BY TAWNY SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
INEZ — The Martin County High School auditorium was brimming with Christmas spirit Thursday night as the district’s Drama Troupe opened “Elf Jr. the Musical.” The production earned audience smiles so bright that it was clear: “Smiling’s their favorite.”
The musical, based on the New Line Cinema classic starring Will Ferrell, brought big-city sparkle to small-town Kentucky with a message as warm as hot chocolate — or Buddy’s beloved syrup.
Auditions were held in August, with rehearsals beginning Sept. 3. Opening night debuted Dec. 11 to an enthusiastic crowd.
Dr. Michelle Harless, principal of MCHS and director of the show, said “Elf Jr.” complemented the county’s Christmas in the Mountains celebration and united students across all grade levels.
“We had a great response,” Harless commented in reference to the show featuring 32 credited cast members from first through 12th grade, one of the most inclusive productions in recent district history.
With the help of Mandy Lawson, Courtney Butcher and Mary Ann Farley as assistant directors, the musical was able to capture the meaning of Christmas for attendees.
More than 20 elementary students took part, attending rehearsals after school and even on days off — commitment that Harless said would make Buddy proud.
“It was a great experience for us to start building that theater community,” Harless added. “I look forward to doing it again.”
Darrian Jewell led the cast as Buddy the Elf — far from a “cotton-headed ninny muggings.” He delivered an energetic, heartfelt performance that captured the character’s wide-eyed optimism. He bounded across the stage with the same enthusiasm Buddy brings to decorating for Christmas — or discovering gum on the New York sidewalk.
Jewell said stepping into his first starring role was initially intimidating.
“It was stressful at first,” he said. “But I really enjoyed working with the younger cast members.”
His favorite moments were the father-son scenes with Garrett Lowe, who portrayed Walter Hobbs.
“He and I just have that chemistry going — the father and son,” Jewell said.
Lowe gave Walter’s transformation emotional weight, shifting from a work-driven skeptic into a father rediscovering what truly matters.
Ella Lawson added warmth as Emily Hobbs, embracing Buddy with maternal kindness that helped ground the story.
“Darrian is the perfect Buddy,” Lawson told the Mountain Citizen. “I love working with the Hobbs family. And I love Rory (Michelle Hobbs) and Garrett (Walter Hobbs). I just love working with them so much.”
One of the night’s standout performances came from 8-year-old Aurora “Rory” Endicott, a third grader at Eden Elementary, whose portrayal of Michelle Hobbs showcased sharp comedic timing and confident vocals. Her stage presence drew frequent laughter and applause, warming the audience “like the world’s best cup of coffee.”
Endicott said she enjoyed stepping into a character who draws a comparison to herself.
“I feel like I am different from Michelle because I’m not mean, but I’m similar because I am sassy to my brother,” she said. “My mom says I am sassy all the time.”
Endicott added that her favorite character is Buddy the Elf because “he tries too hard, and I really like that.”
Her favorite part of the show was working with others — especially her Hobbs family castmates Ella, Garrett and Darrian — and she drew inspiration from Garrett, who plays Walter Hobbs.
“I looked up to Garrett,” said Endicott. “My character is really mad and he is too. I need to be mad because I say a lot of mean stuff to those people.”
She describes the musical as “a really good experience” and is sad to see it end. Endicott noted that the true meaning of Christmas is spending time with family.
Dovie Harless delivered a soulful, steady performance as Jovie, reminding the crowd through both dialogue and vocals that the best way to spread Christmas cheer is indeed singing loud for all to hear.
Wesley Rosensteel guided early scenes as Santa, while Wade Dillon brought commanding intensity to Mr. Greenway, channeling the no-nonsense tone of a man who has no time for tinsel, candy canes or elf enthusiasm.
Jewell, Lawson, and Lowe led a cast that blended seasoned performers with emerging young talent, creating a production that, in true Buddy fashion, felt like “Christmas exploded everywhere.”
The cast and crew plan to carry that cheer into four additional school-day performances Dec. 15 and 16 for local students before wrapping up the show’s run.
With strong performances, whimsical humor and genuine heart, “Elf Jr.” showcased holiday joy and a theater program growing in confidence and community spirit.
Cast in order of appearance
- Santa – Wesley Rosensteel
- Buddy – Darrian Jewell
- Charlie – Maci Yates
- Shawanda – Hadley Spence
- Singing New Yorker/Manager – Abigail Osborn
- Teenager/Macy’s Saleswoman – Morgan Allen
- Sam/Santa’s Helper/Cameraman – Gunner Lowe
- Walter Hobbs – Garrett Lowe
- Deb – Tarrah Caines
- Emily Hobbs – Ella Lawson
- Michelle Hobbs – Aurora Endicott
- Security Guard #1/Policemen #1 – Lori Anne Parks
- Security Guard #2/Policemen #2 – Emmaline Jude
- Jovie – Dovie Harless
- Sarah/Narwhal – Kenzlee Smith
- Fake Santa/Mr. Greenway – Wade Dillon
- Chadwick/Darlene Lambert – Haylee Harless
- Matthews – Angelina Moore
- Charlotte Dennon – Victoria Parfitt
- Emma Van Brocklin – Emmy Maynard
- Ensemble Soloists – Layla Horn, Maci Yates, Harper Butcher, Ronan Harris
- Ensemble – Ellie Osborn, Elaina Preece, Isabella Branham, Lydia Perry, Maddie Davis, Maddie Fletcher, Nova Mays, Lukas Mays
