(BELMAR, NJ) -- The Artist Collective Troupe will present their holiday show, Elf: The Musical at Belmar Elementary School in Belmar from December 9-11. Based on the beloved holiday film, the musical tells the story of 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.  Faced with the harsh realities that his father is on the naughty list and his half-brother doesn’t even believe in Santa, Buddy is determined to win over his new family and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas.  This modern-day holiday classic is sure to make everyone embrace their inner elf.  After all, the best way to spread holiday cheer is singing loud for all to hear!

Performances will take place on Friday, December 9 and Saturday, December 10 at 7:30pm, and on Saturday, December 10 and Sunday, December 11 at 2:00pm.  ASL interpretation will be offered on December 10 at 2:00pm.  Doors open 30 minutes prior to the performance and audience members will be treated to a holiday caroling pre-show at each performance by the Artist Collective Troupe’s caroling group, the Collective Carolers.  

Tickets are available for a special online price of $28 for premium seats and $22 for regular seats and are available on the Artist Collective Troupe’s website.  Tickets purchased at the door will be $31 for premium seats and $25 for regular seats.  Belmar Elementary School is located at 1101 Main Street in Belmar, New Jersey.

ACT’s production of Elf: The Musical is directed by Eric Pertgen, musical directed and choreographed by Marissa DeVeau, and assistant directed by Chelsea Carlson.

In keeping with ACT’s tradition of paying-it-forward, proceeds from Elf: The Musical will be donated to the Ashley Lauren Foundation: Hope & Help for Children with Cancer.

ACT is excited to be able to offer ASL interpretation at their Saturday December 10 matinee at 2:00pm.  Several seats have been designated for patrons to be able to view the interpreter more clearly.  The company is proud to have this opportunity to make community theater more inclusive and accessible.

For an added bit of holiday fun, the Artist Collective Troupe will also be hosting a “Breakfast with Santa and Buddy” event on Saturday December 3 at 11:00am in Point Pleasant, NJ to help fundraise for Elf: The Musical.  Ideal for children ages 3-8, guests will be treated to a continental breakfast, professional photos, games and prizes, storytime, holiday caroling, and more with Santa Claus and everyone’s favorite elf!  For more information, please visit the events page on ACT’s website.

The Artist Collective Troupe is a nonprofit organization created to serve the community through theatrical and musical performances, artistic events, education opportunities, workshops, and more.  Founded in 2021, ACT’s mission is to highlight the arts within their community and to give back by hosting fundraisers and supporting other local nonprofits. Their goal is to provide educational, collaborative, and creative opportunities for artists and performers of all ages throughout the greater Ocean and Monmouth County area.