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Wheaton North brings 'The Story of Buddy' to the stage with 'Elf the Musical Jr.'

Posted December 09, 2023 10:00 pm

By Angelina Gervasio and Courtney Fricke Wheaton North High School

Buddy (played by Ava Biagini) gets a little overexcited on seeing Santa (Ester Tran) in Wheaton North's production of “Elf the Musical Jr.,” opening Thursday, Dec. 13. Courtesy of Courtney Fricke

Follow Buddy the Elf, played by Ava Biagini, on his journey to the Big Apple, as he searches for his dad.

During his journey, Buddy will find friendship and love as we all learn what the holidays are really all about, spending time with family.

Throughout the show, Buddy will encounter Santa, played by Ester Tran; his love interest Jovie, played by Leah Baumhauer; and many other fun and festive characters.

The show, directed by Cheryl Newman, includes many songs that will get everyone in the holiday spirit.

The songs include #8220;The Story of Buddy,#8221; #8220;World's Greatest Dad,#8221; #8220;Happy All the Time,#8221; #8220;SparkleJollyTwinkleJingley,#8221; and #8220;I'll Believe In You,#8221; written by Tony Award nominees Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin, with a book by Tony Award winners Thomas Meehan and Bob Martin.

The cast also features Bobby Palmer as Buddy's dad, Habonimana Zuana as Buddy's mom Emily, and Mackenzie Scott as his brother Michael, as well as Santa's Elves (Alexa Hjerpe, Sol Antunez, Lana Bloomfield, Isabelle Clark, Genna Tebrugge and Corinna Rodriguez).

The holiday musical will be fun for the whole family. Children of all ages are welcome.

Show times will be 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14, and 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, in the Taylor Auditorium at Wheaton North High School, 701 W. Thomas Road.

They will be offering a special meet-and-greet event, #8220;Cookies with Buddy Santa,#8221; after the Saturday morning performance.

It will include cookie decorating and photos with Buddy and Santa (separate tickets required).

Tickets are $10 or $7 for students and seniors. The #8220;Cookies with Buddy Santa#8221; is an additional $5 per person.

Tickets are available online at www.showtix4u.com/events/wnhsperformingarts. For ticket questions, call (630) 784-7316.

Check out a show preview on Wheaton North Performing Arts' YouTube channel.

Come make Wheaton North a part of your holiday celebrations!

The Wheaton North Performing Arts's 2023-24 season will continue in early February with the winter play #8220;Badger,#8221; Don Zolidis' tale of five young women working at the Badger Ordnance Works near Baraboo, Wisconsin, during World War II, and the spring musical #8220;Mamma Mia!,#8221; a jukebox musical with a story inspired by some of ABBA's greatest hits, in early May.

Jovie, played by Leah Baumhauer, belts out a holiday tune in Wheaton North's upcoming production of "Elf the Musical Jr." Courtesy of Angelina Gervasio

Santa's Elves work on toys at the North Pole (from left, Alexa Hjerpe, Sol Antunez, Lana Bloomfield, Isabelle Clark, Genna Tebrugge, and Corinna Rodriguez) in Wheaton North's upcoming production of "Elf the Musical Jr." Courtesy of Courtney Fricke

Buddy (played by Ava Biagini) apologizes to Jovie (Leah Baumhauer) for missing their date in Wheaton North's production of "Elf the Musical Jr." Courtesy of Courtney Fricke

Buddy's mom Emily (Habonimana Zuana, left) and his brother Michael (Mackenzie Scott) sing about how they believe in Santa and what they want for Christmas. Courtesy of Courtney Fricke

Mrs. Greenway (Alaina Lamb, left) hears a pitch from Buddy (Ava Biagini), Buddy's dad (Bobby Palmer), Buddy's brother Michael (Mackenzie Scott) and Buddy's mom (Habonimana Zuana, right). Courtesy of Courtney Fricke

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