Macon Reporter

Elf The Musical comes to the Kirkland Fine Arts Center, November 11-13, in a true community production of this holiday classic. Featuring the Millikin-Decatur Symphony Orchestra, this staging at Kirkland Fine Arts Center showcases the acting, dancing, musical, design and production talent of the Millikin School of Theatre & Dance, with students from Decatur area schools rounding out the youth ensemble. Beth Creighton, music director of the production, had this to say about the uniquely cooperative show:

“Any opportunity to serve as the Music Director for a Millikin School of Theatre & Dance production is a privilege but working on such a fun and light-hearted show has been a JOY!  Spending my evenings and weekends with this cast of Millikin students and local youth has been a blast – and we can’t wait to share our work with the Decatur community. I am so thankful for the spirit of collaboration that continues to surround this show and it will be the perfect way to launch the holiday season.”

While a production of this size requires immense planning and the focused dedication of innumerable staff and stage crew, Bryan Diver, the Director of the Kirkland Fine Arts Center, says the seasoned team is “up for the challenge.”

“Collectively,” he continued, “we have decades of experience preparing for and hosting theatrical productions of all kinds, including meeting the staging demands of traveling plays much larger, even, than Elf The Musical. It’s a pleasure to use that expertise to put on such a fun and family-friendly play for the Decatur community.”

The director of the production, Artist in Residence Kevin Long, is looking forward to debuting this particular show, given how well Decatur has historically celebrated the holidays: "I have been wanting to share a holiday show with the Decatur audience since I first started to work at Millikin. Over the years I have observed how much the community embraces this time of year together, and I hope our production of Elf can be a kickoff to the many holiday celebrations this season. This family friendly show is one that can be shared by all generations — and sharing laughter and singing will create lasting memories."

Elf The Musical follows the journey of Buddy the elf after he discovers he’s not really an elf at all. Based on the beloved film starring Will Ferrell, Elf The Musical has become a delightful holiday classic sure to amuse and charm. Attendees have multiple shows to choose from:

Elf The Musical

Friday, Nov 11 | 7:30pm, doors open at 7pm

Saturday, Nov 12 | 7:30pm, doors open at 7pm

Sunday, Nov 13 | 2pm, doors open at 1:30pm

Tickets are $20 // $25 // $30, with children under 12 $10

Buddy’s Workshop

Each performance, 45 minutes prior to doors opening, kids are invited to attend Buddy’s Workshop, where they can make an ornament, get a green or pink Elf hat, take a picture and make some music. Tickets for Buddy’s Workshop are $10 for children under 12. Show tickets are sold separately.

Based upon the New Line Cinema film written by David Berenbaum, the book for the stage play was written by Thomas Meehan and Bob Martin. Lyrics by Chad Beguelin and featuring music by Matthew Sklar, Elf was originally produced by Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures in Association with Unique Features.

Artist in Residence Kevin Long will direct, with music direction by Beth Creighton. Choreography by Isaiah Silvia Chandley.

Tickets are on sale now at kirklandfinearts.com or by calling the ticket office at 217.424.6318.

Support for Kirkland Fine Arts Center has been provided by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency. For a full schedule of events, please visit kirklandfinearts.com.

Original source can be found here.