ELF - A Local Musical That’s Bigger Than Black And White
By Robert Thomas
“Which picture do you like better - black and whit or colour? - I asked one of the elementary school cast members as I took their picture getting ready for a mini dress rehearsal for Vanier Collegiate’s ELF - The Musical.
“Colour,” the elementary student replied.
It was probably the most astute comment made about the production.
This is no bland production but rather it is a kaleidoscope of colours crashing across the stage in a soundtrack that echoes forth the spirit of the season - Christmas - it was written to celebrate.
ELF - The Musical first appeared in 2010 and it was adapted from ELF - The Movie which appeared in 2003.
The musical’s plot is designed to send vibrancy, warmth and yes colour crashing across the stage and theatre itself. It’s an essence Vanier Collegiate’s production has captured. Not lacking in any colour.
Which do you like better? Black and white or colour? - mj independent photo
Jessica Liebel usual role a Vanier Collegiate is an English teacher.
Liebel usually teaches two of the coveted “Rs” most parents demand but in ELF the musical she is part of the directing team where a new R called rehearsal has been going on for weeks.
She has a different viewpoint about the scope and breadth of the production and the word challenge isn’t part of it.
“I don’t think there are so many challenges as there are opportunities,” she said.
Opportunities in this year’s musical aren’t reserved for Vanier’s high school students but the backbone of the production - the elves themselves - are in fact 29 elementary school students from grade four to grade six.
They were gathered as part of a casting call sent out to all Holy Trinity Schools in Moose Jaw.
Liebel said it’s an enthusiasm added to the production. Something casting high school students may not have been able to provide.
Its an innocence and enthusiasm that bonds with the core high school aged actors that add more than just casting from high school alone.
“I love being a part of this team. I like working with my students.”
Liebel speaks about the importance of brining acting and a musical to Moose Jaw as a community.
“It is really important for the school to be part of it.”
Meanwhile in the background as Liebel speaks elementary school students go through the costumes (below) the colour of the production is increasing.
Costumes laid out for the elementary school performers - mj independent photo
For grade 10 student Sophie Trieaskowsky this is her second run at being part of a musical.
Last year she was part of the running crew. This year she is the assistant stage manager.
Trieaskowsky describes it as being “definitely more involved with all other roles.”
“It’s like a very broad area,” she said, adding “its like finding my place.”
The stage for ELF once it fires up from the shadows is one where the darkness turns into a highly dynamic retro-fired cavalcade of motion and action.
“It’s some specific thing they are doing when in reality it isn’t what it is. I have to find my place in it,” she said.
Despite the role which seemingly lacks the clarity many might demand Trieaskowsky said she enjoys her role in the production.
“It has been really fun to watch this show come together. And seeing the ending that now this show is real…it’s been fun. It’s been super fun,” she said.
An elf gets some help - mj independent photo
For Haylee Hanson this is her second production she has been part of.
Hanson is part of set design and the running crew.
While ELF may be fantasy Hanson is part of the crew who have to design and contain the colours of Santa’s workshop and other sets while at the same time releasing them.
Creativity is something she sees in her role.
“You can work with it and make it your own vision,” she said.
The creativity is a process, she said. A process she likes especially upon completion.
“ I enjoy the creation of the set design pieces to work on them and bring it all together in a group is something I enjoy.”
“It’s really nice seeing the show coming together.”
The dynamic colours of costumed elves - portraYed by elementary school students - dance across the stage - mj independent photo
Lucas Wonsiak is ELF’s utility actor. Or in the parlance of the theatre he is the double casting actor.
In ELF he will play four separate characters - Matthews, Macy’s elf, fake Santa Three’s ex boyfriend, as well as a businessman.
Asked the obvious Wonsiak said he wouldn’t like to have the lead role, but he would be OK with a main role if cast as such.
“I wouldn’t actor I would like being a main character just not the lead character,” he said, adding “I’m just happy where I am.”
For the grade 12 Wonsiak he sees the multiple roles as an opportunity to see across the production.
“It gives me a certain perspective on the synergy between actors. It helps me I relationship with other actors having to put on a believable performance,” he said.
Wonsiak described the performance so far as being solid with the actual production, solidifying it even more.
“Once we get into it at the May Wilson, Theatre, it will be more comfortable and everything else,” he said.
Being part of the musical has been advantageous for Wonsiak in the present, as well as his plan future.
He has made friends and his acting experience will help him in the future career plans of becoming a teacher.
The elves continue to dance - mj independent photo
Buddy makes an appearance - mj independent photo
Keaton Clark has the main role of Buddy the Elf.
For Clark this is the second musical, but he has another acting experience going back six years.
“It’s so much fun. It’s a different show from before it’s more upbeat,” he said.
The entire concept of ELF the musical is something that the charismatic Clark can get behind.
“In the lead role with it being Christmas it’s a feeling you can bring to the stage.”
During the short dress rehearsal Buddy is surrounded in the colours of Christmas and the North Pole.
He’s not the greatest elf when it comes to toy output and he stands out often poorly in the hectic work going on all around him.
Somehow Buddy has to shine, and it’s up to Clark and his performance to make that possible.
It’s something Clark says he can do.
“It’s always so much fun to see what schools can put on when it comes to something like this,” he said.
For Clark the musical is not just about entertainment for those who sit in the seats but he’s hoping given the subject matter and the time of year the production will create magic for those who attend or are part of it.
These are the colours of Vanier’s production of ELF the Musical.
Santa ends up on stage - mj independent photo
Elf: The Musical” runs Wednesday, Nov. 22 to Friday, Nov. 24 at 7 p.m. and on Saturday, Nov. 25 at 2 p.m. atthe Mae Wilson Theatre.
Tickets are $25 for adults and $20 for youths under 18.
Tickets can be purchased by calling 306-693-4700 or visiting www.moosejawculture.ca.
