ELF THE MUSICAL Arrives at the Ordway, 11/5

NETworks Presentations, LLC, Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures and Unique Features bring the Broadway musical ELF to Ordway Center for the Performing Arts in Saint Paul for a three-week run beginning December 5, 2012. Tickets for ELF are available now and can be purchased online at www.ordway.org or by calling the Ordway at 651.224.4222.

“Elf The Musical” is the hilarious tale of Buddy, a young orphan child who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported back to the North Pole. Unaware that he is actually human, Buddy’s enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father, discover his true identity and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas. This modern day Christmas classic is sure to make everyone embrace their inner “Elf.”

Based on the beloved 2003 New Line Cinema hit, “Elf” features songs by Tony Award nominees Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin (“The Wedding Singer”), with a book by Tony Award winners Thomas Meehan (“Annie,” “The Producers,” “Hairspray”) and Bob Martin (“The Drowsy Chaperone”). The production will feature direction by Sam Scalamoni and choreography by Connor Gallagher.

The cast includes Matt Kopec (Buddy), Connor Barth (Michael), Jen Bechter (Deb), Gordon Gray (Santa), Kate Hennies (Jovie), Julia Louise Hosack (Emily), Royce McIntosh (Mr. Greenway), Drew Pulver (Walter), and Clyde Voce (Manager).

The cast will also feature Elizabeth Burton, Robyn DeGuzman, Ian Frazier, Mary Gabrielle, Paul Ianniello, ChanDon Jones, Drew King, Emily Catherine Larger, Nick Lorenzini, Lauren Palmeri, Shaun Repetto, Angelica Richie, Jack Robbins, Ben Russell-Lynch, and Dennis Setteducati.

The New York Times says that ELF is “A splashy, peppy, sugar-sprinkled holiday entertainment!” USA Today calls ELF, “endearingly goofy!” Variety proclaims, “ELF is happy enough for families, savvy enough for city kids and plenty smart for adults!”

The holiday theater experience begins in the Ordway lobby, which will be transformed into a winter fantasyland by Bachman’s Floral, Home & Garden Centers. Bachman’s designers, led by lead creative designer Scott Ellingboe, are bringing the lobby to life with festive and fun holiday décor with just the right touch of mischief and mayhem – just like Elf himself! Bring a camera and arrive early to pose for photos in front of the huge, snowing Christmas tree.

“Elf” is produced by NETworks Presentations, LLC, Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures, and Unique Features. Additional information is available at www.ElfTheMusicalOnTour.com.