Stephens College Conservatory Spreads Holiday Cheer with ELF the Musical
Stephens College Conservatory is lighting up the holiday season with its production of Elf the Musical, a stage adaptation of the beloved film. With the holiday spirit at its heart, the show promises to delight audiences of all ages. Under the direction of Jamey Grisham III, the production brings together a talented cast, intricate staging, and joyous music to create a magical experience.
“Elf is a beautiful story of family and the meaning of the season—what it is to come together, and to love both ourselves and each other,” said Grisham. “Through this story of a family finding their way back together, Buddy, through his uniqueness and verve, teaches this family how to have a loving, friendly, light relationship.”
Leading Roles: Buddy and Jovie
Musical Theatre major Matthew Kischer is starring as Buddy the Elf and said he’s thrilled to bring the character to life.
“I’m having a great time exploring this character who is not your typical ingénue — he’s upbeat and very innocent,” he said.
While stepping into such an iconic role is nerve-wracking, Kischer said he’s excited for the challenge.
Savannah Grady is starring as Jovie, Buddy’s love interest, and described the experience as surreal.
“I remember where I was when I got cast, and I was like, ‘Oh my God, I did not see this happening,’” said Grady. Both leads are enjoying their first major musical roles at Stephens College.
“It’s my first time playing an ingénue-type role,” said Kischer. “It’s been such a great, eye-opening experience because it makes you realize how much goes into it — learning lines, dancing, music, and bringing everyone together to create a beautiful experience for the audience.”
Behind the Scenes with the Director
Assistant Professor of Musical Theatre and Director Jamey Grisham emphasized that Elf the Musical offers both humor and heartfelt moments.
“Rehearsals are super fun—there’s a lot of laughter, pranks, and shenanigans,” said Grisham. “Half of it is set in the North Pole, which really accentuates the excitement and childlike wonder of the story.”
Grisham praised the cast and crew for their dedication and versatility.
“At the end of the day, the director’s job is to organize everything, ensure the technical elements support storytelling, and that actors and technicians are working well together,” said Grisham. “But it’s also fun because I get to let them go and watch them experience the piece they helped create.”
Music, Movement and Merriment
Music is central to the production. Stephens College Collaborative Accompanist Travis McFarlane and Associate Professor of Voice Nollie Moore are working alongside Grisham to bring musical magic to the stage.
“Nollie’s music direction is just out of this world, and Travis is incredible — he has such a beautiful ear for music,” said Kischer.
Grisham has also choreographed the show, staging all the large numbers and incorporating props and costume elements as rehearsals progress.
A Family-Friendly Experience
Opening night is already almost sold out. Grady said she heard that hundreds of children will attend the first performance.
“The show is just so fun,” said Grady. “It reminds you to keep that Christmas childlike spirit.”
“It’s a highly energized show with a meaningful message,” added Kischer. “Kids are the most honest audience — you can see exactly what they’re feeling. It’s the perfect family show.”
A special thanks to Stephens College
Grisham, Grady, and Kischer all said they are grateful to be part of the Conservatory.
“They’ve allowed me to grow as a practitioner while helping build within the college community,” said Grisham.
“So far, I’ve had a really great experience here at Stephens,” said Grady. “Everyone has been so welcoming, and the teachers have been incredible.”
“It has been a magical experience,” said Kischer. “The faculty care about how we bring real humanity to our art.”
Elf the Musical opens Friday, Dec. 12, and runs through Sunday, Dec. 14, at the Macklanburg Playhouse on the Stephens College Campus.
