Virden Theatre Productions is adding a little bit of holiday cheer to their 2019 lineup, since they will be performing “Elf the Musical” Nov. 20-24 at the Auditorium Theatre.
Even though the company has tackled stage versions of hit films before under the Virden & District Chorale banner, including “Footloose” and “Legally Blonde,” director/producer Michelle Chyzyk said they’ve never undertaken a Christmas project before.
However, when the rights to perform the Broadway version of “Elf the Musical” came up for grabs back in July, courtesy of Music Theatre International (MTI), Chyzyk said they jumped at the chance to be one of the first amateur productions in Canada.
“And after 2020 is done they’re putting it back in the vault so nobody will be able to obtain the rights again,” she said. “So it’s kind of a small window of opportunity to do this great show.”
In terms of plot, “Elf the Musical” follows the events of the 2003 Will Ferrell comedy pretty closely — a misfit elf named Buddy travels from his home in the North Pole to New York City to uncover his true human heritage.
ROB LOVATT
Brandon actors Greg Kirk and Joey Simms run through a scene from “Elf the Musical,” which will run Nov. 20-24 at the Auditorium Theatre in Virden.
The main difference between the film and the stage play is, obviously, its musical numbers, which are written by Tony Award-nominated composers Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin.
Even though the Westman actors are required to stick to MTI’s script and composition religiously, Chyzyk said they will be able to make their mark on the material through localized performances and production values alone.
Case in point: Brandon resident Joey Simms will be taking on the lead role of Buddy the Elf, having recently headlined Mecca Productions’ “Newsies” back in 2018.
“He brings such a wonderful, childlike quality to the play,” Chyzyk said. “Anybody who knows Joey knows his imagination and talent and he’s fabulous in the role.”
Rounding out the cast is a bunch of seasoned Westman thespians, including Brandon’s Greg Kirk, who will be playing Santa Claus, and Virden’s JaysaLee Davies, who is Buddy’s love interest, Jovie.
Chyzyk revealed that the cast has been rehearsing at least once a week since September, and are just now getting the chance to sing alongside the 15-piece orchestra that will provide the play’s score.
ROB LOVATT
Winnipeg-based instructor Brenda Gorlick leads the cast of Virden’s “Elf the Musical” through the play’s dance choreography.
The production crew has also been working around the clock to make sure all the costuming, props and sets are ready to go for Nov. 20, especially since the Auditorium Theatre is a little on the small side.
“In our theatre, one of the challenges is that there’s no backstage area,” Chyzyk said. “So it involves a lot of ingenuity in how the sets are going to arrive on stage and how 40 people are going to maneuver around each other.”
But despite all these hurdles, the director believes that everything will come together for the premiere and that Virden’s version of “Elf the Musical” will provide the public with a nice, calming antidote to the hustle and bustle of the upcoming holiday season.
“It’s suitable for everyone and I think the visual aspect is going to be incredible,” Chyzyk said. “You’ll leave with vivid pictures in your mind and you might even feel like giving someone a hug or singing a tune as you head out the door.”
This upcoming production is co-directed by Dean Munchinsky and features dance choreography from Winnipeg-based instructor Brenda Gorlick.
The play will feature evening shows at 7:30 p.m. (Nov. 20-23) and matinée performances at 1:30 p.m. as well on Nov. 23-24.
Tickets can be purchased at the play’s Eventbrite page or in person at Flower Attic & Gifts in Virden.
» Twitter: @KyleDarbyson
