Claysburg Community Theater to Put on 'Elf the Musical'

The Claysburg Area Community Theatre will present "Elf the Musical" at 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday, Nov. 18 and 19, at the Claysburg-Kimmel High School Auditorium.

Director Dan Crist said that most people are familiar with the movie: Santa accidentally takes human baby Buddy to the North Pole by accident, where Buddy is raised as an elf. Buddy travels to New York City to meet his real father.

"The story evolves from there, where he meets his family, gets turned away from his family and then finds a girlfriend with the story having a happy ending," Crist said.

Buddy gives his father, a children's storybook publisher, a wonderful story to tell, and the people of New York the gift of believing in Santa Claus.

Crist said that when he was asked by members of their committee to direct the show, he hesitated a bit. His daughter, Erin Kelly, said that she would help him out by being his assistant director. He decided to give it a shot.

Ted Fiess, who plays Buddy, said that he can relate to the character because Buddy is like a grown-up kid.

"I like to have fun and stuff. A lot of people, when they found out that I had got the part, said 'You would be perfect for the part.'"

Typhani Russo, who plays Jovie, said that she is exactly like her character. "When I read the description, I was like that is me to a tee. Everything about her demeanor and personality, I thought that I could portray her easily."

Russo said showing everybody that they can be a positive and cheerful despite what is going on in the world is important.

"I think that is all we can give to someone who is going through a hard time," Russo said.

Fiess adds that arts and entertainment are a good distraction, as well as proof and validation that there is good in people.

Tickets can be purchased at the door or with PayPal at [email protected].