Buddy the Elf returns to Michigan in ‘Elf: The Musical’ live on stage

DETROIT - Buddy the Elf is on a journey from the North Pole to New York City. But first, he will make a stop in Michigan.

The Broadway hit, "Elf: The Musical" will be at Detroit's Fox Theatre for seven shows from Wednesday, November 6 through Sunday, November 10. Tickets can be purchased here .

The stage musical, now in its 8th touring holiday season, is based on the 2003 New Line Cinema movie staring Will Ferrell, James Caan and Zooey Deschanel.

The musical will be a little extra special for actress Emily Ann Stys, who was born and raised in Metro Detroit.

The Oakland University graduate moved to New York City after college and has performed in "Mean Girls," "Rock of Ages" and numerous other shows. In "Elf," Stys is the Dance Captain and a Swing, a performer who understudies multiple ensemble roles.

"My job is to cover all of the ensemble dancer roles in the show," Stys told MLive. "I'm an on-stage Swing, which means I'm in the show every night. I'm also the Dance Captain, so I help keep the show looking clean as the choreographer intended."

"Elf: The Musical" stays true to the film, but there are some changes to adapt to the stage.

"It's obviously based off of the film with a lot of odes to the movie, but it's a new take on it," added Stys. "You're going to have musical elements and dance numbers and larger than life sets."

Stys says she's excited to return home and perform in front of family and friends.

"My whole family will be there as well as my friends and former teachers. It's going to be a really awesome experience."

Show schedule:

Wednesday, Nov. 6 at 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, Nov. 7 at 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 8 at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 9 at 10 a.m., 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.