Hello, Kankakee County and beyond! As the holiday season approaches, we’ve got a special treat for you. In today’s bonus episode of the Kankakee Podcast, we dive into the festive world of the Kankakee Valley Theater Association (KVTA) with their latest production, “Elf Jr.” Get ready to experience the magic of Christmas, laughter, and theater through the eyes of our amazing guests, director Paula Sutter and lead actor Brady Perzee.
KVTA Presents: Elf Jr.
”[Elf Jr.] is the story of an elf, a human who got in Santa’s sack and brought back to the North Pole and was raised by Santa and elves. And then he finds out that he’s not an elf. He’s human…” – Paula Sutter
With Christmas approaching, what better way to kick off the holiday spirit than with a heartwarming theater production? KVTA is back with their rendition of “Elf Jr.,” a charming and condensed version of the beloved holiday classic.
Bringing Buddy to Life
Brady Perzee, who enthusiastically plays Buddy the Elf, shares his excitement about the role: “I’ve wanted to do this for so long and it’s such an amazing show. So if you can come, please come. It’s going to be so much fun and everybody will love it so much.”
For Brady, Buddy was a dream role. From childhood watches of the movie with his family to finally embodying the character on stage, Brady’s journey is a testament to his dedication and love for theater.
The Challenges and Joys of Directing
Paula Sutter, the mastermind behind the direction of the show, discusses the nuances of bringing this story to life: “It’s just seeing what they can do and then kind of fine-tuning to get my vision and their vision to be together.”
Managing a cast largely comprised of kids and ensuring each performance hits the right balance between humor and heart is no easy feat. Paula’s experience and creativity shine through every production.
A Cast to Remember
Brady gives a shoutout to some of his talented co-stars: “Abby Purcell is my Jovi… her voice is unreal… and then also Olivia, Paul, and Cole. We just have so much fun together too, and I feel like we go together like a little family.”
It’s evident that this cast has created a bond, making the performance even more special.
Holiday Fun for All
“We’ve got some fun things planned. And it’s really… I think it’s gonna be really cute.” – Paula Sutter
Apart from the show, KVTA has added extra festivities like pre-show caroling and an audience sing-along, making “Elf Jr.” a delightful experience for the whole family.
Show Details and Upcoming Events
Make sure to catch “Elf Jr.” at the Lincoln Cultural Center with shows on:
- Saturday, November 23rd: Matinee and Evening
- Sunday, November 24th: Matinee
Tickets are available at kvta.org. And don’t miss out on future productions like “Steel Magnolias” and “Shrek” coming in the new year.
A Heartfelt Thanks
Thank you, Paula and Brady, for sharing the behind-the-scenes magic of “Elf Jr.” As always, it’s a joy to bring you stories that warm the heart and celebrate our vibrant community.
Until next time, this is Jake LaMore reminding you to embrace the holiday spirit and the transformative power of theater. Stay tuned for more heartwarming stories from the heart of Kankakee County!
If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe to the Kankakee Podcast and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn @KankakeePodcast. Special thanks to our Patreon supporters like Stephanie Vanderweit. Your contributions keep our stories alive!
Happy Holidays and see you at the theater!
