Celebrate Christmas in July as Mainstage Presents 'Elf, Jr.'

GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ — We could all use a little spirit!! And this summer Mainstage Center for the Arts’ upcoming production of "Elf, Jr." provides plenty of it. Audiences will be overjoyed with this production based on the popular holiday film adored by many. Audience members of all ages will receive the gifts of meeting Buddy, Santa Claus, Jovie, Walter, Michaela and Emily. The cast is bursting with excitement to hop onto Santa’s sleigh and bring this Christmas tale to life at the Dennis Flyer Theater on July 26 - 28.

Colin Shea of Blackwood plays Buddy the Elf. He says, “This is a very different role for me. I’m used to playing cranky characters and Buddy is so not cranky! He’s on stage throughout the entire show, which is a bit challenging, but fun. We have an amazing cast and I can’t wait until opening night with them.”

As if being a human raised by elves was not unique enough, Buddy embarks on an exceptional journey to find his real family and restore the true meaning of Christmas. On his adventure, he meets his father, Walter Hobbs (Ryan Fanelli of Marlton) who is on Santa’s naughty list. Fanelli says, “I really like the character Walter. He’s very dynamic and it's cool how through the show his life will change for the better. I am really happy with the cast and I get to have a lot of fun because all of my friends are here."

Of course Santa Claus is also part of this cast! Frank Testa of Blackwood has the honor of playing the most beloved magical friend. He said, "I’m enjoying being Santa!I have a lot of fun with his song. And, the show is going very well.”

Lindsay Deal, directs this joyous musical with a cast of nearly 70.

This includes featured characters like Michaela (Ciara Shea of Blackwood), Emily (Madison Maiorini of Marlton), and Jovie played by Delaney Burke of Glendora. Burke said, “Jovie is Buddy’s love interest. She’s got a bit of a bite to her. But, she also has a soft side and she opens up to Buddy about believing in Christmas.”

Additional characters include the Manager (Jared Jefferson of Burlington), Ms. Greenway (Caroline Corriveau of Plainsboro), and Deb (Stephanie Masapollo of Sicklerville).

Deal has been working hard to wrap and perfect this show. She states, “It’s so nice to work on Christmas in July. No matter the time of year, the theme of this show and its focus on the importance of family, relationships and love, is relevant for all seasons. It’s a fantastic production with big full-company numbers. The kids are really excited to bring Elf to Mainstage for the first time.”

Whether you are on the good or naughty list, we guarantee you will have a wonderful time experiencing ELF,JR. The Dennis Flyer lobby will be decorated for the holidays with Mainstage volunteers donning elf caps to put you in a festive mood. Purchase your tickets today! The show runs July 26 and 27, 7:30 p.m. and July 28, 10:30 a.m. in the fully-accessible Dennis Flyer Theatre, Lincoln Hall, Camden County College, 200 College Drive, Blackwood, NJ. The July 27 performance will be sign ASL interpreted.

Ticket prices: $12 adults, $10 senior citizens/children 12 and under. Group prices are available. To purchase tickets, visit www.mainstage.org or call (856) 227-3091

The Children’s Theatre season also includes BROADWAY FOR KIDS, August 2-4. In addition to the Children’s Theatre Season, MCA will present its annual summer Mainstage production, Grease on July 22, 28, and 29, 7:30 pm and July 23, 2 p.m. The Summer Stage Apprentice program for fourth and fifth graders will present The Jungle Book Kids and The Aristocats Kids on August 6th. Also the Video Film Production students will present their own original short films in a Film Premier, Friday, August 4 at 7:30 p.m.

Photos

Buddy on Side: In Elf, Jr, the Hobbs Family, Emily (Madison Maiorini of Marlton), Walter (Ryan Fanelli of Marlton), and Michaela(Ciara Shea of Blackwood) discover a new family member, Buddy the Elf. At first, Walter is not pleased!

Buddy_Jovie: Buddy (Colin Shea of Blackwood), and Jovie (Delaney Burke of Glendora) will delight audiences in Elf, Jr.

Elf Group 3: Celebrate Christmas in July with the cast of Elf, Jr: From left, back row: Buddy (Colin Shea of Blackwood), Santa (Frank Testa of Blackwood), and Walter Hobbs (Ryan Fanelli of Marlton). Back row: Jovie (Delany Burke of Glendora), Michaela (Ciara Shea of Blackwood), and Emily ((Madison Maiorini of Marlton).

Present_front: Macy’s Manager (Jared Jefferson of Burlington) tires to keep his elves in line. That includes Buddy (Colin Shea of Blackwood) and Jovie (Delany Burke of Glendora).

Santa_Buddy: Santa (Frank Testa of Blackwood) with his overzealous elf, Buddy (Colin Shea of Blackwood).

Mainstage Center for the Arts, located in Blackwood, NJ is committed to make the arts experience enjoyable for all its patrons. In an effort to make the shows, concerts, events, workshops, classes, and offices accessible to as many as possible, Mainstage offers many services for patrons requiring assistance. For anyone in need of assistance, please notify the office at 856-227-3091 at the time of purchasing tickets, or at least five days prior to the event you are attending.

Mainstage Center for the Arts, the parent program for Summer Stage, is a 501 © (3) non-profit organization committed to providing a creative, vibrant, and nurturing environment for youth and adults. This program is made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts and by funds from the National Endowment for the Arts.