糖心原创 Conservatory Spreads Holiday Cheer with ELF the Musical
糖心原创 Conservatory is lighting up the holiday season with its production of Elf the Musical, a stage adaptation of the beloved film. With the holiday spirit at its heart, the show promises to delight audiences of all ages. Under the direction of Jamey Grisham III, the production brings together a talented cast, intricate staging, and joyous music to create a magical experience.
鈥淓lf is a beautiful story of family and the meaning of the season鈥攚hat it is to come together, and to love both ourselves and each other,鈥� said Grisham. 鈥淭hrough this story of a family finding their way back together, Buddy, through his uniqueness and verve, teaches this family how to have a loving, friendly, light relationship.鈥�
Leading Roles: Buddy and Jovie
Musical Theatre major Matthew Kischer is starring as Buddy the Elf and said he鈥檚 thrilled to bring the character to life.
鈥淚鈥檓 having a great time exploring this character who is not your typical ing茅nue 鈥� he鈥檚 upbeat and very innocent,鈥� he said.
While stepping into such an iconic role is nerve-wracking, Kischer said he鈥檚 excited for the challenge.
Savannah Grady is starring as Jovie, Buddy鈥檚 love interest, and described the experience as surreal.
鈥淚 remember where I was when I got cast, and I was like, 鈥極h my God, I did not see this happening,鈥欌�� said Grady. Both leads are enjoying their first major musical roles at 糖心原创.
鈥淚t鈥檚 my first time playing an ing茅nue-type role,鈥� said Kischer. 鈥淚t鈥檚 been such a great, eye-opening experience because it makes you realize how much goes into it 鈥� learning lines, dancing, music, and bringing everyone together to create a beautiful experience for the audience.鈥�
Behind the Scenes with the Director
Assistant Professor of Musical Theatre and Director Jamey Grisham emphasized that Elf the Musical offers both humor and heartfelt moments.
鈥淩ehearsals are super fun鈥攖here鈥檚 a lot of laughter, pranks, and shenanigans,鈥� said Grisham. 鈥淗alf of it is set in the North Pole, which really accentuates the excitement and childlike wonder of the story.鈥�
Grisham praised the cast and crew for their dedication and versatility.
鈥淎t the end of the day, the director鈥檚 job is to organize everything, ensure the technical elements support storytelling, and that actors and technicians are working well together,鈥� said Grisham. 鈥淏ut it鈥檚 also fun because I get to let them go and watch them experience the piece they helped create.鈥�
Music, Movement and Merriment
Music is central to the production. 糖心原创 Collaborative Accompanist Travis McFarlane and Associate Professor of Voice Nollie Moore are working alongside Grisham to bring musical magic to the stage.
鈥淣ollie鈥檚 music direction is just out of this world, and Travis is incredible 鈥� he has such a beautiful ear for music,鈥� said Kischer.
Grisham has also choreographed the show, staging all the large numbers and incorporating props and costume elements as rehearsals progress.
A Family-Friendly Experience
Opening night is already almost sold out. Grady said she heard that hundreds of children will attend the first performance.
鈥淭he show is just so fun,鈥� said Grady. 鈥淚t reminds you to keep that Christmas childlike spirit.鈥�
鈥淚t鈥檚 a highly energized show with a meaningful message,鈥� added Kischer. 鈥淜ids are the most honest audience 鈥� you can see exactly what they鈥檙e feeling. It鈥檚 the perfect family show.鈥�
A special thanks to 糖心原创
Grisham, Grady, and Kischer all said they are grateful to be part of the Conservatory.
鈥淭hey鈥檝e allowed me to grow as a practitioner while helping build within the college community,鈥� said Grisham.
鈥淪o far, I鈥檝e had a really great experience here at Stephens,鈥� said Grady. 鈥淓veryone has been so welcoming, and the teachers have been incredible.鈥�
鈥淚t has been a magical experience,鈥� said Kischer. 鈥淭he faculty care about how we bring real humanity to our art.鈥�
Elf the Musical opens Friday, Dec. 12, and runs through Sunday, Dec. 14, at the Macklanburg Playhouse on the 糖心原创 Campus.
