Don't forget to bring a buddy to 'Elf the Musical' at the Barn Theatre in Willmar

WILLMAR — The Barn Theatre presents “Elf The Musical” Dec. 2-19. Based on the beloved holiday film, this hilarious fish-out-of-water comedy follows Buddy the Elf in his quest to find his true identity.

Buddy, a young orphan played by Reagan Toedter, mistakenly crawls into Santa's bag of gifts and is transported to the North Pole.

The would-be elf is raised there, unaware that he is actually a human until his enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth.

With Santa's permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father and discover his true identity. Faced with the harsh realities that his father is on the naughty list and his half-brother doesn't even believe in Santa, Buddy is determined to win over his new family and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas.

Additional members of the cast are Madison Anderson-Wilson, Ben Watson, Jen Bute, Emma Wallace, Jessalyn Canavan, Chris Ness, Bill Wright and Jordan Gatewood.

Cast and ensemble members include Kristi Gatewood, Bailey Stahl, Pat Gilmore, Cole Woltjer, Kellie Wright and Valor Gorans.

Additional ensemble members are Gayle McClain, Melissa Mangen, Brooklyn Pederson, Madison Lee, Devin Fuchs and Averi Linn.

It is directed by Allen Clark with vocal director Andrea Limoges Hegdahl and choreography by Claire Taylor-Schiller.

Jan Buzzeo is the stage manager. Set design is by Aane Twedt.

Costumes by Lynsey Pierce and Michaela Ehlers with Cheri Buzzeo in charge of props.

Lights are by Eric Harp, sound by Bob Thompson and Melissa Wallace is the light/sound operator.

Showtimes are at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 2-4, Dec. 9-11 and Dec. 16-18, with Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Dec. 5, Dec. 12 and Dec. 19. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for students. They are available on the Barn website at thebarntheatre.com , at the box office, which is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, or by calling 320-235-9500 .

1/5: Santa, played by Jordan Gatewood, and Mrs. Claus, played by Kristi Gatewood, read the story of "Elf" during a dress rehearsal of "Elf the Musical," which opens to the public Thursday, Dec. 4, 2021, and runs through Dec. 19. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, with 2 p.m. Sunday performances. Contributed / Dennis Benson

2/5: Buddy, played by Reagan Toedter, dances with a fellow elf at the North Pole during a number in "Elf the Musical." The Barn Theatre production opens to the public Thursday, Dec. 4, 2021, and runs through Dec. 19. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, with 2 p.m. Sunday performances. Contributed / Dennis Benson

3/5: Buddy, played by Reagan Toedter, at center, has arrived in New York City, which is very different from the North Pole. And no one believes in Santa! The Barn Theatre production of "Elf the Musical" opens to the public Thursday, Dec. 4, 2021, and runs through Dec. 19. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, with 2 p.m. Sunday performances. Contributed / Dennis Benson

4/5: The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear, as the cast of "Elf the Musical" performs a number during a dress rehearsal. The Barn Theatre production opens to the public Thursday, Dec. 4, 2021, and runs through Dec. 19. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, with 2 p.m. Sunday performances. Contributed / Dennis Benson

5/5: Santa, played by Jordan Gatewood, points out the skyline of New York City to Buddy, played by Reagan Toedter, in "Elf the Musical." The Barn Theatre production opens to the public Thursday, Dec. 4, 2021, and runs through Dec. 19. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, with 2 p.m. Sunday performances. Contributed / Dennis Benson