Hickory – In the story of Elf the Musical, on stage December 1st through 17th at the Hickory Community Theatre, one of the crucial characters is Jovie, a department store elf that becomes Buddy the Elf’s love interest. At first Jovie is cynical with regard to Buddy’s overwhelming Christmas spirit, but eventually comes to share his enthusiasm and goes out on a limb to help him save Christmas.
In the Hickory Community Theatre production the role of Jovie is being played by Kat Reese, a Taylorsville native who is new to the stage though no stranger to performing. Reese is an accomplished musician and songwriter with the Hickory Music Factory (HMF.) She plays three instruments – drums, guitar and piano – and sings as well. One of her original songs, “Ýou Set My Heart on Fire,” is featured on HMF’s recently released CD “The Best of HMF.”
Reese is a student at Catawba Valley Community College, majoring in music, and is also secretary of the NAFME (National Association for Music Education) club there.
Performances of Elf, the Musical are December 1-17, 2017; Fridays (Dec 1, 8 & 15) and Saturdays (Dec 2, 9 & 16) at 8pm, Thursdays (Dec 7 & 14) at 7:30pm and Sundays (Dec 3, 10 & 17) at 2:30pm. Tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for seniors. Tickets for students and youth 18 & under are $10. On Thursday evenings all adults and seniors are $14, youth and students are $10. Tickets are now on sale online at hickorytheatre.org or through the Theatre box office, in person or by phone at 828-328-2283. Box office hours are 12-5 Wednesday through Saturday.
The Hickory Community Theatre is a Funded Affiliate of the United Arts Council of Catawba County. The 2017-2018 Season is sponsored by Paramount Automotive and A Cleaner World. Elf, the Musical is produced by Catawba Valley Medical Center, Corning Optical Communications and von Drehle Corporation.
Photo: Kat Reese plays Jovie, Buddy’s love interest, in Elf, the Musical, onstage for Christmas at the Hickory Community Theatre, Dec 1st through 17th. Photo by John Koval.
