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By John Posada

originally published: 12/03/2022 

(BORDENTOWN, NJ) -- Pegasus Theatre Company is presenting the New Jersey premiere of the feel-good, family-friendly, holly-jolly mystery Murray the Elf and the Case of the Missing Mistletoe by Bill D’Agostino, running December 2-23 in Bordentown City. This is Pegasus Theatre Company’s first children’s production. A mystery mixed with comedy, Murray is an exciting story everyone in the family will enjoy. Photographer John Posada was on hand to take photos.

When Murray, a shopping mall elf, is called to the North Pole, she must solve the case of the missing mistletoe in order to save Christmas. But things in Toyland are never what they appear to be as Murray meets a friendly reindeer, a grumpy snowman, a clever quail, a mysterious penguin, and many others in the course of her investigation.

Playing the role of Murray is Samantha Ricchiuti, a Philadelphia-based actor, director, teaching artist, and big fan of all things Christmas. The eight other characters, requiring 23 costume changes, are played Justin Derry, who was last seen with Pegasus in the 2018 east coast premiere of Human Error by Eric Pfeffinger.

“I’m so excited to bring this fun, fast-paced, high-energy family show to Bordentown! Everyone will enjoy the theatrical antics of these two actors telling this story,” said director Peter Bisgaier. “While this show is hilarious and silly, there are also real emotions that come into play. It’s a great opportunity to introduce children to high quality theatre.”

The Case of the Missing Mistletoe is the first in a series of five Murray the Elf plays. Pegasus plans to offer the series over the next several years, making Murray a new tradition that families can add to their annual holiday festivities.

 

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Murray the Elf and the Case of the Missing Mistletoe features scenic design elements by Bordentown City resident Frank Rios; costume design by Bordentown City resident Chrissy Johnson; lighting design by Robert Rutt;  and sound design by Darren Sussman. The stage manager is Bria Moscetti, Bordentown City resident Lacey Marie serves as assistant stage manager, and our associate prop painter is Milo Bisgaier.

Murray the Elf and the Case of the Missing Mistletoe, written by Bill D’Agostino and with direction by Peter Bisgaier runs December 2-23, Fridays at 7:00pm, Saturdays at 11:00am & 2:00pm, and Sundays at 3:00pm. Running time is approximately 60 minutes with no intermission. Pegasus Theatre at St. Mary’s School, 45 Crosswicks Street in Bordentown, New Jersey.

Tickets are $15-20 and can be purchased online at www.pegasustheatrenj.org or by calling 609.759.0045.

Here are more photos from the production.

Pegasus Theatre Company is a non-profit, professional theatre company in its fifth season, making its Bordentown debut. Pegasus’s mission is to illuminate and elevate human experiences through courageous and imaginative theatrical storytelling. Known for their thought-provoking and entertaining productions, Pegasus was nominated for 2020 Best Small Theatre in the JerseyArts.com People’s Choice Awards.

John Posada is a New Jersey based photographer specializing in live theatre and music performances. For more than 10 years, John has photographed live music events where he mastered the techniques of timing and capturing fast moving action under challenging lighting conditions to capture that perfect moment that tells a story in a single image. Currently, John has photographed over 110 productions for over 70 different theatres and venues. Click here for John's website.