Broadway Magic Comes to Lancaster: Elf the Musical Brings Heart, Humor, and Holiday Cheer to the Fulton
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Asia Tabb
AIRED; November 25, 2025
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Broadway comes to Lancaster this holiday season with Elf the Musical, and local audiences are in for a treat. Ben Fankhauser, who plays Buddy the Elf, said performing at the Fulton Theatre has been a special experience. “I have fallen in love with the Fulton Theater and I hope that Lancaster residents realize that they have a Broadway-caliber performing arts venue right in their backyards,” he said. “I’m so excited to be doing Elf this holiday season because it’s about family, it’s about belonging… It’s full of heart and soul, and some amazing singing and dancing.”
Fankhauser, known for his Broadway work in Newsies, said performing in Lancaster feels like coming home. “I grew up in Cleveland, not too far away… Lancaster certainly gives me that nostalgia. I feel like I’m home a little bit performing here. The community has been so welcoming and warm, and it’s a gift to share this show with them.”
Mara Newbery Greer, director and choreographer for the production, echoed Fankhauser’s sentiments. “It feels like such an honor to be part of this city’s theater history,” she said. “Live theater nowadays is struggling in many places. To be in a community that supports live theater with live musicians is really special… It’s just really exciting as a creative and an artist.”
Greer emphasized the collaborative effort behind the production. “You’re only as good as the people you surround yourself with,” she said, giving credit to her associate director, music director, and the rest of the talented Fulton team.
Fans of the movie can expect both laughter and heart from this adaptation. Fankhauser said, “There is some wonderful physical comedy in the show… The holidays hold nostalgia for everybody, and this show is full of humor and heart. The nostalgia might surprise you.”
Elf the Musical is running at the Fulton Theatre this holiday season, bringing joy, laughter, and a bit of Broadway magic to Lancaster audiences.
