Marquee Theatrical Productions executive director Sheryl Thomas has waited a long time to see elves take to the Newmarket stage.
After battling through pandemic-related closures that required postponing the show in 2020 and 2021, the Aurora-based charity theatre is coming back with its first live adult community production in years.
It was not easy.
“We made it through. We were able to tap into some of the grants available,” she said. “It was a scary, scary time for a lot of people, and a lot of people couldn't keep their doors open. But we were one of the ones who were able to make it through the rain.”
Marquee will be bringing Elf the musical to the NewRoads Performing Arts Centre Nov. 10 to 20. The show, based on the 2003 film of the same name, will feature a cast of 24 performers and a live 15-person orchestra.
The company was able to retain the rights while waiting for restrictions to lift, originally planning to put it on in 2020, Thomas said.
“We were happy to do it, especially in our November time slot,” she said of the Christmas-themed story. “We just thought it was very fitting. Our demographic is family entertainment. We just figured that was a perfect show for the families.”
They had to wait for public health measures lift to bring the show to life. The performing arts school had done online shows in the meantime, Thomas said, helping it to get through the closures.
But now the theatre company is back at its regular adult productions, featuring a volunteer cast from throughout the area.
“The adult cast rehearsal is absolutely infectious, in a good way,” Thomas said. “They’re just so excited to get back on that stage. Everyone has missed it so much, and so has the audience. Our ticket sales are going fairly well because people are ready to go back and resume life.”
The show will also seek to give back, Thomas said. Sponsored tickets will be given out to youth organizations, with a free show also available for those in the special needs community.
“It sends a message that you can get involved in the community in other ways,” Thomas said. “It makes you feel good. You’re giving back and doing something positive in the community.”
The production will have 10 performances running Nov. 10 to 20. You can purchase tickets and see showtimes through the town’s ticketing website. Tickets are $30 for adults and $27 for children and seniors, with a discount if you also book for their spring production of The Addams Family.
“If they’re ready to have a fabulous night of entertainment that is going to fill their hearts with a warm message, then this is the show to bring them to,” Thomas said.
