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I dare you to find a family holiday show that has more sparkly, twinkly, jolly joy than YST’s production of Elf Jr. I look forward to this, my favorite kids show, to kick off the holiday season every year since YST started making it their December tradition several years ago. It’s the perfect show for this company full of the most enthusiastic, earnest and fun-loving young actors you’re ever going to see on stage.
Young Stars Theatre’s home is the historic and beautiful Fremont Centre Theatre which is a South Pasadena gem and the perfect size for these pint-sized productions. Gloria Bennett is co-founder and now co-director with Miranda Miller. Bennett directs this one, with Miller assistant producing, and Emily-Mae Kamp as choreographer. It’s great to see Bennett back in the director’s chair – with her decades of experience and expertise, she beautifully guides these young actors, getting absolutely incredible performances.
Based on the David Berenbaum film, the musical, written by Thomas Meehan and Bob Martin with music and lyrics by Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin, Elf Jr. follows the enchanting tale of Buddy the Elf, an orphan found by Santa’s elves and raised by them. One day Buddy finds out that he is “human” and that his bio Dad is alive and well and living in New York City. Buddy sets out on a quest to not only find and meet his Dad but also to get him off Santa’s naughty list!
Like the film, the show just works. It’s a hilarious premise that ends up having tons of heart. The writing is really fun, so funny – equally entertaining for adults as kids, maybe even more so! But definitely bring the kids – the little ones around me were totally engaged and loving it. (Let it be a surprise for them, but for you grown-ups, it even snows!) And the grown-ups were literally in hysterics – so many great moments and good jokes.
As I mentioned before, you won’t believe the performances Bennett gets out of these kids, ranging in age from 5 – 17. She gives them the confidence to swing for the fences and indeed they do, even the littlest littles!
Longtime YST performers AwenRose Miller and James Pudi take on the role of Buddy this year. Both are seasoned performers with Miller bringing fantastic improvisational and comedic skills to the role, while Pudi is a completely loveable and bouncy Buddy. Merritt Honroe and Maddy Smith are both acerbic and ultimately charming as Jovie, the anti-Christmas co-worker who is won over by Buddy’s sweetness and rock-solid belief in Santa. Judah McFerrin is a stand-out as Buddy’s non-believing half-brother, Michael, with an earnest Josephine Barbouth taking on the role in the “Twinkle Cast”. Faryn Girt and Daniel Marrs are terrific as Buddy’s Dad, Walter, who makes the biggest and most significant shift from workaholic non-believer to a believer in magic and wonder.
Bringing the house down each performance is Leo Szurpicki and Gray Edwards playing the blowhard curmudgeon corporate exec, Mr. Greenway. Having kids play these older roles is always a hoot, and with the actors wearing full grey wigs and business suits, Greenway gets huge laughs. Special shout out to Szurpicki, who I saw on opening night – he’s small in stature (for the moment) and just 7 years old – he didn’t miss a line and after scolding and yelling at his company underlings, got applause on both of his exits.
The Sparkle Cast is rounded out by Hadley Cowan, Jacob Rasmussen, Echo Bernhard, Daniella Belkin, Crosby Farley, Jasper Bain, Huntleigh Barragan, Sawyer Goldsworthy, Harper Goldsworthy, Lexi Mayne, Elizabeth Sands, Elsa Rose Barbouth, and Calla Howard. The Twinkle Cast also includes Hudson Sawran, Judah Levine, Pierce Fenlon, Stevie Fenlon, Annabelle Liu, Rosie Tadmor, Daniella Belkin, Amelie Gungor, and Jacob Rasmussen.
Bravo to a simply delightful cast that will have you and your kids smiling ear to ear and as Buddy says, “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.”
Elf Jr. runs for three weekends only, closing on December 16. Showtimes are Fridays and Saturdays at 7pm with two shows on Sundays at 2pm & 6pm. For upcoming audition info, showtimes and ticketing, and more info about YST, visit www.YoungStarsTheatre.org.
Support this incredible youth theatre program by donating at their site, going to see a show and spreading the word, participating in their raffles, or visit their merch site to get fun Elf Jr. merch.
https://www.onthestage.tickets/show/young-stars-theatre/65298986008e9e0e3d6082e6/merchandise\
