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Every holiday season brings its own joys, but few stories capture that feeling quite like “Elf.”
Since 2003, audiences have returned again and again to Buddy the Elf, whose unshakable optimism and bold curiosity have made the film a cherished tradition for families everywhere, according to a news release from the Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts. This year, the stage musical carries that familiar magic onto the Wagon Wheel stage.
With a record number of set pieces, ice skating sequences, tap dancing and acrobatics, this production of “Elf the Musical” pushes the boundaries of what’s possible on the Wagon Wheel stage.
For actor Jared Allen Price, stepping into Buddy’s iconic pointy shoes has been both whirlwind and wonder.
“It’s been a very quick process,” said Price. “But it’s been quite delightful. Everyone has been so welcoming and so amazing to work with. It feels like I’ve been here before.”
A Los Angeles native now working in New York, this marks Price’s first time at Wagon Wheel and his first time in Indiana.
“I had heard a lot of amazing things about this theater, but never knew what it was really like to actually work here. When I received the offer to play Buddy, it was a special feeling. This feels like what I’m meant to be doing right here and now.”
For Jessica Chunta, who plays Jovie, returning to Wagon Wheel feels like stepping through her own stage door of memories.
“I love working at Wagon Wheel,” said Chunta, who audiences will remember from her 2023 performance as Ariel in “Disney’s The Little Mermaid.” “These are some of the best experiences I’ve ever had since working, professionally, in the industry. I love coming back to work with Scott, specifically. I love the Warsaw and Winona Lake community. It feels like coming home.”
Both actors trace their love for theatre back to childhood moments that shaped them.
“I distinctly remember being 7 or 8 years old when I saw ‘The Lion King’ national tour for the first time,” said Price. “My little mind was blown. I couldn’t believe how everything worked. From that moment, I always had the hunger to perform. Once I started to perform more and more, I never looked back. Once you get bit by the actor bug, you have the urge to keep going.”
“My love for theatre started with dance,” said Chunta. “I loved to dance. But we all have that one show. For me, that show was ‘Wicked.’ My mom bought me the ‘Wicked’ CD with Kristen (Chenoweth) and Idina (Menzel). We would play that CD in the car on the way to school. That’s when I fell in love with musical theatre.”
As they’ve immersed themselves in their roles, both actors found lessons woven into the story.
“Buddy’s kindness has stuck with me,” said Price. “As human beings, we’re always trying to think about the next thing, where the next check is coming from, or just what the next step is. We never know what people are going through. It’s important now, more than ever, that we are kind to one another and just show love. It’s easy to fall into a trap of being hard on ourselves, which can cause us to be hard on each other. Buddy shows us how to love.”
“Right now, everyone is focused on the next thing, whether that be money, success, but really it comes down to family and love,” said Chunta. “The more we emphasize that, it will naturally direct our path.”
“Buddy helps us stay present,” said Price. “He has the eyes of a child. He can only see what’s right in front of him, rather than focusing on things like money, success, or what’s next. That’s so important to think about.”
Chunta sees Jovie’s journey as a reminder for adults everywhere.
“Jovie is the opposite of me in real life,” she said. “As you become an adult, you can fall into the trap of falling into the negative. You can struggle to find the time to fuel yourself with joy and creativity. With Jovie, she needed to take herself out of that mindset and let herself go back to that child-like joy. She saw the world in black and white, and Buddy shows her how to see the world in color.”
Both actors hope audiences leave “Elf the Musical” with more than memories and a smile. They hope the story offers a chance for reflection and connection.
“This show is about family,” said Price. “I hope that people leave our show with a deeper love and joy for spending time with one another, and especially for people who don’t get to see their families around this time, I hope it encourages people to make a phone call and connect.”
“Sometimes the biggest joys in life are what you least expect,” said Chunta. “Buddy’s influence on Walter (his father) is exactly what he needed to grow. Whatever that is for our audience, whether that be love, a friendship or an opportunity, trust that everything happens for a reason. I hope that people see that lesson and take it with them. Be open to whatever comes your way because it’s ultimately there for your joy and fulfillment."
And of course, the duo had one final message to share in unison: “Go home and try spaghetti with maple syrup and whipped cream.”
“Elf the Musical” opens on Friday, Dec. 5 at 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at wagonwheelcenter.org or by calling the box office at 574-267-8041.
