After almost a full year, The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati is finally back at the historic Taft Theatre in downtown Cincy to proudly present their darling rendition of Elf the Musical Jr.! We got a first glance on opening day of the show’s run to give you all the best tips and inside info, so you can get your tickets and enjoy the show.
Elf the Musical Jr. is based on the beloved holiday film about Buddy, a young orphan, who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported to the North Pole. The would-be elf is raised unaware that he is actually a human, until his enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father and discover his true identity. Buddy is determined to win over his new family and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas.
A few minutes late, because the toddler didn’t want to walk quickly enough from the parking garage? Baby crying for a few minutes during the show? 2-year-old screaming out, “I want fruit snacks!” while Buddy the Elf is in the middle of a monologue? Worried your kid(s) can’t sit still for too long? Then, you will feel right at home in a TCT production! This is exactly what their stage shows were designed for – to create a welcoming place where parents with kids of any age can instill a love of the arts early. I always love at the start of any show when they ask anyone who has never been to a stage play to raise their hand. All those sweet little arms raised in the air fill my heart with joy that they’re able to develop a love of the arts so young.
My 12-year-old and I went with the CMC Sales Manager, Rachel, and her 2- and 4-year-old boys. We got a chance to meet Krista and Kelly from TCT before the show, and they are two of the most welcoming and wonderful women you’ll ever meet. Rachel’s GPS decided to stop working when she tried to park, and the boys were walking super slowly. She made it in with us after the lights had already been turned down. She wasn’t the only one!! The Taft Theatre and TCT staff totally understand the challenges parents face and are fully supportive of making the experience accessible for all. (P.S. Rachel’s son did yell out about wanting fruit snacks! 😂).
My daughter loves Elf the movie, and she even enjoyed the TCT rendition as a tween! I asked Rachel’s boys after the show how they liked it, and they said they LOVED it!! Both the adult and junior cast members put on a phenomenal performance, and Jovie (played by Alloria Frayser) blew me away with her vocals.
I am always impressed by the set designs from The Children’s Theatre. They do such an exceptional job with sets, costuming, casting, etc. TCT is first class all the way. We’ve had season tickets for many years now, we’ve watched shows at the Red Bank location and at the Taft Theatre, and my daughter has been in both their in-person and virtual classes and camps. We have been delighted with experience after experience from TCT.
If you’ve ever been to a TCT show at the Taft pre-COVID, you could always expect concessions, special merchandise for sale, and exclusive opportunities to meet and get signatures from members of the cast. Things are a little different these days, but the magic is just as palpable as ever. You can scan a code in the foyer (or use this link) to get one of two shirt designs in varying sizes, with or without a set of elf ears!
Safety protocols are strictly enforced, but the staff and volunteers guide everyone through the process with smiles and warmth. Make sure to read up on requirements for photo IDs, masks, vaccinations, and negative COVID tests before planning your trip downtown. Please contact the TCT Box Office with any questions at 513-569-8080 x10 or email them at [email protected].
The Taft Theatre is located at 5th and Sycamore Streets in Downtown Cincinnati. Tickets start at $10. Visit thechildrenstheatre.com for tickets or visit the TCT Box Office at 4015 Red Bank Road, Cincinnati, OH 45227, Monday – Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM to purchase tickets in person. Below are the remaining show times –
- Friday, December 10 at 7 PM
- Saturday, December 11 at 11 AM
- Saturday, December 11 at 2 PM
- Sunday, December 12 at 2 PM
