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“Buddy the Elf, what’s your favorite color?”

“Elf,” an American fantasy comedy was released in 2003 and is one of the top 25 best Christmas movies of all time, according to Rotten Tomatoes. The movie stars comedy legend Will Ferrell, as well as actress Zooey Deschanel.

Rotten Tomatoes reported, “A movie full of Yuletide cheer, Elf is a spirited, good-natured family comedy, and it benefits greatly from Will Ferrell’s funny and charming performance as one of Santa’s biggest helpers.”

Luckily for citizens of Des Moines, they will get to experience the magic firsthand as the movie comes to Des Moines in the form of a local musical. 

“Elf – The Musical” opens on November 30 at the Des Moines Community Playhouse and runs until December 23. Tickets for the performance range between $29 to $46. However, there is a student discount. The musical stars Drake University student Mitch Kedzior as Buddy the Elf. Those are some big shoes to fill, but Kedzior’s approach is different than one might expect.

“I am trying not to do anything like he did because I don’t want to be compared to Ferrell,” Kedzior said. “That’s just not fair; I’m just trying to be Buddy.”

Buddy is a fun-loving elf that loses his way in New York City trying to find his father. His father turns out to be Walter Hobbs, a big-shot publisher. The story follows Buddy’s effort to connect with his father. The movie is packed with jokes and mishaps. However, according to Kedzior, it’s not just for kids.

“I think the parents will enjoy it,” Kedzior said. “There’s enough adult humor that flies over the kids’ heads.”

Grand View students are expecting just that.

“I think it’s such a good representation of Christmas for all ages,” said Sierra Lambert a Grand View student. “Adults and kids.”

Not only is the story memorable, but the lines from the movie are also well-known.

“It’s one of those movies that has so many one-liners,” said Hanna Wall, another student at Grand View. “I’m excited that it’s coming here.”

As fun and exciting as this show can be, putting it together is hard work. Memorizing lines and working on timing is a challenge, but Kedzior has more than that on his plate. He is also juggling his senior capstone, acapella group and schoolwork. In addition, he leaves time for his hobbies such as flag football and basketball.

 

Kedzior is not the only student involved in the show. “Elf – The Musical” will involve students of all ages. Some of the roles are even being played by children. Between seven and 10 kids are in the show, all around middle school age.

“They come in with such an innocence and excitement, you feed off it,” Kedzior said. “It makes you want to come in and work hard.”

With all of

 the excitement surrounding the show, there is some worry from the cast. The plot is the same as the movie. Why should someone go to this musical when they could just put the movie in at home? The answer to that question is the music. There will be original songs in the show no one has heard before.

“If you are going to come for anything, come for the excitement and joy Elf will bring for you,” Kedzior said.

“That’s what Elf is.”

The Des Moines Playhouse has put on wonderful shows in years past and “Elf – The Musical” is no exception. Come for the laughs, music, dancing and holiday cheer. The timing couldn’t be any better as the holiday season is right around the corner.

Opens November 30

Price Range: $29-46

Tickets can be purchased at dmplayhouse.com