Harry Connick, Jr.'s The Happy Elf: first rehearsal

By young performer Madison Kitchen who plays Molly

On November 4th, while election madness was whirling around the outside world, the company of First Stage’s Harry Connick, Jr.'s THE HAPPY ELF was busy learning the musical’s score. The harmonies of Harry Connick Jr.’s songs filled the room with the magic of Christmas. With our Music Director (Richard Carsey), our Choreographer (Wendy Seyb), our Stage Manager (Sarah Hoffmann), our Assistant Stage Manager (Matt Grundman), and our Assistant/Artistic Director (Jeff Frank) listening, there was one very important member of the production missing: our Director, John Rando. He had an unexpected conflict and couldn’t make it to rehearsal.

I imagined there would be an air of pandemonium with John not there, but everyone went with the flow as if everyone was there. That is one of the many reasons I love First Stage. Everyone is relaxed, focused, and ready for anything and everything. Another thing I love about First Stage is that everyone is welcome into the First Stage family. I was excited to meet new people because I didn’t recognize many names on the cast list, but the kids welcomed me as if I had been friends with them forever. By the end of the day, the music was sounding great and everyone left on a high note!

(Photo: the costume rendering of Molly by costume designer Karin Kopischke, USAA)