Rehearsals are well underway at the Nolan Center as cast and crew work toward the upcoming Thanksgiving weekend production of “Elf: The Musical.”
Actors, musicians and stagehands currently gather three nights a week to prepare the ambitious holiday show.
Co-director Haley Reeves originally aimed to assemble a company of around 30 performers, but enthusiastic community interest pushed the final numbers far beyond her early expectations.
Music teacher Tasha Morse oversees the musical direction for the production, which features extensive choral arrangements, solo performances and complex choreographed dance routines tailored for the large ensemble.
“Between the cast and stage crew, we have 47 people,” Reeves said. “When you add some of the background extras, it’s a little over 50.”
Based on the 2003 film, “Elf: The Musical” centers on Buddy, an orphaned human baby who crawls into Santa Claus’ sack of toys and is raised alongside elves at the North Pole.
Performances run Thanksgiving weekend at the Nolan Center, opening Nov. 27 at 7 p.m., followed by two shows Nov. 28 at noon and 6 p.m.
Tickets are available at the Nolan Center and online at the www.thenolancenter.org. Tickets are $25.
