This year’s winter musical at Kennedy is the classic Christmas tale featuring Buddy the Elf, Elf The Musical Jr. This show takes the story of box office sensation Elf and turns it into a holiday musical.

The story of Elf follows Buddy, an Elf who works in Santa’s workshop, however, he isn’t very good at being at his job of making toys because he is secretly a human. When Buddy figures out his true identity, he goes to New York to search for his birth family. Students are excited to perform this nostalgic show, looking back on fond childhood memories of the Christmas story.

“I’m excited to try out for the show,” junior Izzy Westercamp said. “I loved to watch Elf with my family when I was younger, it holds a lot of great memories in my heart.” 

Elf Jr. has lead roles such as Buddy, Jovie, Michael Hobbs, Walter Hoobs and Emily Hobbs—Buddy’s half-brother, biological father, and step-mother respectively. Smaller roles such as Charlie, Shawanda, Deb, Mr. Greenway, Charlotte Dennon, Santa Claus and Macy’s Manager provide opportunities for additional cast members to shine. The show also has significant ensemble characters such as police officers, elves, Macy’s employees and New Yorkers.

The popularity of the movie has helped spread the word about auditions. The length and cast size of the show open up roles for more students than the Kennedy’s past fall production of “Picasso at the Lapin Agile.”

“I’ve been wanting to try out for theater for a long time,” senior Maggie Goldberg said. “This year I’m excited to put myself into this new, exciting work with Elf and have fun with my friends for my last year at Kennedy.” 

Auditions are on the 14 and 15 of October. Students who want to audition need to sign up for a time slot on the Theater Board in the link between the foyer and cafeteria and fill out an audition form. Performances will be held Dec. 5-7.