Elf: The Musical Set to Debut in Boston

Matt Kopec (Buddy) and the cast of “Elf The Musical.” / Photo by Joan Marcus

Boston’s regular holiday programming kicks off in—believe it or not—just a few weeks, with Boston Ballet’s Nutcracker, Christmas tree lightings on the Common and Faneuil Hall, and the Holiday Pops all scheduled to continue their annual traditions.

But this year, there’s a new holiday outing option in town, as Elf: The Musical sets up a limited three-week residency at the Wang Theatre.

Based on the popular 2003 movie starring Will Ferrel and Zooey Deschanel, Elf tells the story of Buddy, an orphan who grows up on the North Pole after climbing into Santa’s bag one Christmas Eve. Years later, when he’s no longer able to fit in among the elves due to his large size and lack of toy-making skills, he sets out on a journey to New York City to find his birth father. As he adjusts to life among humans, hilarities—such as Buddy pouring maple syrup (a major elf food group) on top of his spaghetti—ensue.

The musical first opened on Broadway in 2010. Last year, a national tour brought the Broadway version to the Hanover Theatre in Worcester, but the upcoming engagement at the Wang Theatre will be its Boston debut.

The cast, announced earlier this week, features Eric Petersen as Buddy, JB Adams as Santa, Tom Galantich as Buddy’s father Walter, Christiane Noll as his stepmother Emily, Joshua Colley as his brother Michael, and Veronica Kuehn as his love interest Jovie.

Connor Barth (Michael) and Matt Kopec (Buddy) in “Elf The Musical.” / Photo by Joan Marcus

$35+, 22 performances from Tuesday, November 17, through Sunday, December 6, Wang Theatre, 270 Tremont St., citicenter.org.