Actor Will Ferrell kept audiences laughing with his portrayal as Buddy in the Christmas movie “Elf,” and now, Vanier Collegiate hopes also to keep people entertained with a musical version of the film.
“Elf: The Musical” takes place Wednesday, Nov. 22 to Friday, Nov. 24 at 7 p.m. and on Saturday, Nov. 25 at 2 p.m. in the Mae Wilson Theatre. Tickets are $20 for youths under 18 and $25 for adults and can be purchased by calling 306-693-4700 or visiting www.moosejawculture.ca.
The musical is based on a book of the same name by Thomas Meehan and Bob Martin, with Matthew Skylar providing the music and Chad Beguelin providing the lyrics.
Student Keaton Clark is Buddy the Elf and says it’s “super fun” to be the main character since he appears in many scenes. This has allowed him to grow close with most cast members and let him be a role model for younger members.
The Grade 12 student has participated in theatre since Grade 6, although this is only his second time appearing in a musical after last year’s performance.
“It’s just a really great place to be yourself. You can be loud and you don’t have to worry about someone telling you to be quiet,” Clark said. “Throughout the years, it’s been a really nice escape; you’re not having a great day at school, you get to come to rehearsal and basically play all day. It’s awesome.”
Clark had never taken voice lessons when he decided to participate in musicals but still wanted to put himself out there. He noted that he has fallen in love with musicals since the singing brings a different aspect that is absent from one-act plays.
Watching the musical come together and members learn their roles has been great, while it’s been unbelievable how well everyone has meshed as a team, he continued. He applauded the directors, cast, crew and stage managers for their work, ensuring the performance goes well.
Clark added that his favourite aspect has been the positive group dynamic since everyone gets along and offers support if someone is struggling.
This is the first musical in which Timi Konu has participated, and so far, it’s been an exciting experience because she enjoys performing in front of others. She also appreciates how accommodating everyone has been because of her inexperience, while she described the cast as a supportive family.
“I dance and I sing as a hobby; I went to dance school, so I really fit in,” the Grade 12 student said. “And I don’t actually mind the practice times … . It’s not as hard on me as it will be on other people.”
Konu is new to Vanier and was looking for activities or clubs to join. She heard about the musical, and while she’d never acted before, decided to give it a shot — and is happy she did.
Some of her roles include being an office worker, waitress and other background characters.
Konu added that residents should attend the musical because it’s funny and interesting, while the cast has put in plenty of work to create an amazing show.
Student Arlyn Dequina is the musical’s stage manager or “boss” who ensures everyone is on time and the show operates efficiently. She took on the position because she likes being organized and leading others.
The Grade 11 student has been interested in theatre from a young age after a music teacher instilled that love in her. She took off a few years before returning to the theatre scene in Grade 10, which has been a good decision.
“There are so many creative people here, and overall, the community is a great community to be in … ,” she said, noting the cast is optimistic and the crew is organized.
Dequina has enjoyed watching the play come together, while she has noticed a dramatic improvement in everyone’s abilities since the start of rehearsals; cast members have grown into their roles and the sets have been further refined.
“It’s very happy. The singing is amazing; the music is amazing. Everything about just this whole production is worth it … ,” she added. “I’m very, very excited to see everything come together.”
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