Cincinnati dad James Jones knows a thing or two about being jolly during the holidays! Jones plays Buddy the Elf in The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati’s production of Elf the Musical JR.
Cincinnati Family Magazine (CFM): We feel so lucky to be able to chat with Buddy the elf! What are your favorite parts of this role and this show in general?
James Jones (JJ): Thank you for the opportunity to share the most memorable moments of this production. As this is my third time playing the role, I have so many memories and moments that stand out for me- such as the fantastic costumes, the other cast members that I have been lucky enough to share the stage with for the first, second or third time but- above all, is seeing glimpses of young audience members who are giggling and repeating lines that I say- which will forever stay in my mind. I am lucky that this show is now a Cincinnati Holiday tradition.
CFM: How did you prepare to play this iconic character? Did you watch the movie? Eat spaghetti with soda?!
JJ: Ha! That is a great question! I have watched the iconic Will Ferrell movie many-a-time but after a while, as an actor, you have to find the pieces of the script that connect with you and somehow make it your own. I will say no matter how many times I have said the lines, sung the songs or been on stage, I try to read through the script once a day in order to find more clues or opportunities to refine the details of the character.
CFM: Buddy has tons of energy. How do you channel that on the stage—Do you hit up a favorite local coffee shop for some caffeine?! Reign it in with yoga and then let loose?!
JJ: As they say in the show “He’s like a can of Redbull, only much more energetic!” and that definitely describes Buddy to a T! For me, I find energy from three very important things in my life. One is my wife Maddie, and our daughter Sayler, the second is a good cup of coffee- no cream, and third is the energy of the cast. These three things keep me going even after the longest of days!
CFM: If you could have theatre-goers take one line or message from the show home with them, what would it be?
JJ: There is a beautifully simple message in the song “A Christmas Song” that says “Just sing a Christmas song and keep on singing all season long. Think of the joy you’ll bring if you just close your eyes and sing!” I think this is such a simple concept but so very true! It’s like giving a random smile to someone walking down the street. Such a simple gesture can change someone’s entire day.
CFM: We have to know… has your little one seen you in the full Buddy the Elf getup? Did she recognize you?
JJ: She actually has been to a studio rehearsal where we ran through the entire show! I could hear her throughout the rehearsal saying “Dada Dada!” To me that is all the fuel I need to be Buddy! It also reminds me how much Buddy loves his Dad in the show! I can’t wait for her to see the show at the Emery Theater…She is going to LOVE IT!
CFM: Elf is definitely a family favorite in my household. Did you have a favorite holiday film growing up?
JJ:For me I grew up watching all of the Rankin & Bass films such as “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town”, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “The Year Without a Santa Claus”. These were such classics in my household and have a very nostalgic feel for me.
CFM: Did your family have any local holiday traditions growing up?
JJ: Every year on Christmas Eve we would visit with my Grandma where all my Aunts, Uncles and Cousins would eat a big dinner and then visit a local Nativity scene with live animals. There was a big sleigh at this nativity and each year we would get a large family picture. This was always special to me because it was one time out of the year where we all were in one place with each other.
CFM: How about now, what festive happenings does your family embark on year after year?
JJ: Now with my own family we have a holiday tradition of picking out Holiday pajamas and making it a point to take a picture on our main staircase in the house. Usually, this picture becomes our Christmas card that we send off to families and friends. It is all the better now that we have a 17 month old baby!
CFM: You have an extensive background in theatre. And you are also the Artistic Director at The School for Creative & Performing Arts. We would love to know-what is a good starting point for parents who think they see a future of their kids shining in the spotlight?
JJ: I have been so lucky to spend more than half my life in productions around the country and Cincinnati. I am also so very honored and proud to be the Artistic Director of SCPA because I get to help foster the love and commitment to the arts within so many young artists’ lives. I think the first step once you know your child has a passion for theatre or any other art form is looking up the local classes and workshops in the city. Start off with a class once a week and see if your child takes to the art form. There are so many places to take classes but I am partial to The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati as well as auditioning for SCPA.
CFM: With your Artistic Director role, you oversee SCPA’s 250+ annual performances… First, wow. Second, we would love to hear about the SCPA environment and your role in shaping student actors.
JJ: Yes, there are 250+ events that SCPA produces as well as 3,000 calendar events throughout our year that we support. I would not be able to do what I do if it weren’t for the talented artists that attend the school and the staff who teach and mentor the students in their respective art forms. For me SCPA is a place where possibilities are limitless. Students each and everyday get to design art, dance with professionals, play instruments, work on their voices, discover characters, build and design theatrical elements and use their perspectives to write and create new worlds! I am lucky each and everyday that I get to continue a legacy that has been forming the next generation of young arts professionals for over 50 years. If I can inspire others each and every day using art as the vehicle, then I am happy!
CFM: This last question may be the most tricky…. if you could pick a top 10 productions (whether directing or starring or just observing from the audience), what would they be?
JJ: WOW! This is a very tough question! If I HAD to put things in an order then it would have to be…
- Directing The Play That Goes Wrong!
- Playing Buddy in Elf the Musical Jr.
- Playing the Cheshire Cat in Alice in Wonderland
- Seeing Wicked on Broadway
- Directing Bob Herzog and the cast of The Cat in the Hat
- Seeing Something Rotten on Broadway
- Playing a multitude of roles in Church Girls the musical
- Playing Lancelot in Spamalot
- Directing a one-person re-telling of A Christmas Carol called Bah Humbug!
- Seeing the Broadway tour of Peter Pan with Cathy Rigby- which got me hooked into theatre as a kid
Thank you so much for your time, we can’t wait to see you on the stage at The Emery Theatre.
The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati’s
production of
Elf the Musical JR.
runs December 5-21, 2025.
Learn more by CLICKING HERE—and be sure to order your tickets today!
