When Santa's head elf is unexpectedly fired, a desperate search is conducted for a replacement. From Rudolph's bodyguard to a Grinch to the Tooth Fairy, the interviews prove...difficult.
Nick Hoffman (Buckles) - No one is entirely certain where Nick came from. One evening, he simply wandered into the park. He carried no map. No backpack. No discernible destination. Witnesses describe him as “purposeful, yet somehow completely lost."
For several days, he was spotted throughout the grounds, silently observing squirrels, staring thoughtfully into the distance, and occasionally nodding at strangers as though they had shared some unspoken understanding. The rehearsals for “Head Elf” began shortly thereafter, and Nick happened to be wearing bright yellow tights at the time. And just like that…a star was born.
It is here that Nick remains. For how long? Who can say? Whether he is an actor, a drifter, an apparition, or simply a man who took a wrong turn remains a matter of spirited debate.
At any rate…Nick would like to thank his beautiful wife and two daughters for sharing him with the Tecumseh Players this summer.
If you happen to see Nick quietly wandering through the park after tonight’s performance… it’s probably best to let him continue.
Derrel Kent (Bodyguard 1, Candolf) - This is Derrel's second role with the Tecumseh Players. He was in the cast of "I Quit" last year. He was also a part of the WTCA Radio Show in the Tecumseh Bicentennial's finale celebration in 2024.Before moving to Tecumseh a few years ago with his wife Sharon, he was active in the theatre for many years in Northern Michigan. He has always specialized in comedic character roles and felt this production of "Head Elf" with the Tecumseh Players would be a good fit. He has enjoyed working with the cast and director and hopes to be involved in many productions with the Tecumseh Players in the years ahead.
Crew
Cast
Annabelle Rhoades (Henrietta) - Annabelle is thrilled to be part of her first Tecumseh Players’ performance. She is thankful for the incredibly welcoming director and cast throughout the audition and rehearsals. She is having a blast being part of this wonderful and creative community. Thanks to mom, dad, and little brother for their love and support always. Pastimes include reading, playing with her brother, hanging out with friends and family, playing a wide variety of sports, and participating in other activities such as helping the community in Builder’s Club. And of course, musicals/plays! Recent productions include a singing recital and the WTCA’s “It’s A Wonderful Life” play as Zuzu Bailey and part of the choir. Thank you so much for coming to see this fantastic show that might make you laugh to death!
Henry Buxton (Nickels) - Henry is quite excited about performing for the Tecumseh Players once again after having done some prior performances with them. He has also done a handful of shows outside of the Tecumseh Players in the past with the one he is most proud about being Chicago Teen Edition with Tecumseh Youth Theater.
Thomas Buxton (Santa Claus) - This is Thomas’ second year participating in the Tecumseh Player’s One Acts. He has previously been in “Kiddoodles", "Too Many Detectives in the Murder Mansion”, "I Quit”, and “Least Watched, Most Viewed” where he was able to work along side his wife and children to his delight, and their disdain. He enjoys watching the talent that comes to and is built at these plays. When not spreading his time diligently practicing his lines, he can be found out in his garden full of weeds, and tending to his chickens.
Mary Ann Stock (Mrs. Claus) - Mary Ann is excited to play the sardonic Mrs. Claus. In recent years she has joined her fellow Players as Harriet in "I Quit", detective Kane in "Too Many Detectives at Murder Mansion" and Mental in "Superhero Sanitarium." Her roots in the theater go way back and she is grateful to be a part of this fantastically talented and gracious group. She would like to thank her family for supporting her in this zany hobby.
Kylie McElrath (Bodyguard 2, Andy, Tooth Fairy) - Kylie is excited to take to the stage for the Tecumseh Players and is honored to join in the fun with Sarah Buxton steering at the helm. Kylie has been living and working in Michigan for about 7 years and is no stranger to the local theaters in the area. Her most recent roles include Patchy the Pirate and Hero. Kylie would like to thank Aaron, her partner and everyone for coming out and supporting outdoor theater and hopes you walk away with a little Christmas spirit.
Hannah Wiles (Chilly, Easter Bunny, Polar Bear) - Hannah is thrilled to be appearing in Head Elf! Previous credits include Spamalot (River Raisin Centre for the Arts), An Actor's Nightmare (The Croswell), and Moby Dick: The Musical (Ann Arbor Musical Theatre Works). Acting has always been Hannah's greatest passion, and she's so grateful to continue sharing it on stage.
She lovingly dedicates this performance to her mom, whose unwavering support of her theater dreams continues to inspire her every day. Thank you to her family for their endless love and encouragement. Enjoy the show!
Josh Smith (Rudolph, Nutcracker) - Joshua is excited to be doing another play with the Tecumseh players, finally showcasing his talents as a Reindeer who knows just how famous he is and an unhinged Nutcracker. His past acting credits include George Bailey in the "It's a Wonderful Life" radio play, Dracula in "I'm Sorry the Bridge is out, You'll Have to Spend the Night" and Scrooge's Nephew Fred in "A Christmas Carol" radio play. Joshua is happy to play dual roles this summer as an actor and a director, having directed "The Most Watched Least Viewed Talk Show in History" last month. Joshua would like to thank his wife Erin for all of her love and support, as well as his daughter for sharing a scene in Head Elf as well as a love for theater.
Maelle Francis (Sound) - Maelle is a rising senior at Tecumseh High School, and she is teching her second ever Tecumseh Players production! She has previous technical experience from the TCA, where she has worked for the previous two years. Between her love for live theater and the technical aspects, Maelle is ecstatic to help present this show to the people of Tecumseh. In her spare time, Maelle can be found doing crafts, playing sudoku, listening to her favorite bands, or doing math homework. She would like to thank Piper Holtz for introducing her to the Players and Sarah Buxton for inviting her back to run sound for a second show.
Chloe Smith (Sparkle) - Chloe is very excited to be a part of this show. Chloe is a returning player having been Madam Doyle in last year's Too many Detectives at the Murder Mansion, Young George Bailey in the It's a Wonderful Life radio play and most recently played Parker Milton in last months The most Watched Least Viewed Talk Show in History. Chloe is excited to show you all her "Sparkle" in this new role. If you don't like it, she can ruin you! She would like to thank her parents for supporting her and also like to thank her castmate Charlotte for running lines with her to help them both shine.
Charlotte Buxton (Mel, Goran) - Charlotte is very hyped to do Head Elf! She will be starting Blissfield Middle School this fall, and has been in several productions before this, 3 with the Croswell, 2 with Blissfield Drama Club, 2 with TYT, 1 with the Sauk, and most of all this is her 4th production with Tecumseh Players. Outside of theater she loves to write!
Brandi Williams (Picklepockets) - Whether it is two minutes or two hours, Brandi is happiest being part of the magic (and CHAOS) of live theater. Thank you, Sarah, for the opportunity to share the stage with such a talented cast and thank YOU for supporting local theater, and enjoy the show!
Piper Holtz (Snickernapper) - This is Piper's eighth show with the Players and she is so excited to share it with you. The cast has worked so hard to make this show what it is today, and she hopes you enjoy it! She would like to thank her director and cast mates, as well as her family for always supporting her.
Sarah Buxton (Director) - Armed with a tote bag of chaos filled with notebooks, binders, and her emotional support water bottle, Sarah stepped into the spotlight to attempt the impossible: directing a theatrical production. This grand directorial debut is a bold experiment in vision, passion, and the belief that confidence can, in fact, substitute for experience (at least during tech week).
Sarah wants to thank the cast for being so amazing and making this first directorial experience so wonderful. Their dedication, patience, input, and willingness to trust the process—even when the process occasionally looked like organized chaos—make this production something truly special.
Tonight, if all goes smoothly, it was all part of the master plan. If anything goes awry, it was an intentional artistic choice. Either way, Sarah is already preparing for her next adventure—because apparently one theatrical whirlwind was not enough. The stage awaits. The drama continues.
Thank you to Pixie Light Photography for the time and effort put into the amazing photos she provides us.
Thank you to The Fizz Rig for being our vendor for this show.
As always, these productions would not be possible without the help and hard work from the Tecumseh Parks and Recreation Department.
Thank you
