Christmas came out of the box and on to the shelf in Easton PA a little early this year!
The State Theatre Center for the Arts in Easton brought the magic of live family-friendly entertainment with the opening of The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Musical Thursday night. Families from all over braved the crisp air on a school night to kick their Christmas spirit into high gear with this new heartwarming and toe-tapping musical journey. When one Scout Elf gets assigned to a family struggling to rediscover the Christmas Spirit, he’s got to find a way off of the shelf and into their hearts. The beloved tradition that continues to capture the hearts of children and their families everywhere, comes to the live stage for the first time ever in this all-new musical and premiere stage production.
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Since we were the first stop of the tour and the first audience for the production, Santa thought that it was important to send along with our elf family, the Butterballs’ to join in on the holiday fun. Safe in a breathable container so their magic wouldn’t be compromised, our elves and my two girls Molly (age 6) and Madeline (age 4.5) donned our Holiday best and hit the town for a mommy-daughter-elf date night. We were surprised with special VIP treatment to get a photo with an actual Scout Elf. This VIP ticket event is offered at all performances but tickets are limited so plan accordingly.
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Upon entering the theatre the Christmas spirit came alive. Children of all ages had huge smiles of excitement for what proved to be a magical experience they would remember well after the final bow was taken. My girls were so excited to see so many friends attending the show and as they posed for cute photos with our elves, I asked them all to pay close attention to the show so they could tell me what their favorite part of the show was so they could be part of this review. Here is what they had to say:
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Molly (6): “I really loved the dancing and seeing the elves in all the same clothes that our elves have!”
Maddy (4.5): “I liked it when the boys in the show named their elf because it was really funny!”
Luca (4): “When they named the elf Tater Tot!”
Callen (2.5): “When the elves got their magic!”
Jillian (6): “When the grandpa came to visit and brought the elf”
Rea (4): “The kids in the show & getting a new stuffed elf.”
Blake (4): “When Tater Tot flew!”
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A FEW ELF-TASTIC FACTS & TIPS:
The show runs about 75 minutes plus a 15-minute intermission. I always recommend arriving at the theatre early to use the bathroom especially with so many young children in attendance. That way you don’t have to miss any of the action on stage. And the more time you have in the theatre the more time you have to take advantage of photo ops!
The show really held the children’s attention throughout but I always suggest having “show snacks’ on hand.
Merchandise is for sale including the original Elf On The Shelf, plush elves, show apparel, and Elf Pets.
The show is interactive so if your kids don’t know it yet, teach them the first verse of “Silent Night.” That way the can participate and be part of what was really is a beautiful moment to hear a whole theatre sing as snow began to fall on stage.
The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Musical tour has some more dates not too far from our area. I highly recommend the road trip!
Mills Entertainment promotes “The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Musical is designed to entertain and delight, invoking wonder, awe and boundless Christmas cheer in audiences of all ages.” This mom of two girls and four elves can attest that it did all that and so much more! Bravo to the State Theatre for continuously igniting the passion and importance of live theatre to all generations!
**Thank you to Mills Entertainment for the VIP Photo pass & The State Theatre Center for the Arts in Easton for the tickets in exchange for this review.**
