*PRESS RELEASE* FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date: 11/9/2022 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Contact: Andrew Rothman From: Chagrin Valley Little Theatre 40 River Street Chagrin Falls, OH 44122 Phone: 440-247-8955 E-mail: cvlt@cvlt.org Website: www.CVLT.org <http://www.cvlt.org/> CVLT brings the musical adaptation of the beloved film ELF to the stage this holiday season Adapted from one of the most beloved modern Christmas movies, "Elf the Musical" transforms the story (originally a vehicle for actor Will Farrell) into a theatrical holiday treat for the whole family. "Elf" features songs by the Tony Award nominated Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin (/Disney's Aladdin on Broadway, The Wedding Singer/) and a script by Tony Award winners Thomas Meehan (/Annie, The Producers, Hairspray/) and Bob Martin (/The Drowsy Chaperone/). The New York Times called it “splashy, peppy, sugar-sprinkled holiday entertainment!” and Variety said “ELF is happy enough for families, savvy enough for city kids and plenty smart for adults!” Chagrin Valley Little Theatre's production runs weekends from November 18 through December 17, with performances on Fridays, Saturdays and select Sundays. Evening performances begin at 7:30 PM on Fridays Nov. 18 & 25, Dec. 2, 9 & 16 as well as Saturdays Nov. 19, 26, & Dec. 10. Matinees at 2 PM on Saturdays Dec. 3 & 17 and Sundays Nov. 27 & Dec. 4. Tickets are $21 with a $4 discount for students, seniors, and military. Many of these performance dates are already sold out, so advance reservations and early arrival are highly recommended. "Elf" is the tale of Buddy (John Kolar), who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s toy sack as a child and is raised by elves at the North Pole. Buddy’s comparatively enormous size and lack of natural toy making skill forces him to face the realization that he is a human. With the blessing of Santa (Nick Alder), Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father, Walter Hobbs (Steve Brown), a cynical workaholic with a wife Emily Hobbs (Emily Stack) and son Michael (Lucy 'Red' Mango). He soon makes friends with his step-family, as well as Walter's secretary Deb (Amy Mango), and even finds love with a Macy's holiday employee, Jovie (Sarah Gordon). However, Buddy also discovers that most New Yorkers no longer believe in Santa, which threatens Christmas, as Santa's sleigh can only fly if people still believe. Through relentless cheeriness and a childlike adoration of Christmas, Buddy the elf attempts to save the day and mend his relationship with his estranged dad. Director Louis Petrucci, with musical director Jonathan Gordon and choreographer Melanie Leibold, bring the magic to life with an all-ages cast of 31 performers that also includes Pamela Sheehan Brown, Alexa Decker, Christine Francisco, Dave Jezek, Koriander Jezek, Nathan Miller, Allie Morrison, Charlie Morrison, Frankie Morrison, Sacha Morrison, Tobias Morrison, Vivien Morrison, J.J. Nightwine, Sofia Palma, Michela Palma, Kathy Pekarcik, Matt Rondini, Elisabeth Roter, Louis Schwartz, Lily Shumaker, Juliana Shumaker, Kara Simpson, Wrenn Warren, Christopher Wuehler. Chagrin Valley Little Theatre is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit funded through individual and corporate contributions. Our programming is made possible in part by the citizens of Cuyahoga Country through Cuyahoga County Arts and Culture and by state tax dollars allocated by the Ohio Legislature to the Ohio Arts Council (OAC). The OAC is a state agency that funds and supports quality arts experiences to strengthen Ohio communities culturally, educationally, and economically. ###