"Elf: The Musical" To Ring In The Season At Bucks County Playhouse

NEW HOPE, PA — Bucks County Playhouse rings in the holiday season with a sparkling new production of “Elf: The Musical,” playing at the historic New Hope venue from Nov. 21 through Jan. 4.

Based on the beloved film, the musical follows Buddy the Elf on his hilarious and heartfelt adventure from the North Pole to New York City to discover who he truly is — and in the process help deliver some holiday magic to the Big Apple.

With a book by Thomas Meehan and Bob Martin, music by Matthew Sklar, and lyrics by Chad Beguelin, the musical adaptation of “Elf” has become a holiday favorite for all ages. “Elf: The Musical” is presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International.

“Who doesn’t love ELF? It’s funny, romantic, quirky and totally irresistible,” says Producing Director Alexander Fraser. “To have our dream team of John Tartaglia and Shannon Lewis back together again … their Mamma Mia broke all our box office records in 2019 ... and ELF is set to do the same for 2025! What a way to wrap up an incredible season.”

From left: Chris Stevens, Savy Jackson, John Bolton, Ann Sanders, and Brian Ray Norris.

Leading the cast is South Jersey native, Chris Stevens (National Tours of “Tina” and “Jersey Boys”) as the larger-than-life Buddy. Joining him are Brian Ray Norris (BCP’s “She Loves Me” and Broadway’s “SpongeBob SquarePants”) as Santa; Juson Williams (Broadway’s “Gypsy” and “The Lion King”) as the fast-talking Store Manager; John Bolton (BCP’s “Noises Off” and Broadway’s “Anastasia”) as Walter Hobbs; Ann Sanders (BCP’s “The New World” and Broadway’s “Camelot” and “Frozen”) as Emily Hobbs; Savy Jackson (Broadway’s “Bad Cinderella”) as Jovie; and Jenny Lee Stern (BCP’s “Leader of the Pack” and Broadway’s “Rocky”) as Deb.

Charlemagne Fadner (MSTDA’s “Ghosts All Around You”) and Michael Hurst (Metropolitan Opera’s “The Hours”) make their Playhouse debuts sharing the role of Michael Hobbs. And William Ryall (Broadway’s “Grand Hotel,” “Wicked”) appears as Mr. Greenway.

The ensemble features Olivia Lacie Andrews (Broadway’s “Sunset Boulevard” and BCP’s “Kinky Boots”), Mathew Blasio (Netflix’s “White Noise”), Jake Bryan (Theatre By The Sea’s “Hairspray”), Johnny Doty (Grandstreet Theatre’s “Little Shop of Horrors”), Sabrina Kalman (National Tours of “Fraggle Rock!” and “The Wizard of Oz”), Danielle Kelsey (Broadway’s “Funny Girl”), Ian Liberto (Broadway’s “Smash” and “New York, New York”), Ellie Pearlman (Courtland Rep’s “Hair”), Jillian Reef (Forestburgh Playhouse’s “Young Frankenstein”), Manuel Santos (Broadway’s “West Side Story”), Nicolette Smith (Alabama Shakespeare Festival’s “The Wizard of Oz”), and Jesse Swimm (BCP’s “White Christmas” and Broadway’s “School of Rock”).

The production is directed by Emmy Award winner John Tartaglia, who earned a Tony nomination for Broadway’s “Avenue Q.” Tartaglia returns to Bucks County Playhouse after directing the Playhouse’s acclaimed 2019 production of “Mamma Mia!” Shannon Lewis, who choreographed “Mamma Mia!” and “The Rocky Horror Show” for Bucks County Playhouse and is currently represented on Broadway with the Tony-nominated show “Just in Time,” returns as choreographer.

“Elf: The Musical” is the final production in the 2025 season, which is sponsored by Bank of America. Production co-sponsors for “Elf” are Capital Health and The Birches of New Hope. Ghost Light Inn and Stella are the opening night sponsors. BLBB Advisors is the Audience Services Sponsor.

Previews begin Friday, Nov. 21, with opening night on Saturday evening, Nov. 22. The production runs through Jan. 4. Performances are held Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings at 7:30 pm. Matinee performances take place Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 1:30 pm. There are no performances on Thanksgiving Day or Christmas Day. Additional holiday performances include Wednesday evening, Nov. 26 at 7:30 pm; Friday, Nov. 28 at 1:30 p.m.; Tuesday, Dec. 23 at 1:30 p.m.; Friday, Dec. 26 at 1:30 p.m.; and Wednesday, Dec. 31 at 7:30 p.m.

At the first preview on Friday, Nov. 21 at 7:30 p.m., a limited number of tickets will be available on a Pay-What-You-Can basis for anyone wishing to purchase up to six tickets at the price of their choosing (suggested price $20). Tickets are available starting at 5:30 p.m. They are first-come, first-served, and seating locations will be assigned by the Box Office.

Tickets start at $39 and are available at BucksCountyPlayhouse.org or by calling 215-862-2121. Tickets are selling fast; the best availability is during the holiday stretch from Christmas through the New Year.