Harry Connick, Jr.'s THE HAPPY ELF to Bring Christmas Cheer to Roxy Regional Theatre

After the turkey is put away on Thanksgiving evening, bring your out-of-town guests downtown for family entertainment sure to get everyone in the holiday spirit. A new musical comedy by the Grammy Award-winning and Tony Award-nominated composer and lyricist, Harry Connick, Jr.'s THE HAPPY ELF opens at the Roxy Regional Theatre on Thursday, November 24, at 7:00pm.

Directed by Ryan Bowie and choreographed by Emily Rourke, THE HAPPY ELF follows Eubie the Elf on his musical mission to bring Christmas cheer to Bluesville, a town on Santa's naughty list. But can he turn a whole town of naughty children nice in just one day?

With a pinch of elfish magic and a magical whoosh, a new generation is introduced to the joys of jazz through Lauren Gunderson and Andrew Fishman's festive tale about overcoming adversity, friendship, the power of positivity and believing in yourself.

Introducing John-Paul Fox as Eubie and featuring local favorite Benny Jones as Santa Claus, THE HAPPY ELF also features Ryan Bowie, Emma Jordan, Leigh Martha Klinger, Katelyn Lauria, Kendall Adaire Payne, Scotty Phillips, Kylan Elizabeth Ritchie, Emily Rourke, Melissa Silengo, Matthew Smolko and Zachary Waters.

Rounding out the cast as elves and citizens of Bluesville are twenty-one local youth: Jesse Boyle, Kourtni Cottrell, Marlon Cuevas, Lorraine Cutting, Alexis Davis, Aramae DoVanne, Ava DoVanne, Aiden Ducay, Hayden Gilbreath, Jasmine Holmes, Sarah Jackson, Julia Owen, Michael Phillips, Will Rager, Kalee Ramos, Millie Rice, Lillie Rich, David Rogers, Josh Shellenbarger, Savannah Spencer and Katie Stafford.

Due to the double casting of children, the traditional opening night pay-what-you-can preview will be spread over the first two performances. All tickets not pre-sold at the regular ticket price will go on sale at 6:30pm on Thursday, November 24, and at 7:30pm on Friday, November 25, for a $5 minimum donation.

On Friday, November 25, patrons are invited to ring in the season at the fifth annual "Christmas Over The Cumberland" at F&M Bank's Franklin Room, featuring an Italian-inspired holiday dinner and holiday music with a Celtic flair by local favorites Red River Breeze. The evening's menu features an Italian pasta bar, garden salad, garlic bread and dessert, complemented with Beachaven wines. Doors open at 6:00pm, with dinner served at 6:30pm, followed by the 8:00pm performance of Harry Connick, Jr.'s THE HAPPY ELF at the Roxy. Tickets are $50.

On Saturday, November 26, and Saturday, December 10, families can partake of a spaghetti lunch and holiday crafts with Eubie the Elf before the matinee. "Lunch with Eubie" starts at 12:30pm across the street at Edward's with spaghetti, salad, bread and dessert, followed by holiday arts and crafts and photos with the cast. Tickets are $40 for the package, which includes the 2:00pm performance of THE HAPPY ELF. All children must be accompanied by a paying adult.

Performances run November 24 through December 17 on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:00pm, Fridays at 8:00pm, and Saturdays at 2:00pm and 8:00pm. There is no 8:00pm performance on December 17.

Tickets are $25 (adults) and $15 (ages 13 and under) and may be reserved online at www.roxyregionaltheatre.org, by phone at (931) 645-7699, or at the theatre during regular box office hours (9:00am to 2:00pm, Monday through Friday, and one hour prior to curtain).

Military, APSU students and CitySaver coupon holders can receive two tickets for the price of one to Wednesday and Thursday performances during the run. During the month of November, City of Clarksville employees can also receive two-for-one-admission to Wednesday and Thursday performances. During the month of December, Montgomery County employees can receive two-for-one admission to Wednesday and Thursday performances. Valid ID must be presented at the time of pickup.

Photo: John-Paul Fox is Eubie the Elf in the Roxy Regional Theatre's production of Harry Connick, Jr.'s THE HAPPY ELF.

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