Photo by John Posada

(BEACH HAVEN, NJ) -- The ever popular holiday production of Elf The Musical, back for the first time since 2018, opened at Surflight Theatre on November 29th and runs through December 21, 2025. Elf The Musical is based on a motion picture of the same name with a score by Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin. The book is adapted by Bob Martin and Thomas Meehan from the 2003 film.

Buddy, a young orphan, 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 Christmas Cheer is singing loud for all to hear.

Photo by John Posada

Remaining performances take place December 4,6,7,10,11,13,14,17,18,20,21 at 2:00pm and December 5,6,12,13,19,20 at 7:30pm. Tickets are available for purchase online or by calling (609) 492-9477. Surflight Theatre is located at 201 Engleside Avenue in Beach Haven, New Jersey.

The production stars Dustin Ceithamer as Buddy the Elf, Mike Brennan as Walter Hobbs, Alison Nusbaum as Emily Hobbs, Chase Mailhiot as Michael Hobbs, Jordan Polefka as Jovie, Mallory Cunningham as Deb, Nicholas Kaminski as Mr. Greenway, Dwan Hayes as the Store Manager, and Tim Steiner as Santa Claus.

The Adult Ensemble includes: Luke Anderson, Juno Brosas, Grant Dombach, Danny Feldman, Isaiah Hilliard, Evan Hussey, Lousa Mauzé, Ashley Nicole Martin, Ainslee Potter, John Ray, Rosemary Shahani, and Mack Simmons.

The Youth Ensemble features local youth performers Milana Dinis, Mila Ellis, Edahi Juarez, and Hunter Mayo.

Directed and Choreographed by Paula Hammons Sloan with Musical Direction by Brian Osborne, Costume Design by Keith Schneider, Sound Design by Kayla Sliger, Lighting Design by Anthony Marinaro. Properties Design by Jenna Raef.

Photo by John Posada

Surflight Theatre is thrilled that so many performers from earlier this season are returning for our 2025 production of ELF The Musical. Mike Brennan and Alison Nusbaum were featured especially this season in the productions of West Side Story, Buddy...The Buddy Holly Story, Calendar Girls, and On Golden Pond. Dawn Hayes, last seen in Buddy...The Buddy Holly Story, as well as Tim Steiner and Jordan Polefka, last seen in Calendar Girls, will also be returning for ELF the Musical. Here to sweep the stage with his dazzling dancing abilities once again, as seen in Top Hat, 9 to 5, 42nd Street, and West Side Story, is Luke Anderson. Nicholas Kaminiski, who previously served as one of the Music Directors for Surflight Theatre's production of Top Hat, can be seen on stage as Mr. Greenway in ELF The Musical this holiday season. Surflight Theatre's 2025 holiday production is one you won't want to miss!

Photo by John Posada