 2003 holiday classic film featuring Will Ferrell and will be performed at Doherty Middle School in Andover from November 4th-6th. The show is being produced by AYS Theatreworks. This is the first year the kids have rehearsed in the new Cormier Youth Center and they have had a blast, especially at break time where they’ve been able to burn off some energy by playing ping pong or shooting hoops in the beautiful new building.

Elf Jr. the Musical is the story of Buddy, an orphan who is accidentally transported to the North Pole when he crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts. Buddy is raised at the North Pole believing he is an elf, but as he grows it becomes clear that he doesn't fit it with the rest of Santa's helpers. When he finds out that he is actually a human, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his father and ends up on the biggest adventure of his life. But when he finds out his father is on the naughty list and that even his own half-brother doesn’t believe in Santa, Buddy knows its up to him to show them all the true meaning of Christmas.

The sets are all being prepared in the shop area of the Cormier Youth Center and there is a full student stage crew, two students designed the poster and program design for the show, and a student is learning how to design and program the lights. The cast was also asked to be creative and build a “window” as part of the set to be used in the show. For next year’s show, they are hoping to have classes in scenic painting and set design going on simultaneously and that students will be more involved behind the scenes and not just on stage.

The musical is directed and choreographed by AYS TheatreWorks artistic director, and Andover High School graduate, Amy Blanchette and music directed by Stephanie Morey-Barry. The shows are Friday, Nov. 4, at 7:00 PM, Saturday Nov. 5th at 7:00 PM and Sunday, Nov. 6th at 2:00 PM at the Doherty Middle School Memorial Auditorium. Tickets are available at Learning Express and the Cormier Youth Center or at the door.