Matt Kopec to Star in ELF THE MUSICAL National Tour; Full Cast Announced!

NETworks Presentations, LLC, Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures and Unique Features have announced casting for the upcoming national tour of ELF THE MUSICAL. The tour kicks off at the Providence Performing Arts Center in Rhode Island November 4-10.

The cast will feature Matt Kopec (Buddy), Connor Barth (Michael), Jen Bechter (Deb), Gordon Gray (Santa), Kate Hennies (Jovie), Julia Louise Hosack (Emily), Royce McIntosh (Mr. Greenway), Drew Pulver (Waiter) and Clyde Voce (Manager).

The cast will also feature Elizabeth Burton, Robyn DeGuzman, Ian Frazier, Mary Gabrielle, Paul Ianniello, Chandon Jones, Drew King, Emily Catherine Larger, Nick Lorenzini, Lauren Palmeri, Shaun Repetto, Angelica Richie, Jack Robbins, Ben Russell-Lynch and Dennis Setteducati.

ELF is the hilarious tale of Buddy, a young orphan child who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported back to the North Pole. Unaware that he is actually human, Buddy’s enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father, discover his true identity, and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas. This modern day Christmas classic is sure to make everyone embrace their inner ELF.

Based on the beloved 2003 New Line Cinema hit, ELF features songs by Tony Award nominees Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin (The Wedding Singer), with a book by Tony Award winners Thomas Meehan (Annie, The Producers, Hairspray) and Bob Martin (The Drowsy Chaperone). The production will feature direction by Sam Scalmoni and choreography by Connor Gallagher.

ELF will make stops throughout the holiday season, including Appleton, WI (Nov. 13-18, Fox Cities Performing Arts Center); Tampa, FL (Nov. 20-25, Straz Center for the Performing Arts); Fort Myers, FL (Nov. 27 – Dec. 2, Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall); and St. Paul, MN (Dec. 5-30, Ordway Center for the Performing Arts).

Additional show and ticketing information about ELF is available at www.ElfTheMusicalOnTour.com.

Cast Biographies:

Matt Kopec (Buddy) is so excited to be spending Christmas in the North Pole! National tours: Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (Msr. D’Arque), All Shook Up. Favorite Credits: The Wizard of Oz (Tin Man), Thoroughly Modern Millie (Jimmy), Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Matt graduated with a BFA in Musical Theatre from Wright State University. Thanks to the entire Elf team, love to my family and David, and Merry Christmas to all!

CONNOR BARTH (Michael) is extremely excited to be part of this tour. He has been singing and dancing his whole life and performing in front of audiences for 3 years. Regionally he has performed in Teddy & Alice (Archie) at the 7 Angels Theatre. Connor would like to thank Janine Molinari, Bob Marks, Kim Pedell, Nancy Carson, Nana, Grampy and Mom, Dad and sister Laura. Let out your inner Elf!

Jen Bechter (Deb), a life-long Christmas addict, is beyond MERRY to be appearing in Elf! Tours: Beauty and the Beast (Madame La Bouche), R&H’s Cinderella starring Lea Salonga (Portia). Regional: Urinetown (Soupy Sue), Dames at Sea (Mona), Debbie Does Dallas the musical (Lisa). BFA Wichita State University. Thanks to her family and support system JELK. www.jenbechter.com

Gordon Gray (Santa) is happy to be returning for his 6th tour with NETworks. Previous tours included Sound of Music (Max), Showboat (Windy), Jekyll and Hyde (Proops/Pool), Cabaret (Herr Schultz), and Oklahoma (Pop Carnes). He is also a frequent performer with the Penn. Shakespeare Festival. Most recently he was seen there as Friar Francis in Much Ado About Nothing. Formerly an Assoc. Prof. of Theatre at Barnard College, he has an MFA in Directing from the Yale School of Drama, and is co-author and director with Isy Monk of the PBS teleplay, We Ain’t What We Was.

KATE HENNIES (Jovie) is tickled to make her National tour debut! BFA, Millikin University. Credits: Drowsy Chaperone (Janet), Biloxi Blues (Rowena), Shape of Things (Jenny). Endless gratitude to Bob, Sam, and Santa’s entire workshop! Love to Mom, Dad, friends, and family. www.katehennies.com

Julia Louise Hosack (Emily) is thrilled to be back on the road with Elf! National tour: Beauty and the Beast (Mrs. Potts). Regional: Into the Woods (Stepmother), Songs for a New World (Woman #1), A Little Night Music (Mrs. Anderssen). BFA from Notre Dame de Namur University. Special thanks to Sam, Connor, Mom, Dad, Matt, and Brett.

ROYCE MCINTOSH (Mr. Greenway) is excited to be part of another NETworks tour! He was last seen in South Pacific Nat’l Tour as a seabee and covering Emile de Becque. Some of his favorite times were skiing, and performing roles such as A Little Night Music (Frederick Egerman), Marriage of Figaro (Count Almaviva) and A Christmas Carol Musical (Scrooge). Thanks to God, Friends, Family and Mom!

DREW PULVER (Walter). TV: Deadly Sins on Investigation Discovery (Tom Hawks). Stage: Europe: Les Misérables (Valjean, Javert), Sunset Boulevard (Max), The Three Musketeers (Porthos); U.S.: Damn Yankees national tour (Joe), The Most Happy Fella (Tony). Off-Broadway: Theater for the New City Digital Dilemmas (Sam). A proud Air Force Academy parent, Drew lives in New Jersey with his wife, Lynnette. Love Ya Natey!

Clyde Voce (Manager) is beyond thrilled to be part of the Elf family! Regional credits: Guys and Dolls (Nicely Nicely), Dreamgirls (TruTone), Barnstormer (Arthur) and My Fair Lady (Jamie). All my love to Mom, Dad and Cory.

Elizabeth BurtON (Ensemble) is thrilled to be celebrating this holiday season with her Elf family! National tour: The Wizard of Oz (Ensemble/Dorothy u-s). NYC: Angelina Ballerina the Musical (Swing). Proud FSU grad. Endless thanks and love for my FSU family, Eric and The Burtons!

ROBYN DEGUZMAN (Ensemble) is juiced to be touring again! Credits: Disney’s Beauty and the Beast national tour (Silly Girl/Ass’t Dance Captain), Annie Get Your Gun, Guys and Dolls, Miss Saigon at Arizona Broadway Theatre. Thanks God, NETworks, Bob Cline, Mom, Dad, and Newsie Julian.

Mara Gabrielle (Ensemble) is thrilled to be back on the road with Elf after recently finishing the National tour of Shrek The Musical (Swing). Regional: Spelling Bee (Olive), Mack and Mabel (Mabel), Gypsy (Dainty June), 42nd Street (Anytime Annie), Prince and the Pauper (Radio City Music Hall). Graduate of The Boston Conservatory. Love and thanks to Bob Cline, NETworks and my ALWAYS supportive family and friends!

Ian Frazier (Swing/Asst. Dance Capt.) is ecstatic to be celebrating the season with Elf the Musical. He is just off the National and Asian tour of Shrek the Musical (Swing). Other credits include: Hairspray (Fender) Joseph...Dreamcoat (Reuben), High School Musical (Jack Scott), and Swing! Thanks to my family and friends for their constant support. BFA Elon Univ.

Paul Ianniello (Ensemble) is thrilled to be making his NETworks touring debut with Elf the Musical! Favorite credits include: Next to Normal (Henry), Spring Awakening (Georg), and Falsettos (Marvin). Thanks to Bob and the NETworks creative and casting team for this amazing opportunity. Special shout out to his extremely loving and supportive friends and family! This one’s for baby Brayden!

CHANDon Jones (Swing/Dance Captain). National Tours: Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (Babette/Dance Captain/Swing). Regional: North Carolina Theatre, Papermill Theatre. Favorites: A Chorus Line (Sheila), High School Musical 2 (Violet), and The Phantom of the Opera (Ballet Corps). Graduate of Elon University, BFA in Music Theatre. Love to my family and friends.

Drew King (Ensemble) is thrilled to be touring with Elf. Education: Fordham University (BA International Studies/ Spanish). Regional: Paper Mill Playhouse, Goodspeed Opera House, Westchester Broadway Theater, Ogunquit Playhouse, Gateway Playhouse. Love and gratitude for his friends, family and teachers.

EMILY CATHERINE LARGER (Ensemble) is thrilled to be a part of this talented cast! National tours: The 39 Steps, Cabaret (Rosie, u/s Fr. Schneider) Miracle on 34th Street. Regional theatre: Hairspray (FAF, u/s Velma), White Christmas (ensemble, u/s Martha), How to Succeed...(Hedy LaRue). As always, she sends love to her family for supporting her dreams.

Nick Lorenzini (Ensemble). Favorite color: Green; Favorite credits: Rent, Annie (Musical Theatre West), Forever Plaid (McCoy Rigby), Cats, I Love a Piano, Hairspray, 42nd St, Producers, Grinchmas (Universal Studios). Dedicated to the beautiful people I get to call my family and friends! Enjoy!

Lauren Palmeri (Ensemble). Elf marks Lauren’s second national tour! Seen last year in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (Belle cover). UARTS - BFA Musical Theatre. Regional - A Chorus Line (Diana), The Sound of Music (Leisl), Carousel (Julie Jordan). Much love to my family! www.laurenpalmerionline.com

SHAUN REPETTO (Ensemble) is beyond ecstatic to be in his first national tour with Elf the Musical! Recent graduate from The University of Arizona, he received a BFA in Dance. Thank you to his family and friends for all their amazing support and to his teachers throughout the years.

ANGELICA RICHIE (Ensemble) is thrilled to spread holiday cheer with Elf! National tours: Damn Yankees! (Weston). Regional: Cabaret (Rosie/flutist), The Pajama Game (Charlene/Dance Capt.), My Fair Lady. BA Theater, UCLA. Thanks to family, and Christ- for whom and by whom, all things are made.

JACK ROBBINS (Ensemble) attends the Alabama School of Fine Arts in Birmingham. Jack’s experience includes 13 Alabama Ghosts (Ben) and Big River (Ensemble). He is a member of Red Mountain Theater Company and a student at The Amy Murphy Studio. Jack is thrilled to be a part of the cast of Elf.

BEN RUSSELL-LYNCH (Ensemble) is overjoyed to be spreading the holiday spirit with Elf the Musical! National Tour: Beauty and The Beast (Ensemble). Favorites: Cabaret (Emcee), Bat Boy (Bat Boy), Urinetown (Bobby Strong). Received his BA in Musical Theatre from Oakland University. Many thanks and gratitude to his amazing friends, family, and wonderful husband Tom Russell-Lynch. LULU.

Dennis Setteducati (Ensemble) is thrilled to be spreading Christmas cheer with the cast of Elf! Previous national tours include The Drowsy Chaperone (Gangster #1), and most recently Fiddler on the Roof (Mordcha). He wishes you and your loved ones a happy and safe holiday season!

NETworks Presentations, LLC (Producer) Since 1995, NETworks has produced and managed over 45 touring productions in the US., U.K. and internationally. Current Productions include Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Billy Elliot The Musical, Blue Man Group National Tour, Elf The Musical, Flashdance the Musical, La Cage Aux Folles, The New 25th Anniversary Production of Les Misérables, Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins, Shrek The Musical and National Theatre of Great Britain’s production of War Horse touring the U.S.

WARNER BROS. THEATRE VENTURES (Producer) is the live stage play division of Warner Bros. Entertainment and responsible for developing and producing world-class musicals and other stage productions for the Studio. The division currently has 15 licensed properties in production worldwide and more than a dozen other projects in various stages of development, including co-productions with award-winning Broadway and film producers. WBTV’s parent company, WARNER BROS. ENTERTAINMENT, a Time Warner Company, is a fully integrated, broad-based entertainment company and a global leader in the creation, production, distribution, licensing and marketing of all forms of creative content and their related businesses, across all current and emerging media and platforms. The company stands at the forefront of every aspect of the entertainment industry from feature film, TV and home entertainment production and worldwide distribution to DVD, digital distribution, animation, comic books, licensing and broadcasting.