Matthew Mistretta, center, as Buddy, in "Elf The Musical Jr." (Staten Island Advance/Carol Ann Benanti)
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Spotlight Theatre Company's production of "Elf The Musical Jr." was nothing short of fantastic during its run over the weekend in St. Joseph Hill Academy.
The Arrochar school's inaugural stage presentation saw the newly formed theater group sing and act their hearts out during the must-see performance.
The musical featured the tunes of Tony Award nominees Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin, with a book by Tony Award winners Thomas Meehan and Bob Martin.
Scenes from "Elf The Musical Jr." (Staten Island Advance/Carol Ann Benanti)
The story?
In a tender tale, young orphan Buddy, played by seventh-grader Matthew Mistretta, mistakenly crawls into Santa's bag of gifts and is transported to the North Pole.
The would-be elf is raised, unaware that he's actually a human, until his size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth.
Scenes from "Elf The Musical Jr." (Staten Island Advance/Carol Ann Benanti)
With Santa's permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father and discover his true identity. He then comes to the realization that his father is on the naughty list and his half-brother doesn't even believe in Santa,
Buddy, determined to win over his new family, helps all of New York remember the true meaning of Christmas.
Scenes from "Elf The Musical Jr." (Staten Island Advance/Carol Ann Benanti
The theater program has been a huge success at St Joseph Hill, offering the opportunity for 30-plus students to expand and explore their talents while rehearsing for "Elf The Musical Jr." under the guidance of professional director John Stewart.
"The rehearsal process has allowed for theater learning and great fun for students, where friendships have been made and self-esteem nurtured," said Mary Lee Aloia, assistant director.
Scenes from "Elf The Musical Jr." (Staten Island Advance/Carol Ann Benanti)
"St. Joseph Hill Elementary School Principal Larry Hansen chose to enrich the arts education of the fourth to eighth grade students by adding a theater program to their after-school offerings," Aloia added.
Scenes from "Elf The Musical Jr." (Staten Island Advance/Carol Ann Benanti)
"We had a vision for way back at the beginning of the summer," Hansen said.
"And everyone planned for this and it exceeded our expectations. It was a group effort and I hope this is something we can do for years to come and that it becomes a tradition at St. Joseph Hill Academy. And thanks to everyone for coming this evening and to all the teachers and committee members, including parent volunteers Mrs. Eileen Gregor and Mrs. Tara Nunziante for their love, support and guidance."
Scenes from "Elf The Musical Jr." (Staten Island Advance/Carol Ann Benanti)
While the theater program is new to St. Joseph Hill, the Staten Island performing arts academy Spotlight Theatre Company has been bringing live theater to borough audiences since 2008.
Scenes from "Elf The Musical Jr." (Staten Island Advance/Carol Ann Benanti)
The entire cast of "Elf The Musical Jr." Front left is director John Stewart. Assistant director Mary Lee Aloia is second from right and Principal Lawrence Hansen is far right. (Courtesy/Peter Montanti)
A Santa stocking and festive Christmas presents trimmed the stage for the production of "Elf The Musical Jr." at St. Joseph Hill Academy. (Staten Island Advance/Carol Ann Benanti)
Scenes from the Spotlight Theatre production of "Elf The Musical Jr." at St. Joseph Hill Academy. (Staten Island Advance/Carol Ann Benanti)
A glance at cast members who appeared in the Spotlight Theatre production of "Elf The Musical Jr." at St. Joseph Hill Academy. (Courtesy/Peter Montanti)
St. Joseph Hill Academy Principal Lawrence Hansen and teachers Tara Nunziante and Eileen Gregor pose at the ticket table before the performance of "Elf The Musical Jr." (Courtesy/Peter Montanti)
St. Joseph Hill Academy Principal Lawrence Hansen and Sister Mary Coffelt, provincial superior, smile for the camera in front of a cardboard cutout of "Elf The Musical Jr." (Courtesy/Peter Montanti)
Sister Mary Coffelt, provincial superior, hugs Gianna Montanti at "Elf The Musical Jr." (Courtesy/Peter Montanti)
Sister Agnes and Sister Evangelista smile in front of a cardboard cutout of "Elf The Musical Jr." (Courtesy/Peter Montanti)
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