From the tips of their swirly-twirly hats to the points of their curly-toed shoes, a plentiful ensemble of 34 youthful players will bring out their "inner elves" for the quirky new Christmas classic,  Elf Jr. The Musical, at two Shoreline Theatre Company (STC) performances Dec. 14 and 15.

"It really gets you into the holiday spirit. If you love Elf the movie, you'll love Elf Jr. The Musical," said STC co-founder Colin Sheehan, who is directing the show with STC co-founder and musical director, Michael Martone Jr. 

STC's production of the family-friendly show opens Friday, Dec. 14 with a 7 p.m. show, followed by a matinee performance on Sat. Dec. 15 at 11 a.m. Both shows will be in the Cathyan Roding Auditorium at Branford High School (BHS), 185 East Main St.

Elf Jr. is the first holiday production and third full-scale musical presented by Branford-based STC this year; a feat made all the more remarkable when considering STC was launched in the summer of 2018. STC partners with Branford Parks and Recreation to offer theatre education, summer camp and performance opportunities to community members.

"Our numbers are growing," said Sheehan, who thanked Parks and Recreation Director Alex Palluzzi and Assistant Director Dale Izzo for helping support programs of STC.  

In June and July, respectively, Sheehan and Martone Jr. co-directed full STC musical productions of Hairspray (adults and young adults) and Aladdin Jr. (youth). For the STC production of Elf Jr., Sheehan is once again directing and Martone is once again musically directing.

Martone, a BHS music teacher who also leads the school's choir programs and co-directs the BHS spring musical with Sheehan, said he's impressed with vocal talent shown by the cast of Elf Jr., which has been rehearsing since October. Martone also noted STC's production of Elf Jr. has the added assistance of a BHS student choreographer. Three BHS students in the cast are also helping the directors to work with the younger players.

"All of our high school students are doing an awesome job," said Martone.

"It's so great seeing so many kids singing, acting and dancing at the same time," added Sheehan. "We just love the partnership that Branford Parks and Recreation has made with Shoreline Theatre Company to help bring more of the arts to the community."

Shoreline Theatre Company and Branford Parks and Recreation Department present Elf Jr., The Musical, Friday, Dec. 14 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 15 at 11 a.m. in the Cathyann Roding Auditorium at Branford High School, 185 East Main St. Tickets, $10 adults, $5 students, can be purchased by emailing recreation@branford-ct.gov  or by calling (203) 488-8304.