Fans of the movie will conjure visions of Will Ferrell in the outstanding performance of Cam Damesworth as Buddy the Elf. I’ve seen Cam as the Prince, in Cinderella, and as Laurie in Little Women — both well done — but the role of Buddy gives Cam license to pull out all the stops and “glee out” on Christmas in charming over-the-top ways unavailable to his previous characters — all while retaining his innocent charm and displaying his excellent voice.
Elayna LaPeer was also charming as the at-first-dismissive girlfriend, Jovie, also with a wonderful singing voice — and ironically charming during the part where she was refusing to sing. I also enjoyed Damir Morris’s humorous take on Santa Claus - threatened by diminishing Christmas-Spirit power for his sleigh. John Agapidis was appropriately exasperated but redeemable as father Walther Hobbs, and Taylor Stallings and Kenyon Halsell were sweet as his wife and son, Buddy’s new family. And, of course, I loved my granddaughter Natalie Shipley as Deb, Walter’s secretary, one of the many seduced by Buddy’s charm and inadvertently setting him up for the paper-shredder incident. Her Palko Christmas Leg storybook suggestion was a hoot.
Natalie’s involvement has given me a window into the organized, positive and encouraging system at Midway. They will be producing Peter Pan, Jr. in May with Auditions January 17 and 21. Rehearsals are weekly on Saturdays until the final week of every-night. More info at midwaytheatercompany.org
Midway produces all-age shows as well as these Academy productions which feature performers aged 8-18. They have performed at Hannah Center but now call Grace Bible Church their home. It is on Canal Road, just south of the St. Joseph intersection.
Elf runs this weekend only, 7 pm Friday and 2 pm & 7 pm shows Saturday — all sold out online, but Producer Christy says there are a limited number of tickets available at the door - so get there EARLY and cross your fingers.
There ARE tix available to this unrelated but also Christmas fun show next week:
A Midway Theatre Extra - One Night Only - sort of a “touring duo” I think? Anyway, sounds like fun:
A Christmas Carol?
December 10, 7:30 pm
Destiny Danielle Freeman plays Scrooge and Cory Phelps plays every. one. else. The show features improv, music, and audience interaction. Think A Christmas Carol meets Whose Line Is It Anyway? This is a fast paced, cobbled together Christmas-mess full of hilarity and heart. It's an absolute extravaganza! More info at http://midwaytheatercompany.org