When Grace Hughes was in the third grade, her first performance at Dartmouth High School was for “Elf: The Musical Junior.”

Nearly a decade later, Hughes finds herself a senior about to perform as Emily Hobbs in the same play. Only this time, it is adapted from the actual Broadway show.

“It’s kind of full circle,” she said, adding, “Everyone’s all grown up, which is really sweet.”

Co-director Dennis Lawrence, Jr. said, “It’s the first time the show’s ever been done anywhere in this area.”

He recalls running the junior version back in the day, but he said this one is a bit longer and with more content so that has been a little challenging.

Many of the cast members noted this, such as with their long lines. Sophomore Catherine Gifford, who plays Jovie, said she puts the sentences into pictures as a way to memorize them when she has larger paragraphs.

The play, which is adapted from the 2003 movie, follows Buddy the Elf, who learns he isn’t really and sets off on a journey in search of his human father in New York City.

There are approximately 35 middle and elementary schools and 22 high schoolers involved in the making of this musical, according to Lawrence. 

He said he’s been impressed by “the visual effects alone that these kids are working on,” including a giant Rockefeller Christmas tree made from spiral lights and the rotating door that Buddy throws up in.

“I like to think that we’re the premier high school theater company around and I think it’s a testament to the kids and what they do,” Lawrence added.

Senior Mason Langloid, who plays Walter Hobbs, said he’s been doing theater since 7th grade and his favorite part has been the teamwork. “All these people have my back.”

Senior Nadia Franco is the dance choreographer for the play, having done so for fall shows since her sophomore year. However, she said this year is different as she is doing it all on her own now that her friend has graduated. 

Franco said it was challenging to do given that they used to split the choreography work in half, but she still managed to plan out the dances to be about 85% of original work.

“It’s kind of nice to just work with the kids and kind of make them enjoy something that I loved growing up because dancing has been a very big part of my life,” she said.

Sophomore Hadassa Vieira, who plays Deb Walters, said her favorite part of theater is the dancing, with her favorite number this show being one with a bunch of Santas.

“I just love the way it’s portrayed,” Vieira said.

Sophomore Brady Jackson, who plays Buddy the Elf, said he’s enjoyed working on the musical, adding how his favorite part of theater is the community.

He added the best part of the musical for him is the finale because it’s “really high energy.”

Nicholas Faria, 12, plays Michael Hobbs in the musical. Having done theater since the first grade, he said he just loved the people he can meet and the characters he can become.

Faria said he encourages others to join theater as well: “It’s a really fun experience.”

Want to see “Elf: The Musical” at the Dartmouth High School Auditorium? While initial tickets sold out, the fire department has offered a detail that has granted an additional 50 seats per night. Showings are Friday, Dec. 6 and Saturday, Dec. 7, starting at 7 p.m., with an additional 1 p.m. showing on Saturday. Tickets are $15 for general admission, but those interested are asked to call for a seat: 508-441-4602.