The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati (TCT) production of Elf The Musical JR is a warm, fast, funny, and beautifully executed piece of family theatre.
Technologically advanced, lovingly restored, and built to showcase joyful family theatre, The Emery Theater gives Elf The Musical JR the kind of lively, energetic production it deserves. From clever projection work to an impressive rotating stage and flawless onstage costume changes, this production uses the space and tech to keep the pace brisk and the laughs constant.
The Plot, Wrapped Like a Present
Based on the much-loved film, Elf The Musical JR follows Buddy, a human who by accident crawled into Santa’s bag as a baby and was raised at the North Pole as an elf. When he discovers he’s not like the other elves, Santa sends him to New York City to find his biological father, Walter Hobbs — and Buddy’s wide-eyed optimism collides with a very skeptical adult world. The JR version at TCT clocks in at about seventy minutes (no intermission), and that compact running time is a strength: the narrative is tight, fast, and relentlessly charming, moving “fast and furious” while never losing its heart.
Cast That Sparkles
A. James Jones is a charmingly exuberant, physical Buddy — earnest and silly in equal measure — and he sells every big, goofy moment. Indya Linciome’s Jovie provides the perfect foil and romantic center, with a warm, clear voice that pairs nicely with Buddy’s exuberance. Ryan J. Poole’s Santa is a steady, comforting presence having all the kids in the theater cheering for him.
Staying true to its mission of serving young audiences, TCT fills the stage with a spirited group of young performers as the elves — a smart, natural fit that works beautifully. Packed with energy and crisp musicality, they keep the show moving with real charm and precision through their disciplined dancing and steady, well-supported singing.
Production & Design
Director/choreographer Eric Byrd keeps the action crisp and playful; the choreography is light but skillful and perfectly calibrated. Furthermore, Byrd beautifully utilizes the projections as an integral storytelling tool—the best I have ever seen. They seamlessly blend with the performers’ movements to create a vivid, fully immersive theatrical experience.
Samantha Reno’s scenic design, featuring a clever rotating stage, creates seamless scene changes and a real sense of momentum. This visual flow is further enhanced by Julie Spangler’s music direction, which keeps the score lively and clear. Jeff Shearer’s costume work (including quick, flawless onstage changes) is a delight. Jessica Drayton’s lighting and Matthew Tibbs’ sound design ensure every lyric and joke reads clearly. All of this technical expertise leads to an engaging show that captivates even the rowdiest little ones in the audience, keeping them engrossed throughout the show. And key instilling an early, joyful appreciation for the spectacle of live performance.
The Magic Behind the Emery
Only the second MainStage show since the Emery’s grand reopening, this production benefits hugely from the theatre’s restoration. Long neglected by its previous owner, the University of Cincinnati (which in 2019 officially declared the Emery Theatre “beyond repair” and voted to sell the property) the building was purchased by The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati in 2023 and underwent a $51.5 million restoration in 2024–25. The result is a gorgeous, modernized historic house that amplifies every element of the show. Under the leadership of artistic director Roderick Justice, TCT is staking a bold claim for downtown family theatre: this venue is not only restored—it’s ready to be a city-wide home for the next generation of theatre-goers.
Final Verdict
TCT production of Elf The Musical JR is a warm, fast, funny, and beautifully executed piece of family theatre. It’s smartly condensed, technically impressive, and genuinely moving in its belief that a little bit of wonder can change people. Take the kids — and bring your adult sense of humor. This is the kind of holiday outing that leaves you smiling on the way home. See it for the performances, stay for the theatre, and go away feeling like you’ve been handed a generous, theatrical present.
Tickets to Elf The Musical JR
Elf The Musical JR runs December 5–21, 2025, at The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati’s beautifully restored Emery Theatre. Tickets are available through the TCT Box Office at (513) 569-8080 or online at: thechildrenstheatre.com/tickets.
