Sean Astin will appear in the company of the upcoming ‘Elf’ revival. The previously announced production will begin previews on Nov. 9 and open on Nov. 17 at the Marquis Theatre. The Philip Wm. McKinley-helmed musical is scheduled to run for a limited engagement through Jan. 4, 2025. Astin will play Santa opposite the previously revealed Grey Henson as Buddy the Elf.
“Elf” will mark the inaugural Main Stem appearance of Astin, who received a Best Live Action Short Film Academy Award nomination for 1994’s “Kangaroo Court,” which he produced and directed. In front of the camera, Astin is known for his appearances in the films “The Goonies,” “Rudy,” the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy and “50 First Dates,” as well as the television series “Stranger Things” and “No Good Nick.”
Based on the 2003 film of the same name, “Elf” follows Buddy, who, as an orphaned child, mistakenly ends up in the North Pole, subsequently being raised by Santa’s elves. Upon discovering he is, in fact, human, he journeys to New York City to find his father. The musical features a book by Thomas Meehan and Bob Martin and a score by Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin.
Also newly announced are members of the production’s music team, including Tony Award-winning orchestrator Doug Besterman, dance arranger David Chase, vocal arranger Phil Reno and music director Nate Patten. Additionally, Sam Cox will serve as hair and wig designer and Mark Kaufman will serve as creative consultant for Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures.
Complete casting, by Rachel Hoffman and the Telsey Office, will be announced.
“Elf” is being produced by produced by Temple Live Entertainment and Crossroads Live North America.
