Old Rochester cast gets ready for ‘Elf the Musical’
MATTAPOISETT — As the cast and crew of Old Rochester Regional High School’s “Elf, the Musical” prepares for their opening night on Dec. 5, actors took time to pose for photos, and talk about their upcoming performance in an interview on Tuesday, Nov. 19.
The play is based on the 2003 film, starring Will Ferrell, but the Old Rochester Rendition of the Christmas comedy will add song and dance to its production this December.
Andrew Steele, playing Buddy the Elf, said that to get into the spirit of his starring role, he started listening to Christmas music as early as June this year. He also said that he has been studying clips of Will Ferrell, and that he will bring “happiness and joy” into his comedic role in December.
Kate Marsden will play Buddy’s little brother Michael Hobbs. She said that the production will follow the script of the original, except for being “more Broadway.”
She added that the family-friendly production will be especially good for kids.
For trio of Macy’s elves (in contrast to their shorter counterparts in the north pole) Elise Mello, Cecilia Prefontaine, and Lucas Francisco, preparations for the play have been physically as well as theatrical.
Warmups before rehearsals include crunches and cartwheels for the energetic ensemble.
“You have to be very dancey to be an elf,” Mello said.
She went on to say that the experience was a bit “meta” for her. “I grew up watching Buddy the Elf, and now one of my friends [Steel] is Buddy the Elf,” she said.
Scenery in the play will include a Macy’s Christmas tree, iceberg, and backdrop of New York City.
The book behind the play is by Thomas Meehan and Bob Martin. Music by Matthew Skylar. Lyrics by Chad Beguelin. Based on the New Line Cinema film written by Berenbaum. Elf The Musical is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com
Opening night will be at the High School auditorium at 7 p.m. Other shows will be on Dec. 6 at 7 p.m., Dec. 7 at 12:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Dec. 8 at 2 p.m.
To reserve tickets to the show call Patricia Carrington at 508-863-0696.
