It Is Cheery & Bright at Picketwire This Weekend - Elf: The Musical Review

Description: The Picketwire Players production of “Elf: The Musical” runs from Thursday, December 15 through Saturday, December 17 at the Picketwire Center for Visual and Performing Arts (802 San Juan Avenue, La Junta, CO). Tickets for “Elf: The Musical” are on sale at the theatre box office or you may purchase tickets online at www.picketwireplayers.org. All performances begin at 7:30 p.m.


Published: 12/15/2022
Byline: Picketwire Players

It Is Cheery & Bright at Picketwire  
This Weekend

Elf: The Musical Review

“Elf: The Musical” opens at the Picketwire Center for Visual and Performing Arts on Thursday, December 15th. This musical was adapted by Bob Martin and Thomas Meehan from the 2003 film “Elf."  Music and lyrics are by Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin. While the stage play takes some liberties with the film script, the same charm and sweetness is still very much evident in this musical.

“Elf: The Musical” is directed and choreographed by Desiree’ Goheen. You will find all the wonderful steps and delightful staging that this veteran director/choreographer always brings to her Picketwire productions.

Before we even start talking about the talented cast, could we just make note of the absolutely adorable stage setting (by Scott Goheen and Cameron Salzbrenner), the costumes (by Ms. Goheen and her Assistant Director, Tracey Salzbrenner), and the animated projections (brought by technicians Ms. & Mr. Salzbrenner). Lighting Technician is Zach Zamora and Ms. Goheen acted as the sound technician.

Santa (Todd Hillstad) and Mrs. Claus (Julie Meiklejohn) set the tone of the show as they open by telling the story of Buddy the elf. They are soon joined by many, many young elves who sing and dance as happily as you would expect to happen at the North Pole.

Taking on the difficult role of Buddy the elf is Cody Rogers. His natural, sweet smile and demeanor bring Buddy’s innocence and charm to life. He is on stage almost continuously and never loses Buddy’s enthusiasm for Christmas.

There are a lot of veteran actors and singers in this show, and they do not disappoint. Tom Seaba plays Buddy’s father, Walter Hobbs, with many layers of annoyance, frustration and tenderness. RaeLynn Domsten (Emily Hobbs) has been absent from Picketwire’s stage, but we are glad that she and her lovely voice are back. Hobb’s secretary (Heather Pidcock-Reed) has just the right combination of comedic play along with some snarky behavior. Of course, hearing Ms. Pidcock-Reed’s voice is always a pleasure.

Newcomer Ashley Bass plays Buddy’s love interest Jovie. Ms. Bass is a strong presence with an even stronger voice and rounds out a good ensemble of actors. All respond in their own way to Buddy’s childlike enthusiasm, though there are some frustrations with his behavior. All the characters seem to be finding their own way in the world, finding where they really belong. And, as musicals usually go, the characters find their own way and remember that the most important things in life are love and family.

Of course, it does take a while for each of them to make that discovery. Mr. Hobbs pays too much attention to his failing publishing job and not enough to his family. Store Santas lament that “Nobody Cares About Santa Claus” in a delightful song and dance number. And all of New York's diminishing belief in Santa makes Santa's sleigh immobile and the spirit of the season practically non-existent. But Buddy comes to the rescue as he reminds all of us that “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear!”

Picketwire does not disappoint this holiday season as this production embodies the true meaning of community theatre. The cast is full of family members experiencing live theatre together. The cast is also full of a good mix of veteran and first time performers. One can only imagine that rehearsals were like a master class as those new to the stage were able to observe veteran talent.

We’d also like to note a few other players that caught our eye. Skylar Finkner was commanding as the head elf. Store manager Jansen Ediger had some fun, playful moments. Santa’s helper, Rose Trujillo, had the best shoes of the night. Most of the actors played multiple roles and distinguished all their characters with good fun and song.

A quick note for all parents. Santa will be available to take photographs with children and also hear their gift requests from 7:00 to 7:20 prior to the play beginning at 7:30 pm. He will also be available for about ten minutes during intermission.

Most importantly, if you are missing the Christmas spirit, you will find it on the Picketwire stage. The Picketwire Players production of “Elf: The Musical” runs from Thursday, December 15 through Saturday, December 17 at the Picketwire Center for Visual and Performing Arts (802 San Juan Avenue, La Junta, CO). Tickets for “Elf: The Musical” are on sale at the theatre box office or you may purchase tickets online at www.picketwireplayers.org. All performances begin at 7:30 p.m. 

Watch Our Interview With Buddy The Elf:

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The Picketwire Center for Performing and Visual Arts is Located at 802 San Juan Ave. in La Junta, Colorado 



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