*PRESS RELEASE* FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date: 10/26/2023 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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 record-breaking hit "Elf, The Musical" back for encore When Chagrin Valley Little Theatre brought the musical "Elf" to the stage in 2022, it broke box office records by selling out every performance before opening night, as well as selling out an additional performance that was added mid-run. When the show closed, there remained names on the ticket waiting list. Responding to this demand for more, CVLT has reconvened most of the stars from the 2022 cast plus many new additions for a new 'encore' production for its 94th Season. This reprise run has already sold 50% of its available tickets. Chagrin Valley Little Theatre's "Elf" runs weekends from November 17 through December 17, with performances on Fridays, Saturdays and select Sundays. Evening performances begin at 7:30 PM on Fridays Nov. 17 & 24, Dec. 1, 8 & 15 as well as Saturdays Nov. 25, & Dec. 9. Matinees will be at 2 PM on Saturdays Nov. 18 and Dec. 2 & 16, and Sundays Nov. 26 & Dec. 3, 10, & 17. Tickets are $21 with a $4 discount for students, seniors, and military. 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!” "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 (Tony Piotrkowski), a cynical workaholic with a wife Emily Hobbs (Emily Stack) and son Michael (Vivien Morrison). 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 (Alex Petsche). 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 Michael J. Rogan, with musical director Jonathan Gordon, choreographer Sarah Gordon, costumer Jackie Kruyne, stage manager Andrew Karp, and technical director Tom West will bring the magic to life with an all-ages cast of 37 performers. The cast includes Madigan Albro, Delaney Albro, Juniper Axelrod, Jennifer Coakley, Joseph Coakley, Kevin Derrick, Christine Francisco, David Igneczi, Bryant Lyles, Lucy "Red" Mango, Jordon Matthew, Frankie Morrison, Sacha Morrison, Tobias Morrison, Charlie Morrison, Allie Morrison, Jonathan Orosz, Sawyer Orosz, Raleigh Orosz, Eric Oswald, Michela Palma, Sofia Palma, Adelaide Rohr, Elisabeth Davidson Roter, Molly Walsh, Brenda Willis, Christopher Wuehler, and Dorota Zarzycka. Tickets for /Elf /can be purchased online 24/7 at CVLT.org or by calling the Chagrin Valley Little Theatre Box Office at 440-247-8955, Tuesday - Friday afternoons from 1:00pm - 6:00pm. Early reservations and arrival are highly recommended. CVLT is located at 40 River Street in historic Chagrin Falls Village. 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. ###