Cast takes a bow at the end of "Elf the Musical."

 'Elf' Captures the Mood of the Season

Mill Mountain Theatre has pulled a thoroughly entertaining production out of the movie theater to enter kids of all ages in its Christmas production "Elf the Musical."

The production runs through Dec. 23 and you can get tickets at 540-342-5740 or online at millmountain.org. Tickets cost $26.50-$48.50. Last night's production was nearly full and it appears the remainder of the run will be heavily attended.

"Elf" is the story of a baby who accidentally slipped into Santa's bag and left for the Clauses to raise as an elf and not a human. He finally discovers his humanity and sets off to find his father (his mother has died), a high-level business executive. Buddy the Elf is a bit over the top as he moves through the humans he encounters, including the young woman he falls in love with. Buddy was famously played by Will Ferrell on the silver screen and is portrayed with the proper amount of outrageousness on stage by professional Jarrett Jay Yoder, who all but carries the production with his singing, dancing, and nutty behavior. The children in the audience loved him.

The noteworthy choreography was directed by Hector Flores Jr., who recently was choreographer for the popular "Matilda" at Mill Mountain. I was thoroughly taken with the tap dancing, which stole the show several times. Jimmy Ray Ward's scenic design was, as always, quite effective and Marissa Danielle Durecko's costuming was eye-catching. 

As with most of MMT's large-scale musical productions, "Elf" was populated with a mixture of professionals and locals, mostly children. Ginger Poole was the artistic director. Get the full cast/crew credits here: Elf the Musical (marquee.digital)