MACON, Ga. — Tony Kemp is getting into character to play Buddy the Elf for Macon Little Theatre's production of "Elf: The Musical."
It's a version of the movie initially released in 2003 starring Will Ferrell. Ferrell played Buddy, who travels to New York City in search of his father.
"This is the most demanding role I've ever had," Kemp said.
Though the role is demanding, he says the character is enjoyable to play.
"It's fun to play with ideas and the things that make Buddy who he is," Kemp explained.
It's the 20th anniversary of the movie.
JP Haynie, the director and actor in the stage production, says that's why they're bringing the musical to the Macon Little Theatre Stage.
"It's been a part of people's lives for a long time," Haynie said. "Loyal fans of the movie will see a lot of things they know and recognize from the show as well."
Haynie says there will be recognizable moments in the musical you'll remember from the movie. However, he says there'll also be some differences you need to expect.
"There's some exciting things that make this different. This is 'Elf: The Musical,' so there are huge music numbers. That allowed script writers to create scenes a bit different than the movie," Haynie said.
With Thanksgiving now in the rearview mirror, many people are looking ahead to Christmas. Kemp says "Elf: the Musical" is an excellent way to kick off the holidays.
"I don't know how you can't leave this show and be in the holiday spirit," Kemp said.
If you want to check out the musical, it's running from Dec. 1 to Dec. 10 at Macon Little Theatre.
The theater is located off of Forsyth Road by the Macon Museum of Arts and Sciences.