Illinois Valley Community College’s Theatre Department is literally kicking off the holidays with high kicks, singing and dancing when “Elf: The Broadway Musical” opens Thursday, Nov. 21, on the IVCC stage.

Based on the Will Ferrell movie “Elf,” the story has been adapted for the stage featuring a large cast and multiple production numbers that even include tap dancing. The endearing “fish out of water” musical comedy places a North Pole elf amidst a grumpy New York City.

Starring as Buddy is Reid Tomasson, of Oglesby. Buddy, after realizing he is human after all, leaves Santa (Mark Nowakowski, of Peru) and his home at the North Pole in search of his father in New York.

Once in the city, he finds his workaholic father, Walter Hobbs (Don Grant Zellmer, of La Salle), a stepmother, Emily (Natalie Verucchi, of Oglesby), and even a little brother, Michael (Tyler Kofoid, of Oglesby).

He also finds love in the form of a department store elf, Jovie (Ashley Hurst, of Peru), a friend in his father’s assistant, Deb (Megan Cullinan, of Peru), and turns the store manager (Melanie Maskel, of La Salle) from a Scrooge to a true holiday fanatic.

“Elf: The Broadway Musical” will play at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21, through Sunday, Nov. 23; 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 29, and Saturday, Nov. 30; and matinees at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30, and Sundays, Nov. 24 and Dec. 1, in the Dr. Mary Margaret Weeg Cultural Centre.

Reserved seating is available at ivcc.edu/theatre and tickets are available at the door one hour prior to performance. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for children 12 and younger.

Says Zellmer, director/choreographer of musical theater, “We’re absolutely thrilled to have this powerful cast assembled of community members, students and alumni. We’ve added some very experienced talent to our family of performers and have welcomed back many familiar faces from 'Mamma Mia!’ ”

He added, “This high-spirited, funny and warm show is perfect for the beginning of the holiday season, is appropriate for all ages and is a great show for theater-lovers, too, with its bouncy music, dance, tap, ballads and message.”

Adults appearing in “Elf: The Broadway Musical” as multiple characters and dancers are: Jake Jakielsk, of Marseilles; Patrick Foley, of Mendota; Tracey Childers, of Ottawa; Andrew Farrell, of Earlville; Ryan Mooberry, of Hennepin; Bob Philip, of La Salle; Emma Roden, of Princeton; Lexi-Anna Verda, of Peru; Joshua Wooden, of Princeton; Abbi Stillwell, of Streator; Ella Johns, of La Salle; and Nora Maier, of Peru.

Children in the cast include: Eva Beetz, Victoria Campbell, Myracle Johnson, Andie Kerestes, Ayden Lesman and Ariana Lesman.

The musical comedy is directed and choreographed by Zellmer and produced and costumed by David A. Kuester. Production staff includes Assistant Director Chad Brokaw, of Princeton; Stage Manager Alyce Scott, of La Salle; set builder and lead construction Cory Tomasson, of Oglesby; and costume construction by Kaye Norlin, of La Salle.