Musical theatre group bringing Will Ferrell's “Elf” to the live stage in Regina - Dec. 9, 2021
By Greg Harder for the Regina Leader-Post
Christmas spirit is getting tougher to find these days, but Reece Braaten can locate hers with the click of a TV remote.
The movie Elf — highlighted by Will Ferrell in the lead role of Buddy — has been a source of inspiration as Braaten prepares to play Buddy’s love interest, Jovie, in an upcoming series of live performances by Do It With Class Young People’s Theatre (Dec. 15-19 at the University of Regina’s Riddell Theatre).
“I’ve seen (the movie) many times; it’s a classic,” offered Braaten. “Will Ferrell’s performance and the amount of energy he has just fits theatre so well. The guy we have playing Buddy the Elf (Dan Luzar) is hilarious and has so much energy, just like in the movie. That’s my favourite part — the crazy energy.”
Will Ferrell as Buddy (left) and Ed Asner as Santa co-star in 2003’s Elf. Postmedia Wire
Elf was released onto the big screen in November of 2003 and became a Broadway musical in 2010. Along the way, it caught the attention of Robert Ursan, who’s the artistic director for Do It With Class (DIWC).
The Regina-based musical theatre group is proud to bring the stage version of Elf to Saskatchewan for the first time.
“It pretty much follows the plot of the movie quite closely but of course because it’s a musical it has some really wonderful, fun and energetic musical numbers — singing and dancing,” said Ursan. “We have some kids who are really experienced dancers, so it’s nice to be able to give them an opportunity to do things on stage. Also, one of the things I love about Do It With Class is we take kids who just love musicals. If they show enough of that passion and spark, it doesn’t matter what their skill level is because people can be taught. We’ve been having a great time with this whole process.”
After being limited to virtual shows during the COVID-19 pandemic, next week’s performances will mark the long-awaited return of live theatre for DIWC.
The group’s last show in front of a live audience was Matilda in March of 2020 — just before the initial COVID shutdown.
“All of us are itching to get back on the stage,” said Braaten, who’s in her fourth year with the company. “I think that’s going to show in our performance with how much energy and excitement we have. (Being back in front of an audience) just feels so much more real. We’re going to get that real feeling of live theatre back again.”
The musical will include over 40 performers ranging from age eight to 18. They’ve been rehearsing since September in anticipation of a triumphant return to the stage.
“It’s what I live for,” Ursan said. “My rehearsals with the kids have been truly remarkable therapy after the last couple of years. There were still issues with whether or not we’d even be able to perform when we first started off in the fall because rules keep changing. Some of the kids said to me: ‘Even if we don’t do the show, just being able to be together again is so wonderful.’ I completely agree. There is no magic that can be produced in the same way that a live theatre can produce. There’s something about the spontaneity of it.”
Tickets to the initial four shows sold out quickly, so DIWC added two more performances to the schedule. All six are now sold out (four evening shows and two matinees) but DIWC is encouraging people to call 306-993-1003 if they’re forced to cancel or wish to be put on a waiting list.
The company is also planning a performance of Peter Pan from March 16 to 19 at the U of R.
Based upon the response so far, the absence of live theatre over the past few months has made the heart grow fonder — for audiences and performers alike.
“Because of the fact that COVID took so many things out of people’s lives, we have quite a few young people in the company this year who are brand new,” added Ursan. “I’m loving every second of being able to learn about these new kids and watch their talents grow.
“I think the audience is just going to fall in love with them.”