THE HAPPY ELF Opens Tonight At Theatre In The Park

Theatre in the Park's (TTIP) INDOOR presents a wonderful gift this holiday season with the festive tale of THE HAPPY ELF. Composed by Grammy Winner and American Idol judge Harry Connick, this lively musical will entertain adults and children alike. THE HAPPY ELF opens Friday evening Dec. 7 for its 11-performance run through Dec. 22 in the Black Box Theater at the Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center (AHC) in Overland Park. Evening performances are 7:30 p.m. with matinee shows at 2 p.m. THE HAPPY ELF is rated G and is appropriate for the entire family.

THE HAPPY ELF tells the tale of Eubie the Elf, a loveable guy wanting to spread Christmas cheer throughout The Town of Bluesville. Eubie wants to be a part of Santa's coveted sled team; instead, the spirited elf is stuck checking the "naughty-and-nice" lists. On one Christmas, Eubie discovers that not one person in Bluesville has been nice. Eubie takes off for Bluesville to change things but can he do it?

With this festive musical, Connick introduces a new generation to the joys of Jazz. Its messages of overcoming adversity, believing in yourself and the importance of friendship are sure to resonate during the holiday season.

Tim Bair, who is also Producing Artistic Director for Theatre in the Park, directs THE HAPPY ELF, and is joined by James Levy as music director as they work together with an all-local cast.

Family is a very important aspect of TTIP and THE HAPPY ELF has a number of family connections. Colin Rohach portrays Eubie, the Happy Elf while his sister Carrigan performs as Mrs. Claus and a Bluesville townsperson. In addition, the production's stage manager is Don Arnott, a TTIP veteran. His daughter and son-in-law, Dana and Chris Wardle, are serving as assistant stage managers.

"This show is a silly, fun, and heartwarming romp, and is perfect for the entire family, especially those with kids! And, there are a couple of fun things that happen surrounding the show too; Santa will visit with anyone who would like to see him after every show, and for those with little ones in attendance, a special 'Build your own Magic Elf Hat' workshop is available for only $5 before any matinee performance," Bair said. "This show is a delight, and I know people will leave there theatre with a magical infusion of holiday cheer!"

With such a functional space in the Arts and Heritage Center, THE HAPPY ELF is being produced using a runway-style stage.

Tickets are now on sale for THE HAPPY ELF and may be purchased online at www.theatreinthepark.org, at the reception desk of the JOCO Arts & Heritage Center anytime during regular business hoursor at the theatre box office the nights/afternoons of performance.

Following THE HAPPY ELF, the musical ZOMBIE PROM will take the stage for three performances on Dec. 28-29. As TTIP's Academy winter production, ZOMBIE PROM features local students in grades seven through 12th who auditioned this fall. The cast rehearses during students' winter break for this production.

TTIP's Academy gives young performers the opportunity to participate in a rehearsal process focusing less on instruction, and more on performance. Rated PR, ZOMBIE PROM follows Pretty High School Senior Toffee who has fallen for the class bad boy. Family pressure forces her to end the romance, and he charges off on his motorcycle to the nuclear waste dump. He returns glowing and determined to reclaim Toffee's heart. He still wants to graduate, but most of all he wants to take Toffee to the prom. The principal orders him to drop dead while a scandal reporter seizes on him as the freak du jour. History comes to his rescue while a tuneful selection of original songs in the style of 50s hits keeps the action rocking across the stage.

TTIP will ring in the new year in a grand way with its annual STARS GALA: A NIGHT ON BROADWAY on New Year's Eve, Dec. 31. The star-studded evening will take place at the AHC with an all-inclusive Broadway themed evening including hors d'oeuvres at multiple stations, open bar, entertainment, dancing, a silent auction and a champagne toast around midnight. Proceeds from the gala will support TTIP's programs and production. More information on the gala is available at www.theatreinthepark.org/stars-gala.

TTIP is the largest outdoor community theater in the country, and has been providing quality theatre entertainment in the community for more than four decades. TTIP produces entertainment in two locations: during the summer OUTDOOR at Shawnee Mission Park, at 7710 Renner Road, and INDOOR in the Black Box Theater at the Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center, 8788 Metcalf, in Overland Park. TTIP is a program of the Johnson County Park & Recreation District.

For more information about 2018-2019 TTIP productions, please visit http://www.theatreinthepark.org.