East Valley Children’s Theatre spreads holiday cheer with ‘Elf Jr.’

This holiday season, East Valley Children’s Theatre is spreading festive joy with its musical production of Elf Jr., running Dec. 5–15 at Mesa Arts Center, where EVCT is a founding resident company.

EVCT is bringing a fresh vision to this stage adaptation — real snow will fall on stage during the final scene, bringing a touch of winter wonder to Arizona audiences, according to a release.

Director Joel Cranson adds a unique twist to this beloved holiday tale by setting the entire story inside the whimsical snow globe Buddy receives from Santa. This imaginative setting transforms the familiar story set in New York, creating a dreamlike world where holiday cheer and the anticipation of a White Christmas come to life as audiences experience Elf Jr. in a whole new light, it states.

“This production goes beyond simply capturing the magic of the holidays — we immerse audiences in a world like they’ve never seen before,” Cranson said. “With dazzling dances, heartfelt songs and a setting that’s as magical as Buddy’s adventure itself, this show is truly a one-of-a-kind holiday experience.”

Featuring a book by Thomas Meehan and Bob Martin, music by Matthew Sklar, and lyrics by Chad Beguelin, this family-friendly tale reminds audiences of the importance of spreading kindness within the community and the magic of the holiday season.

Tickets are $21 and can be purchased in person or online at evct.org. Performances are at 7 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays, 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays at the Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main St. Contact the EVCT office at 480-756-3828 to learn more.

About Elf Jr.: Buddy, a young orphan, accidentally stows away in Santa’s bag and is raised at the North Pole, unaware that he’s human. When his size and lack of toy-making skills reveal the truth, Buddy sets off on a journey to New York City to find his birth father, discover his true identity, and spread Christmas cheer.