IVINS, Utah (Nov. 20, 2025) — From the moment Danny Lindgren booked the leading role in Tuacahn’s Elf the Musical, people warned him it was going to be like running a triathlon. So far in rehearsals for the production that opens Nov. 21 in Tuacahn’s Indoor Hafen Theatre, he’s found that to be true, but in the best possible way.
“I never leave the stage, and I’m just running the whole time,” said Lindgren who plays Buddy the Elf. “I’m like an unregulated child, running around, throwing tantrums, and having sudden bursts of euphoria… it’s a coming-of-age story, told against the background of Christmas.”
Perhaps that high energy requirement is why Buddy enjoys the sugar rush that comes from the elves’ four basic food groups: candy, candy canes, candy corn and syrup.
Based on the 2003 film Elf, the live musical version brings all that humor and energy to the stage with even more heart, as audiences follow Buddy from where he has been raised by elves in the North Pole, as he embarks a journey to New York City where he hopes to find his biological dad. Along the way, he spreads Christmas cheer by just being himself, and by singing loud for all to hear.
“I think this is one of the best film-to-stage adaptations that I’m aware of,” Lindgren said. “All the songs are really fun, and they make sense within the show. Plus, I really have to hand it to my fellow actors. Everyone is really bringing their A game.”
For Director Shari Jordan, the magic of Elf the Musical really resonates with the way she views the holiday season as a whole.
“I just love Christmas with my whole heart,” Jordan said. “We want to bring that magic to families and Elf really has something for everyone. It’s a great multi-generational story that will send everyone out the door laughing, happy, and singing the tunes all the way home.”
The cast includes Lindgren, a Broadway veteran who Jordan calls, “hilarious with a whole lot of heart,” as Buddy, along with Tuacahn favorites Jillian Butler as the Mom (recently seen as Glinda in The Wizard of Oz) and Eric B. Anthony as the store manager (recently seen as Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz and Sebastian in Disney’s The Little Mermaid). Additionally, Broadway veterans John Ahlin and Jim Stanek will play Santa Claus and Walter Hobbs respectively, along with a host of top-tier actors making their Tuacahn debuts.
“I cannot contain my excitement for this incredibly talented cast,” Jordan said.
One of the many strengths within the cast is their ability to dance well, a skill Choreographer Bill Burns is particularly excited about.
“This is a much bigger produced show than some people realize,” Burns said. “There are many big dance numbers, including a tap finale and an ice-skating scene… It’s just a fun, fun show.”
Audiences can enjoy all the excitement and holiday fun of Elf the Musical Nov. 21 through Dec. 20 in the Hafen Indoor Theatre. Tickets start at just $40. For more information go online to www.tuacahn.org or call the box office at 435-652-3300.
