The Elf on the Shelf–A Christmas Musical (It will soon be on the stage! Start your holiday planning!)

Disclaimer:  I will be receiving tickets to see this performance in exchange for sharing information about the upcoming show. (If you would like to see the show as well, you can use this code for a discount: ELF, 25% off PL2 and PL3. This is good through 12/20.)

I always enjoy the holiday season.  What I look forward to are the times with family and friends, celebrations, and enjoying old traditions while trying new activities.  No one denies the stress involved with holidays, and shortened hours of daylight with cold temperatures don’t necessarily trigger excitement.  Nevertheless, looking toward the positive aspects of the season makes it easier to “ignore” the less pleasurable parts.  

A new musical, “The Elf on the Shelf–A Christmas Musical” is premiering this year–November 2019,  I will be having the chance to see this show at the Genesee Theatre when it comes to town. Since I am all about learning, I decided to learn more about “The Elf on the Shelf” as my “homework.”  In the past, I have seen photos on-line about the various elf antics. (My family is Jewish. We don’t have elves on our shelves. Still, I am entertained by others’ experiences. If you don’t have friends sharing their “Elf on the Shelf” antics on Facebook, you can certainly find creative examples on Pinterest.)

The Elf on the Shelf tradition started with a storybook and elf figure.  Per the story, during the holiday season, an elf, known as a scout elf, would watch kids in their homes and report to Santa Claus each night at the North Pole.  The elf returns home by morning, ready to observe from a new vantage point. (Hopefully this encourages good behavior to help kids land on the “nice” rather than “naughty” list.  I am sure that if you change your facial expressions and tone of voice if you describe this, it can sound creepy and sinister. Don’t do that.)

“The Elf on the Shelf–A Christmas Tradition” was created by the mother-daughters team of Carol Aebersold (mom) and adult daughters, Chanda Bell and Christa Pitts.  (As an aside, I learned that the mom is a University of Tennessee alum. Why do I know this? My son received his University of Tennessee acceptance letter! If you have followed me for a while, you may have read about my family’s University of Tennessee adventure! Woohoo!  Of course, I then had to start looking up more information about the university including lists of famous alumni.  There she was!) The inspiration for the story was a family tradition from the 70s. The family had their own elf that would report to Santa nightly and return to different parts of the house each morning.  The elf would report as well as serve as a messenger between the kids and Santa. In 2004, Chanda thought that the family tradition could be made into something more, and she and her mom wrote the story. This was initially a family project, not a business plan.  Later they self published “The Elf on the Shelf–A Christmas Tradition.” In 2005, the family took the next step bringing in the other sister and truly turned this into a business. In 2007, it really took off after actress Jennifer Garner was spotted with a “The Elf on the Shelf” box.  A month later, it was featured in a segment on television.

Not surprisingly, the “elf” concept was not new.  “Knee-Hugger elves” were a part of the holiday “landscape” in American homes years before “The Elf on the Shelf” became a hit.

The story focuses on the spirit of the holiday and family.  For many families, it can inspire traditions which help create wonderful, meaningful memories.    To learn more, here is the article I read.

“The Elf on the Shelf–A Christmas Musical”  is starting its tour on November 14 in Easton, PA.  This production is a collaboration between CCA-B (Creatively Classic Activities and Books–the publishing house started by the creators of “The Elf on the Shelf”) and Mills Entertainment.  The original production was developed by Sara Wordsworth (writer and lyricist), Russ Kaplan (composer), and Sam Scalamoni (director).   

I’m a theater gal as well as a “theater mom,” so I ALWAYS look forward to musical productions, and this is no exception!  I am also excited to see something new! Additionally, I believe that you don’t have to celebrate a specific holiday in order to enjoy the winter holiday season.  Most of us believe in love, family, peace, and joy, regardless of different religious beliefs. A good message can simply be a good message. I am expecting this show to be a wonderful event for families to enjoy and celebrate.  Seeing a holiday performance as a family can simultaneously be both an old and new tradition, something special to experience together.

“The Elf on the Shelf–A Christmas Musical” will be at the Genesee Theatre in Waukegan, IL on Friday, December 20 at 6:30p.  (Don’t be late–it will be in Toledo, OH the next day!) As I mentioned, I have not yet seen this production (as it is brand new and has not yet been here), but I have been to the Genesee Theatre.  Visiting the theater itself is an experience!  Tickets as well as a VIP package are currently available.  Click here for more details. Additionally,  as a benefit to my readers, you can get an additional discount if you use this code:  ELF, 25% off PL2 and PL3. This is good through 12/20.

With the holidays approaching (faster than I’m sure any of us would like), I am looking forward to finding ways to spend special time with those who matter most to me!   I recommend that you all take a step back from the craziness of the world and enjoy some time with the people who matter most to you as well.  

Perhaps it is time that I learn more about The Mensch on a Bench, too.  That will be an upcoming project. Happy Holidays!