Elf Jr. the Musical Web Digital Playbill

Family Weekend Performance Dates: December 1 & 7 – 8, 2024 

School Matinee Performance Dates: December 2 – 9, 2024 

---

Book by Thomas Meehan and Bob Martin 
Music by Matthew Sklar 
Lyrics by Chad Beguelin 
Based upon the New Line Cinema film written by David Berenbaum 

Sponsored by:

Cast

Santa Claus: Blake Martin

Buddy The Elf: Logan Gwynn

Santa’s Elves: Finley Birge, Elaina Cox, Nina Perry, Will Timmerman, Maxwell Willoughby

Charlie The Elf: Jonah Hill

Shawanda The Elf: Katelyn Windhorn

Deb: Flora Scifres

Walter Hobbs: Ethan Thomas

Emily Hobbs: Cerise Archer

Michael Hobbs: Liam Volland

Security Guards: Katy Fields, Hadley Kohm

Macy’s Saleswoman: Addison McGlone

Macy’s Manager: Kayden Gentry

Jovie: Sophia Mullins

Santa’s Helper: Khloe Johnson

Fake Santa: Jay Hicks

Police Officers: Samuel Guilfoil, Mari Lanier

Mr. Greenway: Philip Ritchie

Chadwick: Scout Arnold

Matthews: Maggie Colthurst

Charlotte Dennon: ZaMya Clay

Darlene Lambert: Lucy Joyner

Emma Van Brocklin: Cadence Stoneburner

Special Thanks

Dr. John Denison DDS; HighBridge Spring Water; Sally Horowitz, Sally Horowitz Photography; 3M Cynthiana; Copy Express; Bobby Taylor; Matthew Snoddy, Network Therapists, Inc.; Pro Sound and Lights; Transylvania University Theater Department; University of Kentucky Department of Theatre and Dance; Mahan Multimedia; University of Louisville, Centre College; The Lexington Legends

Production Staff Credits

• Jeremy Kisling (Director)
• Jessica Pearl French (Music Director)
• Kaida Goodwin (Choreographer)
• Gabriel Slusser (Scenic Design)
• Tom Willis (Lighting Design)
• Marie Henderson (Costume Design)
• Kate Tayler (Stage Manager)
• Kaida Goodwin (Assistant Stage Manager)
• Hadley Kohm (Dance Captain)
• Gabriel Slusser (Technical Director)
• Laika Myers (Assistant Technical Director)
• Tessa Franklin, Forrest Loeffler, Laika Myers, Gabriel Slusser, Delaney Walton (Carpenters)
• Laika Myers (Properties Manager)
• Laika Myers (Charge Artist)
• Tessa Franklin, Forrest Loeffler, Laika Myers, Gabriel Slusser, Delaney Walton (Scenic Painters)
• Marie Henderson (Costume Director)
• Emily Hampton, Marie Henderson, Missy Johnston, Haberlin Roberts (Costume Construction)
• Ashlee Collins, Jaime Hurt, Maddi Knoettner, Tessa Miller, Chris Swanson, Rachel Ray (Front of House)
• Rhonda Bell, Lydia Rice (Educational Materials)

CAST and CREW Bios:

Cerise Archer (Stage Manager) Cerise Archer is a senior in the Pre-Engineering program and a SCAPA Theatre major at Lafayette High School. This is Cerise’s 9^th show with LCT and her first time stage managing a Main Stage show. Outside of LCT, Cerise is also active at Lafayette and SCAPA Theatre and Voices Amplified ACTivate! Cerise recently graduated from the Governor’s School for the Arts in the Drama discipline. Her recent tech credits include Zombie in Love (Stage Manager/Choreographer), The Hundred Dresses (Stage Manager), Lily Plants a Garden (Set and Props Coordinator), Cardboard Stories (Costume Coordinator), and SpongeBob the Musical (Assistant Stage Manager). She hopes you enjoy the show!

Finley Birge (Gingersnap the Elf) Finley, a fourth grade student, at SCAPA is filled with cheer about performing in her fourth LCT production. In her free time, Finley enjoys reading, playing the trombone, and singing loud for all to hear.

ZaMya Clay (Charlotte Dennon) ZaMya Clay is a junior at SCAPA Lafayette and is passionate about the performing arts. She is excited to have the opportunity to participate in her first show with LCT. She hopes that you enjoy what promises to be an awesome show!

Maggie Colthurst (Matthews) Maggie is a sophomore at Lafayette and is excited to be in Elf Jr! She is in the Pre-Engineering and SCAPA Theatre programs at Lafayette. When not found on stage, you can find her swimming, skateboarding, listening to her large collection of vinyl, or playing guitar.

Elaina Cox (Snowflake the Elf) Elaina is a 7^th grader at EJ Hayes Middle School. This is her first show with LCT, but she was Willy Wonka in a summer theatre school class. When she grows up, she would like to be a veterinarian.

Katy Fields (Bobo the Security Guard) Katy is a sophomore SCAPA voice major at Lafayette High School. She has recently been in shows including Hairspray and The Little Mermaid. She is so excited to be in her first show at LCT and hopes you enjoy the show!

Kayden Gentry (Store Manager) Kayden is a sophomore at Lafayette high school and is a theatre major at SCAPA. He has performed with LCT in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. Kayden enjoys working out and singing and is currently in Lafayette choir. He wants to be a singer and movie actor in the future.

Samuel Guilfoil (Thompson the Police Officer) Sam is a 5^th grader in GTAP at Ashland Elementary.  Elf Jr. is his first performance with LCT.  He enjoys creating short skits and creating animations.  He plays piano and loves to read and write stories.  He would like to be an author and producer when he grows up.

Logan Gwynn (Buddy the Elf) Logan Gwynn is a Junior SCAPA theatre major at Lafayette High School. He is a GSA Musical Theatre alumnus. He has been in productions such as Hairspray, The Little Mermaid, and Fiddler on the Roof. He’s excited for you to sit back, relax, and enjoy this Sparklejollytwinklejingley Christmas spectacular!

Jay Hicks (Fake Santa) Jay is a 9^th grader at SCAPA at Lafayette High School. This is Jay’s first show at LCT. In his free time, Jay likes to sing and write poetry. When he grows up, Jay hopes to be a psychiatrist.

Jonah Hill (Charlie the Elf) Jonah is an 11^th grade student at Berea Community High School. He’s been to KMEA’s AllState Choir for 4 years and has had a love of musical theatre throughout his life. His favorite memories include being in Anastasia (Dmitry), The Lightning Thief (Luke Castellan), and Little Shop of Horrors (Seymour). Happy Holidays!

Khloe Johnson (Rosie the Macy’s Elf) Khloe is a 10^th grader at Ryle High School. This is her first time performing with LCT. She is involved in Ryle Drama Club, FFA, FBLA, and Voice Lessons at UMA. Her favorite place is the beach. Khloe loves to sing, and enjoys hanging out with her friends and family. 

Lucy Joyner (Darlene Lambert) Lucy is a junior at North Laurel High School who takes part in their advanced musical theater program. She was in Chamber Choir her sophomore year but found her love for musical theatre. This is her first show with LCT, but she has performed in other shows such as High School Musical (Martha Cox) and Angels of Bataan (Edith Webb).

Hadley Kohm (Hadley the Security Guard/Dance Captain) Hadley, a senior SCAPA Theatre major at Lafayette High School. This is her 2^nd LCT performance. You may have seen her this summer in The SpongeBob Musical.  Recent LHS Theatre performances include Lily Plants A Garden, The Little Mermaid and Fiddler on The Roof. She is also on the LHS Girls Tennis Team.

Mari Lanier (Terry the Police Officer) Mari is a 6^th grader at Lexington Traditional Magnet School. Previously she was a worm in Zombie in Love and she is Cop #1 in Elf Jr. In her free time, Mari likes to dance and draw. Mari would like to be a doctor or an actor or a racecar driver when she grows up. Mari is trying to build up her portfolio for SCAPA.

Blake Martin (Santa Claus) Blake Martin is a sophomore at Lafayette and a drama major at SCAPA. He has performed with LCT previously in shows such as The Hobbit (Bilbo Baggins), Rudolph Jr. (Santa Claus), and The Best Christmas Pageant Ever! (Leroy Herdman). He is also involved in Lafayette Theatre, as well as SCAPA Lafayette! You may have seen him in Fiddler on the Roof (Papa) or The Little Mermaid (Chef Louis). He hopes you enjoy the show and wishes you a very merry Christmas!

Addison McGlone (Samantha the Sales Associate) Addison McGlone is a 7^th grader and a volleyball and softball player. She has performed for LCT in Rudoph (Elf) and Zombie in Love (Candy). She loves to sing and act. She hopes you enjoy the show! And a merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Sophia Mullins (Jovie) Sophie Mullins is a senior at Berea Community High School. This is her first show at LCT but she’s been in productions such as Anastasia and Into the Woods. She is a 2024 GSA alum for musical theatre. She’s stoked that you came to see this merry show! Merry Christmas!

Nina Perry (Chip the Elf)

Philip Ritchie (Mr. Greenway) Philip Ritchie is a sophomore at Lafayette High School. He enjoys spending time with his friends and playing baseball. He has been in multiple previous LCT productions such as Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer Jr. (Rudolph), The Hundred Dresses (Willie Bounce), and The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (Charlie). 

Flora Scifres (Deb)

Cadence Stoneburner (Emma Van Brocklin) Cadence is an 8^th grader at EJH and loves to act, dance and sing. She has performed in the last two holiday shows for LCT at the opera house and also Seussical. Outside of LCT she performed in Frozen as Anna. She enjoys doing bible study and youth group.

Ethan Thomas (Walter Hobbs) Ethan is a senior at BSHS. He plans to be an actor when he grows up. He is ecstatic to be a part of his 10^th LCT show. You may have seen him as Ralph Herdman (The Best Christmas Pageant Ever), Perch Perkins (The SpongeBob Musical), and Herb (Junie B. Jones). Some of his favorite roles have been Audrey 2 (Little Shop of Horrors), Charlie Bradley (The Best Christmas Pageant Ever the Musical), and Yukon Cornelius (Rudolph Jr.).

Will Timmerman (Harvey the Elf) Will is a 5^th grader at Meadowthorpe Elementary in the GTAP program.  He enjoys sports, being with family and friends, and video games. He has also been active in the LCT summer programs and loves acting.

Liam Volland (Michael Hobbs) Liam is a seventh grader at TCMS. He has performed with LCT in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (David), Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Grandpa George/Oompa Loompa), and Rudolph (Cowboy). He also performed at TCHS in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory the Musical (Charlie). He plays the trombone and LSC soccer. 

Maxwell Willoughby (Marshmallow the Elf) 6^th grader in the VAPA program at LTMS. He’s excited to express himsELF in his first LCT production. Maxwell loves to sing, dance on the Gotta Dance Studio team, solve Rubik’s cubes, and demolish Nintendo and board games.  He is thrilled to be part of this cast!

Katelyn Windhorn (Shawanda the Elf) Katelyn is a 7^th grade drama major at SCAPA at Bluegrass.  She has performed with LCT in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (Maxine) and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Jr.(Reindeer).  She recently performed in SCAPA’s production of Disney’s Frozen Jr. (Oaken) and is currently in the ACTivate Theatre Company.  Katelyn is excited for Elf Jr!

STAFF and DESIGNER BIOS:

Rhonda Bell (Education Director)

Rhonda is excited to continue her journey at LCT as Education Director. She holds an MA in Theatre from the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa and a BA from Berea College. Rhonda enjoys driving her car, watching cartoons, and having lively debates with her students.

Octavia Biggs (Director of Shooting Stars Youtheatre)

Tavia has worked hard over the last 19 years to bring children’s theatre to Eastern Kentucky. She believes strongly that all children have the ability to be creative and through that creativity will discover the gifts they possess. She would like to thank LCT and the W. Paul and Lucille C. Little Foundation!

Heather N. Branham (Resident Director / Company Manager)

Heather is overjoyed to be back at LCT after an artistic odyssey spanning from “The Little Apple” of Manhattan, KS to “The Second City” of Chicago. She earned a Master of Arts from University of Kentucky and serves on the KPW board. Heather dedicates this season to Eddy and Huckleberry.

Ashlee Collins (Development Director)

Since completing LCT’s Arts Administration internship in 2015, Ashlee has worked with theatres all over the country, including Chicago Children’s Theatre, Lifeline Theatre, and most notably, with Broadway in Chicago as a marketing assistant during the first National Tour of Disney’s Aladdin!

Tessa Franklin (Scene Shop Student)

Tessa Franklin is a senior at Lafayette High School. She is a Technical Theatre major at SCAPA. She is a student working in the shop. Tessa is very excited to be a part of her first Lexington Children’s Theatre production since she was in grade school!

Jessica Pearl French (Musical Director)

Jessica Pearl French is thrilled to return as the guest Musical Director for Elf Jr.. She holds a BA in music from Berea College, where she was awarded multiple opportunities to travel around the globe performing opera and musical theatre. She was featured in many performances at the University of Kentucky, where she began her master’s degree, and has performed in numerous shows within the region throughout her career. Jessica is currently pursuing a degree in Clinical Mental Health & Counseling and also serves as the Director of Performing Arts and music teacher at Redwood Cooperative School. It is her dream to positively impact lives through music, theater, and mental health advocacy. For Jessica, her love for musical theater began early in her life with this very theatre company, and she is grateful for this full-circle opportunity.

Kaida Goodwin (Choreographer)

Kaida Goodwin is a senior at SCAPA, majoring in theatre. She has been dancing since she could take her first steps and is thrilled to choreograph Elf Jr. for Lexington Children’s Theatre. She loves getting to share her love of dance and the stage and hopes you enjoy the show. Live. Laugh. Love.

Emily Hampton (Costume Artist)

Emily graduated from the University of Kentucky with a BA in Theatre in 2020. She is passionate about costuming and the fiber arts! 

Marie Henderson (Costume Director/Designer)

Marie’s experience with LCT, and theatre altogether, began with a walk on role at the age of nine.  She is delighted to have closed the circle of her theatrical experience by coming “home” to LCT as a staff member.

Jamie Hurt (Marketing and Sales Director)

With over 20 years in arts marketing, Jaime connects communities through storytelling and creative collaboration. As Marketing and Sales Director at LCT, she captures moments that make theatre magical for children and families, expanding access to engaging, immersive experiences while embracing the joy of bringing stories to life. 

Jeremy Kisling (Producing Artistic Director)

Welcome to LCT! We want this to be your theatre, a place where you feel empowered, enriched, and emboldened. I am so honored and humbled to work with such amazing and talented artists and individuals every day! Thank you for being here, for your support, and for being a part of the LCT Family.

Maddi Knoettner (Patron Services Manager)

Maddi graduated from the University of Kentucky with a degree in Communication Studies. She is a Gold Medalist of The United States Figure Skating Association and is a figure skating instructor over at the Lexington Ice Center. Maddi brings a unique blend of communication expertise and athletic achievements, and she is honored to showcase her diverse skills at Lexington Children’s Theatre!

Forest Loeffler (Technical Associate)

Forrest Loeffler is from Lexington, he has a BFA in Acting from Illinois Wesleyan University and is currently Kentucky Chautauqua’s Abraham Lincoln performer. He has worked with Leeds Center for the Arts, Woodford Theatre, Adventure Theatre, Pioneer Playhouse, Athens West, and is happy to have added LCT to that list!

Caleb Lunsford (SSYT)

Caleb is a teacher, painter, and arts education enthusiast from Harrodsburg, Kentucky. A graduate of Morehead State University, he is passionate about children’s theatre, striving to provide an outlet for creative expression. With a history in youth-based creative programs he aims to create a safe space to learn and grow.

Tessa Miller (Box Office Assistant)

Tessa Miller is a recent graduate of Savannah College of Art and Design. She holds a BFA in Performing Arts and Vocal Performance. Tessa has been a part of the LCT Family since she was six years old. She is excited to work with this amazing team of artists!

Mary Ann Mullins (Bookkeeper)

Mary Ann retired a year ago from full time employment and is overjoyed to have been given the part time bookkeeper position at LCT. In her spare time, she loves to visit festivals and to see her grandchildren and share in their adventures.

Laika Myers (Charge Artist / Assistant Technical Director)

Laika Myers graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Bowling Green State University with a specialization in Design and Technical Theatre. In her spare time, she loves to read and visit a new coffee shop; while on the clock, she loves to use her artistry to share the magic of theatre with young audiences!

Rachel Ray (Managing Director)

Rachel has a BA in English and a BS in Speech Therapy from U.K.  In her free time, she likes to hang out with her husband, Bobby, and their dogs, read, run, and craft. She is a founding board member of First-Generation Women Achievers of the Bluegrass and a proud volunteer for and board President of Girls on the Run.

Lydia Rice (Resident Teaching Artist)

As a Columbus State University graduate, Lydia has directed, choreographed, and taught all ages by working at Rose Theatre and the Alliance Theatre. She believes theatre inspires creativity, teaches life skills, and helps students reach their fullest potential. She loves connecting with students at LCT and watching them shine.

Haberlin Roberts (Costume Artist)

Haberlin Roberts is a graduate of Transylvania University with a major in Theatre. Her recent theater credits include costuming (Best Christmas Pageant Ever), stage management (The 39 Steps, Miracle on 34^th Street, and The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe) and acting (Into the Woods) with Woodford Community Theatre. 

Gabriel Slusser (Technical Director)

Gabriel has worked throughout the southeast in positions ranging from sound engineer to lead electrician to shop foreman at theatres including Titusville Playhouse, Inc., Georgia Ensemble Theatre, and Buford Community Center. As LCT’s Technical Director, he facilitates the implementation of all scenic, lighting, audio, and projection elements for their season.

Chris Swanson (Sales and Outreach Manager)

Chris Swanson has been a theatre professional for the past 25 years. She is very excited to be joining the staff at LCT. She earned her MA and BA in Theatre and Communications from Morehead State. Her past credits include Bat Boy the Musical and Book of Days. 

Kate Tayler (Resident Stage Manager)

Kate Tayler graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications degree from Bowling Green State University in Design & Technical Theatre. She is originally from Monroe, Michigan. Kate loves spending time with her cats and her partner, keeping up on all things Taylor Swift, and working with young people.

Delaney Walton (Scene Shop Student)

Delaney Walton is a SCAPA Technical Theatre major attending Lafayette High School as a senior. She works as an intern in the shop helping build set pieces. Delaney is very excited to be a part of her first show at the Lexington Children’s Theatre! Sit back and enjoy the show!

Tom Willis (Lighting Designer)

Tom Willis is a stage designer from Central Kentucky. He is the resident lighting designer for Leeds Theatre in Winchester and frequently designs for Transylvania University Theater and Sayre School. Memorable designs include Blackbird Dance Theatre’s Rolando, UK Opera Theatre’s Silent Night, On the Verge’s A Doll’s House, Part 2, Athens West Theatre Company’s 33 Variations and To Kill a Mockingbird. He holds a BA in Drama from the University of Kentucky, College of Fine Arts. Willisdesigns.net

LCT Professional Staff

• Rhonda Bell, Education Director 
• Octavia Biggs, Program Director of Shooting Stars Youtheatre
• Heather N. Branham, Resident Director / Company Manager
• Ashlee Collins, Development Director 
• Emily Hampton, Costume Artist
• Marie Henderson, Costume Director
• Jamie Hurt, Marketing and Sales Director
• Jeremy Kisling, Producing Artistic Director
• Maddi Knoettner, Patron Services Manager
• Mary Ann Mullins, Bookkeeper
• Laika Myers, Charge Artist / Assistant Technical Director
• Rachel Ray, Managing Director
• Lydia Rice, Resident Teaching Artist
• Haberlin Roberts, Costume Artist
• Gabriel Slusser, Technical Director
• Chris Swanson, Sales and Outreach Manager
• Kate Tayler, Resident Stage Manager 

LCT’s Adopt A-Character Campaign

Help us thank cast members and families that raised funds for LCT’s Annual Campaign by adopting a beloved character! You can support the amazing work that our young people do by making a donation to the annual campaign. Just click the button below!

LCT’s Annual Campaign

Imagine if all 100,000+ people LCT serves a year made a $10 donation every year. That would cover more than 95% of LCT’s operating expenses and bring the cost of our classes and shows WAY down. If you share our passion for arts education and want to support our mission, please consider making a donation of any size to our Annual Campaign. Learn more about LCT’s Annual Campaign by visiting https://www.lctonstage.org/support-us/give-online/ or by emailing our Development Director, Ashlee Collins, at acollins@lctonstage.org.

Thank you to our 2024-2025 Donors

Supernova ($1,500+)

Giant Star ($1,000-$1,499)

Ball Homes
Gay B. Hill
Linda Slagel

Shooting Star ($500-$999)

Anonymous
Beth Anne Akers
Joseph-Beth Booksellers
Lexington Event Company
The Sisler Family

Shining Star ($250-$499)

Anonymous
Laura Hayden and John van Nagell
Jordan Miller
Jen Mooney
Melia Boyson Schmidt
Cheryl and Bobby Taylor
Unison Insurance Group

Rising Star ($100-$249)

Anonymous
Kroger Community Rewards Program
A. Bass
Candra Bryant
Dr. & Mrs. J. Randall Dennison
Bylund Family
Melissa and Larry Collins
J. Steven and Deborah Glaza
Kim and John Glenney
Rebecca and Greg Goodman
Gwynn Family
Matt Hemenway
Henry and Patricia Jackson
Breck & Joy Johnson
Bill and Carol Kelsey
Vickie McDaniel, Volland Family, Claudia Newman, & Heather Schreck
Wyatt and Ethan Milner
Jayme Olson
Danielle Parker
Annaleigh Sosbe
The Stiff Family
Pam J. Walker in memory of Rebecca Rietze
The Viles Family
Ruth and Don Willoughby
Angene and Jack Wilson
William and Margie Wilson

Join our Email List