VICTORVILLE – Victorville residents will embrace their inner “elf” when Phil 413 Productions students present their production of Elf The Musical JR., December 1st – 3rd at the Cultural Arts Center of the High Desert.

Elf the Musical JR, based on the 2003 New Line Cinema movie, tells the story of a young orphan who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported to the North Pole. The would-be elf is given the name Buddy and raised by elves in the North Pole.  Buddy lives happily 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. 

Local High Desert talent

Phil 413 Productions creative director Amber Merchant says the musical highlights the talents of local kids from the High Desert. 

“The kids come from all diverse backgrounds and range in the ages of 8 to 18. All of these kids have a devout love of theater and all things musicals,” said Merchant. 

The students have been rehearsing for the production twice a week since September.

“All of the kids in this production are really, really extremely talented. The star of our show who’s playing the lead character of Buddy, his name is Chance Foskett ,” said Merchant.

Merchant said not only does Chance sing and act – he also plays instruments.

Victor Valley College student Kenna Schempp plays Jovie who Merchant says has one of the most beautiful voices she’s ever heard. 

Carter Byrd, Carsen Byrd and Aariah Reign play members of the Hobbs family who Merchant describes as extremely talented in all they do.

Phil 413 Productions

Phil 413 productions has been doing shows in the High Desert since 2018. Merchant said they usually produce at least three shows a year that include both musical productions and original works.

Ticket info

The Cultural Arts Center of the High Desert is located at 15615 8th Street in Victorville. Elf The Musical JR, will run for one weekend, December 1st – 3rd, with showtimes Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. 

Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online at www.showtix4u.com/event-details/75239 or at the door.