Marlboro Middle School is starting off the holiday cheer with their rendition of Elf Jr. on Dec. 13, 14 and 15.
Elf Jr. captures the magical essence of the 2003 movie Elf. In the movie and play alike, Buddy the elf grows up among Santa’s elves in the North Pole, believing he’s an elf as well.

Once he learns that he’s actually human and finds the name of his father, the boisterous Buddy takes himself all the way to New York City, where he goes on a mission to find his family in the midst of the holidays.

The middle school play follows Buddy through his adventures in the North Pole, New York City, Macy’s, Central Park, and more. The school production embraces the ever-changing set designs throughout the play.

Deana Solomon and Amy Schaffer are co-directors for the second year in a row, following last year’s performance of Shrek. Solomon has been a performer and musician for over 30 years, while Schaffer has been an actress with the local theatre for over 22 years. Solomon focuses on teaching the musical score, while Schaffer focuses on scene blocking and choreography.

Seventh-grader Kate Schaffer and sixth-grader Lily Bonfante are starring in the show as Buddy, Bonfonte is playing in the first two shows, and Schaffer in the last two.

“This is a really fun show to do, and it has a lot of fun parts for everyone,” Schaffer said.

This is Schaffer’s second school production, Shrek was her first, but for Bonfonte this is her debut show at Marlboro Middle School.

“Buddy is such a relatable person,” Bonfante said. “He brings his childness into everything he does and it makes everyone smile.”

Actors and actresses aren’t the only stars of the show, there are roles for kids interested in everything that goes into making the play. Stage manager, assistant stage manager and people involved in moving props and changing scenes all communicate via headset backstage.

“We really try to teach them about all aspects of a production and all the hard work that goes into preparing for a play, from learning lines to coming up with lighting concepts,” Solomon said.

Luca Benanti and Harrison Solomon are in charge of lights and sound for the entire production, and are seated at the sound booth for the two hour play. 

“We’re really carrying the whole show,” Harrison said. “We run off our cues and run the entire show basically.”

Elf Jr. is playing at Marlboro Middle School on Friday, Dec. 14 from 7 to 9 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 15 from 2 to 4 p.m. and again from 7 to 9 p.m., and their final show takes place on Sunday, Dec. 16 from 2 to 4 p.m.