In 2003, audiences across the nation were infected with Christmas fever when Will Ferrell donned green tights and proudly proclaimed, “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.”
Fast forward two decades later, and the Connally High School Theatre Department is preparing to bring a little bit of the North Pole’s fun to Lacy Lakeview with their production of “Elf: The Musical”.
“This show gives us an opportunity to really reach out and bring in the community,” director Allison Figley said. “It’s a family friendly show that gives everyone a chance to make some fun memories.”
Students filled Figley’s classroom on Tuesday’s informational session to ask questions and learn about the timeline for the production. Auditions will be held on Thursday, August 17 in the auditorium.
“We have seen a lot of interest in this production,” Figley said. “I have been particularly excited to see how many of our freshmen have expressed the intent to participate. It gives us a great starting point to grow our department.”
Elf: The Musical is a retelling of the blockbuster film. The show utilizes song and dance to emphasize the whimsy and joy of the holiday season.
“I am excited about Elf because it is such a colorful and fun show,” junior Glyn McDaniel said. “The theatre department is such a welcoming and safe space for everyone, so I think that this show will be a great chance for us to bring in some new people.”
The production features a wide variety of featured and supporting characters, giving the theatre department a chance to include as many students as possible.
“The theatre department at CHS has an open door for everyone to come in,” junior Alejandro Lujan said. “I personally don’t think that I can sing or dance very well, but Mrs. Figley is so great about working with everyone’s talents to help us get the skills that we need. She works with everyone and helps make this a great place to do work in.”
Students who are interested in joining the production but do not wish to perform on stage have opportunities to contribute their talent as members of the technical crew. There are spaces available for lighting designers/operators, set designers, and stage hands.
“Being on the technical crew gives me the chance to work with people whose brains work with the same craziness that mine does,” junior Israel “Friend” Pena said. “It lets us experiment with our creativity to help take the productions to the next level.”
While Connally traditionally performs their musicals in early November, this year’s production has been pushed back to December. That gives the department more time to polish their show while also giving audiences more time to get into the Christmas spirit.
“Performing the show in December gives us a chance to really clean it up and make it great,” sophomore Alexander Woodley said. “There’s something festive about putting on a play all about Christmas in December. I think it’ll be something that the audiences love.”
Performances will be held on November 30 at 7:00 PM, December 2 at 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM, and December 3 at 2:00 PM after months of intense rehearsals. The theatre department hopes that their production will make the same impact as the original film did.
“Putting a show on is a beautiful experience because you are constantly surrounded by people who support you and hold you accountable,” senior Margaret Stout said. “Working in the theater gives you the opportunity to make magic happen. That’s the goal for every show, and this one is no different.”