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New Christmas classic

Fort Wayne Civic Theater kicks off the holiday season with Elf the Musical

By Eddie Torres

michael_summers@fortwaynereader.com

Fort Wayne Reader

2018-11-05

Every year around this time, movie studios slip in a few holiday-themed films among the usual blockbuster franchise installments and Oscar bait. And occasionally, one of these movies — often the one that seems the least likely — becomes a holiday classic.

2003’s comedy Elf is one such movie. The Will Ferrell vehicle features Buddy who, as a young orphan, crawls into Santa’s toy bag one Christmas, and is raised as an elf at the North Pole. Much bigger than any other elf and woefully inept at making toys, an older Buddy makes the journey back to the real world to find his father…

You can probably guess the rest — despite mixed reviews and low expectations from the studio, Elf was not only a hit, but proved enduring with audiences, and eventually made the transition to the Broadway stage as a musical. A success in its initial run, Elf the Musical has been a consistent holiday favorite every since thanks to revivals, touring shows, and local productions.

Elf the Musical, which begins its run at the Fort Wayne Civic on Friday, November 2, doesn’t change much from the movie. The character Buddy — played in the Civic’s production by Jordan Gameon — is maybe a little less crazy on stage, but the musical retains the energy and overall sweet tone that’s made the story a new holiday classic, with a score that captures the story’s spirit.

Fort Wayne Civic Theater presents Elf the Musical

Fridays November 2, 9, and 16 at 8 PM
Saturdays November 3, 10, and 17 at 8 PM
Sundays November 4, 11, and 18 at 2 PM

Arts United Center
303 East Main Street

Box office: (260) 424-5220
Or fwcivic.org