elf the musical tour reviews

Review: ELF THE MUSICAL National Tour, DPAC

Holiday fun for the whole family

Every so often, a modern Christmas film is released that is added to the canon of Christmas classics alongside movies like It's a Wonderful Life and White Christmas. Elf, which was released in 2003, has undoubtedly achieved that status with its endlessly quotable lines and endearingly funny performance by Will Ferrell as Buddy. Many of these beloved holiday films have been adapted for the stage, like White Christmas and A Christmas Story, so it's natural that Elf has received the same treatment.

Thomas Meehan and Bob Bartin adapted the film into a stage musical with Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin providing music and lyrics, respectively. And while ELF THE MUSICAL never reaches the heights of the team's THE PROM, it's a sweet and fun holiday show for the whole family. The whole musical is framed as Santa telling the audience a story from a picture book about Buddy the Elf, which adds an interesting element to the show when breaking the fourth wall.

Hijinks ensue with Buddy at Walter's office, where he is an executive working on children's books, and at the Macy's department store, where he meets the pessimistic anti-Christmas Jovie ( Tieisha Thomas ) and quickly falls in love. The creative set pieces, designed by Christine Peters , and the colorful costumes by Gregg Barnes help bring both the North Pole and New York City to life in engaging ways.

ELF THE MUSICAL isn't quite the Christmas classic that the film it's based on is, but it's still a great way to spend the evening with your family.

ELF THE MUSICAL is at DPAC through December 4. You can find more information and buy tickets here .

Photo Credit: Jeremy Danie

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Elf the Musical

• Theatre, Musicals
• 4 out of 5 stars
• Recommended

Time Out says

The stage adaptation of the beloved Will Ferrell film bounds joyously back into town

This review is from 2022. ‘Elf’ returns for Christmas 2023. 

‘Elf the Musical’ rolls back into the West End with the same blunt-force charm as Buddy, its star. The last time this production was at the Dominion Theatre, in 2015, it was the venue’s fastest-selling show in nearly a century. It’d be a huuuge surprise if it’s not a success this time either.

Apart from a few tweaks and a couple of excised characters, the story largely follows the smash-hit 2003 Will Ferrell movie vehicle that’s now a perennial Christmas favourite. Titular hero Buddy’s Teflon-coated cheer can’t disguise the fact that he’s suspiciously tall for an elf. When Santa Claus breaks the news to him that he is, in fact, a human, Buddy sets out from the North Pole to find his real father in New York City.   

The influences on the film and this show are legion, particularly ’80s fish-out-of-water classics like ‘Big’. Buddy arrives to find a fraught New York, full of Christmas as a sales pitch, but not with its spirit. His father, Walter Hobbes, is a harried, snappy publisher of kids’ books with no time for the young son he actually knows he has. (Buddy was the result of a college romance, whose mother died without ever telling Walter.) From initially stumbling onto the shop floor of department store Macy’s, to inveigling his way into Walter’s office and then his home, Buddy’s open-handed, child-like joy shows everyone he meets the true meaning of Christmas.

This show lives or dies depending on its Buddy. Thankfully, Simon Lipkin knocks it out of the park. There are shades of Will Ferrell in his performance, but he brings an innocence that feels distinct. He tempers what could easily be an annoyingly consistent optimism with some killer line deliveries. He never descends into saccharine. Meanwhile, as Walter, Tom Chambers is grumpy and overworked rather than a full Scrooge. It lends a welcome trace of reality to the show’s otherwise cartoon altitude. Elsewhere, in a show largely focused on male relationships, Rebecca Lock and Georgina Castle still make their characters spark as Walter’s wife, Emily, and Buddy’s would-be girlfriend, Jovie, respectively.  And Kim Ismay, as Walter's assistant, Deb, pretty much steals every scene she's in.   

Philip Wm McKinley’s production is a fast-paced, Tim Burton-esque visual feast, full of exaggerated angles, art deco stylings and slick projections. There are throwaway references to modern tech – and some jarringly attempts to crowbar in some British-isms – but this is really a fantasia. It whirls you up in a Technicolor dream of Christmas, with Liam Steel’s choreography rarely giving you time for breath. Thomas Meehan and Bob Martin’s script is quippy and witty, while Chad Beguelin’s knowing lyrics stay on the right side of affectionate rather than arch. There are a couple of subplot cul-de-sacs and a few dodgy moments (particularly the initial presentation of a Chinese restaurant). But propelled by Matthew Sklar’s score – which hits all the right joyful/bittersweet notes – this is a slickly irresistible and fizzily enjoyable confection of a show. You may find yourself feeling festive even before Santa makes his final act appearance.

RECOMMENDED: More  Christmas shows  in London 

Find more festive fun with our guide to  Christmas in London

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NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

Elf The Musical review: Pure feel-good joy with just enough Christmas schmaltz

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As with A Christmas Carol , it is the cynicism, not the Christmas spirit, that makes Elf so watchable.

True, this musical version of Will Ferrell ’s 2003 movie is like a cheap bauble compared to Dickens’s eternal, classy classic. But aren’t many seasonal shows?

The back story sees Santa find a stowaway in his sack, who is then raised by elves at the North Pole. We join the ridiculous life journey of Simon Lipkin’s Buddy when he is a big-boned six-foot something travelling by mini iceberg in search of his biological father in New York.

Balancing the schmaltz is the city’s disdain for all things Christmassy, which gives audiences at least something credible to latch on to.

‘Even little children think that Santa’s overrated, I kinda get the feeling that New York is jaded,’ cries Buddy in a second-act big number with a chorus line of disillusioned fake Santas, the big elf’s naïveté now all but melted.

And if Buddy’s publisher father Walter ( Tom Chambers ) turns out to be a Scrooge-like workaholic, his boss is even, well, scroogier.

There is yet more antidote to fatal sentimentality thanks to the knowing score by Matthew Sklar (music) and Chad Beguelin (lyrics), while the feel-good subplot about whether or not Santa actually exists is tackled head-on for doubting children.

Yet more than all this, what keeps Philip McKinley’s New York production – which first arrived on this very stage in 2015 as fresh as newly fallen snow – is British star Lipkin.

This well-known yet underrated musical theatre regular (also the star of the most recent Nativity movie) is just terrific in the decidedly un-elfin title role. Well supported by Georgina Castle’s New York ice queen Jovie, who somewhat inexplicably falls for this lummox’s guileless charm, the immensely likeable Lipkin moves with a grace and agility that belies his size.

He is so good in fact, you don’t miss Ferrell at all.

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ELF The Musical NYC Reviews and Tickets

About the show.

This holiday musical inspired by the beloved 2003 film returns to the Theater at Madison Square Garden for a seasonal run.

In this family-friendly musical comedy, Buddy, a human who was raised as an elf at the North Pole, embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father, discover his true identity, and help the town remember the true meaning of Christmas. This year's production of 'Elf the Musical,' features George Wendt, from the long-running television series 'Cheers,' returning to star as Santa Claus, the role he originated in the Broadway production in 2010.

Show-Score Member Reviews ( 147 )

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See it if you love Christmas and everything about it. Great way to spend the evening with your family and get into holiday spirit.

Don't see it if you don't like kids holidays shows.

See it if you're a Christmas fan and love the movie. This musical version isn't simply cut-and-paste with the songs "shoved in".

Don't see it if you're a grump and don't want to deal with kids in the audience.

See it if You enjoy the movie elf and silly holiday shows. Great for kids!

Don't see it if If you aren’t a fan of movies turned musicals.

See it if You are a fan of the story or enjoy Christmas themes with traditional characters and childish humor.

Don't see it if You prefer more original productions with less childish themes and interesting characters.

See it if You love the movie

Don't see it if They shouldn't made this into stage it's one for the kids

See it if you want a holiday show.

Don't see it if you love the movie. Awful adaptation, changing what made the movie so special. Underwhelming design and poor music. Cast was fine.

See it if you still believe in Christmas and you are sad because people are loosing their Christmas spirit.

Don't see it if your attitude is like a Grinch and you criticize most of their blockings rather than enjoy the spirit of the show

See it if You like light Christmas feel good stories

Don't see it if You didn’t like the movie, You are looking for spectacular music, or you are not into Christmas stories

Critic Reviews (24)

“One of the main themes of 'Elf' is the importance of bringing the Christmas spirit back to a downtrodden, overworked and gloomy population of Americans that we call typical New Yorkers. Well, it does as exactly what it says on the tin, as they say...The upside - and this really knocked my bell-jingling socks off – is the enormous sound system that amplifies the live 16-piece orchestra...Hearing a Broadway score played out so richly at those increased volumes was quite spectacular.” Read more

"'Elf the Musical' is your answer to reveling and rediscovering the Christmas spirit for you and your loved ones...Original songs will fill you with the Christmas spirit and have you humming the songs long after the show is over...Gratton's portrayal of the lovable elf captures an innocence and goofiness that is endearing, with the supporting cast rising to the occasion as well...New and old fans of the classic holiday story will enjoy this musical adaptation." Read more

"'Elf' seemed a little lost onstage, its sets flimsy, its good cheer not quite infectious. In Eric Petersen, it can claim a particularly spirited and winning Buddy…There is generally fine work from everyone else, even the elf chorus, whose members must perform several numbers on their knees...The children in the audience seemed most delighted by a number that climaxed in confetti cannonry." Read more

"Director Sam Scalamoni’s production, with a lot of flat scenery by Christine Peters, is visually chintzy in its renderings of North Pole workshops and Manhattan skylines. It’s hard to describe the performances when the enterprise is so cartoonish; the actors all seem capable, yet they rarely get an opportunity to display much personal appeal...The show might not want to be anything more than a big silly toy, but it doesn’t spin. It’s wound too tight." Read more

"'Elf' is not reinventing the form of the Broadway musical, nor does it have the earthy charm of 'A Christmas Story'...This is not a show that will return you and your brood to a purer holiday era...But if you're looking for a big, glitzy, feel-good downtown show that is a good time, requires no cognitive investment whatsoever, has quite a few decent tunes and comes replete with broad appeal for everyone from 6-year-olds to seniors, 'Elf' likely will exceed your expectations too." Read more

"The book culls the best lines from the movie while also smartly managing to distinguish it as its own entity...The actors have the unenviable task of playing to the massive venue, which, in both look and feel, registers as more of an airplane hanger than the ideal spot for mounting musicals. Yet they do it with assurance, delivering unique and charming performances that, like the material itself, aren't carbon copies of their screen predecessors." Read more

"The creative talents behind the show have got some serious musical theatre chops...Their upbeat, oddball and tuneful concoction has a contemporary attitude that's light on the seasonal sentiment, but heavy on the showbiz fun...This production would be better suited for a smaller venue in a city where there's less competition from slicker holiday entertainments." Read more

"It's bright, it's tinkly, it has snow, it has a curmudgeon who gets his heart warmed, it has hustle and bustle, and Santa. In other words, the creators threw in every Christmas trope they could into the two and a half hour running time...They also keep the character development to a minimum, providing types rather than full-blown characters. The short-hand works, if only because of the simplistic nature of the piece - think a Muppet special, but with people." Read more

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Elf the Musical review – don't come, all ye faithful

Dominion, London Ben Forster sleighs them as Buddy, the Christmas-loving Laplander set down in Manhattan with Girls Aloud’s Kimberley Walsh, but this show doesn’t so much invoke the festive spirit as market it

W hat do you call it when an elf takes a snapshot of himself? An elfie. Where does an elf go shopping for nutritious food? An elf store. Who was was the most famous elf pop-singer of all time? Elfish Presley.

I should make clear these terrible jokes do not appear in this musical version of the much-loved 2003 movie starring Will Ferrell .They are emphatically not the work of Thomas Meehan and Bob Martin, who wrote the show’s book, of Chad Beguelin who did the lyrics or Matthew Sklar who composed the music. The jokes simply popped into my head as a way of diverting myself from the musical’s predictable plot and as a defence mechanism against its carefully calibrated Christmassy charm. I don’t in the least mind having my heartstrings plucked, but I back off when I can see people doing it.

Fans of the movie will know what to expect. As an orphaned baby, Buddy crawled into Santa’s sack and was inadvertently whisked off to the North Pole. Reared as a toy-making elf, the 30-year-old Buddy is now sent back to his native New York. With his honking voice, beaming merriment and pixie costume, he naturally stands out among Gotham’s preoccupied residents. But Buddy gives Walter, his grumpy birth-father, who works for a children’s publishers, a lesson in humanity and restores the spirit of Christmas to a heartless city.

Imagine an early Norman Wisdom movie combined with A Christmas Carol and you get the general picture. But, while there is nothing wrong with the idea of the innocent abroad, the musical offers a curious mix of the naive and the knowing. We are meant to warm to Buddy’s unsophisticated niceness. At the same time, the show is full of insider references to Annie, Billy Crystal and even The Iceman Cometh. There is also something strangely self-regarding about the story. At one point the Scrooge-like Walter faces the sack unless he can come up with an instant bestseller. Needless to say, Buddy saves the day by telling his own story. You can either call that a clever piece of metafiction or a way of patting oneself on the back.

The saving grace for me is Ben Forster, winner of ITV’s talent-spotting Superstar, as Buddy. He bounds through the evening with an anarchic glee that suggests he would be a perfect Puck in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, sings the mostly anodyne songs with total conviction and has the priceless knack of getting on terms with an audience. That gift has sadly not been conferred on Kimberley Walsh who, for all her fame with Girls Aloud, cuts a curiously distant figure as Buddy’s joyless girl-friend, Jovie. But there is staunch support from Joe McGann, who bears an astonishing resemblance to Harold Evans, as the waspish Walter.

The score boasts one really good song, in which a group of department-store Santas bemoan the smartness of modern kids. Otherwise, this is a show that doesn’t so much invoke the spirit of Christmas as market it. And while the musical, efficiently directed and choreographed by Morgan Young, won’t do anyone any harm, I certainly wouldn’t recommend it on the National Elf Service.

• At the Dominion, London , until 2 January. Buy tickets at theguardianboxoffice.com or call on 0330-333 6906.

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Elf The Musical Reviews

Elf The Musical

Average rating based on 10 reviews.

Chicago Tribune- Recommended

"...Since the Equity tour is short-term — nobody wants to see "Elf" in March — it clearly was easier than usual to snag some really stellar talent, from Kevyn Morrow to Julie Kotarides to, the star of the show, Will Blum, who comes to Buddy the Elf from "The Book of Mormon" and who really nails an incredibly difficult role, mostly by building a consistently weird and annoying character and committing to it, come what may."

Chicago Sun Times- Not Recommended

"...The so-sweet-you-need-an-insulin-shot-at-intermission musicalized version of the 2003 film isn't wholly lacking in micro-twinkles of charm. But those elfin-sized moments are dwarfed by the show's facile, unoriginal story, cut-rate production values and relentlessly syrupy simple-mindedness. "Elf," it must be said, is also kind of creepy. This is, after all, the story of a 28-year-old man who behaves and thinks like an 8-year-old. Watching such a person romantically lock lips with a grownup woman? It's weird and icky, to use the technical terms."

Chicago Reader- Recommended

"...In contrast to the soulful, childlike quality supplied by Ferrell, Will Blum gives Buddy the sort of cloying jollity often seen on kids' TV shows. Sam Scalamoni's staging likewise employs artificial sweeteners as a substitute for true feeling whenever possible, from the supporting cast's energetic overplaying to Matthew Sklar's relentlessly peppy score. You may as well take a bath in high-fructose corn syrup."

Centerstage- Highly Recommended

"...While this story may not have the emotional impact of “It’s a Wonderful Life” or “A Christmas Carol,” it overflows with heart and humor. With a book by Thomas Meehan (“Annie”) and Bob Martin (“The Drowsy Chaperone”) and a catchy score (by “The Wedding Singer’s” Matthew Sklar, lyrics by Chad Beguelin) featuring that old-fashioned Broadway sound, this show won’t set new standards but it accomplishes exactly what it’s meant to do. It offers a charming, funny, colorful, eye-popping family holiday entertainment that every youngster will enjoy along with his parents. Will Blum is completely captivating as Buddy; Broadway veterans Larry Cahn, Julia Louise Hosack and young Noah Marlowe are spot-on as his new family, and Lindsay Nicole Chambers’ Jovie is simply captivating. Ken Clement and Laurent Giroux are sensational as Santa and the villainous Greenway. This terrific musical is the perfect holiday family entertainment."

Time Out Chicago- Recommended

"...the musical mostly avoids disappointment, travelling in the range between benign and fairly charming. Basing their work on the 2003 movie in which Santa's most enthusiastic and overgrown elf, played by Will Ferrell, learns he's really a human orphan and goes in search of his family, book writers Thomas Meehan (The Producers, Annie) and Bob Martin (The Drowsy Chaperone) go only slightly goopier than the film in pursuit of holiday good cheer."

ShowBizChicago- Recommended

"...For the current tour the winsome Will Blum dons the green tights and creates an instant repore the audience, adults and children alike. In fact for an audience dominated by the young, there was nary an inappropriate sound throughout the theatre for the entire show. All of the major leads in this equity tour are first rate including Julia Louise Hosack as Buddy's step-mom, whose amazing alto voice is thrilling to listen to; Lindsay Nicole Chambers brings a Kathy Griffin quality to Buddy's love interest Jovie.; Larry Cahn gives a well rounded portrait of a father whose priorities have gone astray; and young Noah Marlow gives a outstanding performance as Buddy's half brother Michael."

Let's Play at ChicagoNow- Recommended

"...If you loved Will Ferrell in the movie ELF, you will like this musical version of the film.    Will Blum (Buddy) mimics Ferrell’s iconic role.  The story is about a human raised at the North Pole that returns to New York in his quest to find his dad.  The movie boasts the personality greats of Ferrell, Bob Newhart, and James Caan.  And even with additional star-studded supporting cast, the movie really came down to Ferrell.  The lanky comedian owned those green tights.  Although Blum delivers spritely spirit in song and dance, he can’t quite match Ferrell’s dazzling performance."

Around The Town Chicago- Somewhat Recommended

"...It is not very often that one can transform a solid entertainment for the family from film to a live staged musical, and have it be as strong as the original. In particular one that had all the warmth and charm of "Elf", that 2003 "beloved" film that made Will Ferrell a little more special, and where Bob Newhart won the hearts of a whole new generation. The stage version, that is now on the stage at The Cadillac Palace Theatre ,as part of the Broadway In Chicago season, is a festive and cute holiday entertainment, and although the star,Will Blum is very close to Ferrell ( and possibly a little Seth Rogen and Conan Obrien mixed in) the musical version falls a little flat."

Splash Magazine- Recommended

"...The acting here is also top notch with Will Blum cast well as an eternally happy elf-man lost in the big city. Although his performance is not going to make you forget about Will Ferrell, his charm is contagious and plays well off the cynical projecting Lindsay Nicole Chambers (as Buddy's love interest Jovie). Veteran actor Larry Cahn also delivers a stand out performance as Buddy's gruff, work obsessed father Walter. Whereas other national tours feature performers straight out of college, Elf is a collection of cast members who definitely know there way around the stage."

Elf the Musical Review Round Up, Dominion Theatre London 2022

We take a look at what the reviewers thought of Elf the Musical starring Simon Lipkin, Georgina Castle and Tom Chambers which is now playing at the Dominion Theatre, London.

Elf the Musical is now playing at The Dominion Theatre, London until 7 January 2023. Here’s what critics thought of this production which stars Simon Lipkin as Buddy the Elf.

BOOK ELF THE MUSICAL TICKETS HERE

The stage adaptation of the beloved Will Ferrell film bounds joyously back into town

‘Elf the Musical’ rolls back into the West End with the same blunt-force charm as Buddy, its star. The last time this production was at the Dominion Theatre, in 2015, it was the venue’s fastest-selling show in nearly a century. It’d be a huuuge surprise if it’s not a success this time either.

This show lives or dies depending on its Buddy. Thankfully, Simon Lipkin knocks it out of the park.

Tom Wicker – Time Out 4 Stars

Pure feel-good joy with just enough Christmas schmaltz!

what keeps Philip McKinley’s New York production – which first arrived on this very stage in 2015 as fresh as newly fallen snow – is British star Lipkin.

This well-known yet underrated musical theatre regular (also the star of the most recent Nativity movie) is just terrific in the decidedly un-elfin title role. Well supported by Georgina Castle’s New York ice queen Jovie, who somewhat inexplicably falls for this lummox’s guileless charm, the immensely likeable Lipkin moves with a grace and agility that belies his size.

He is so good in fact, you don’t miss Ferrell at all.

John Nathan – Metro 4 Stars

Who needs Will Ferrell? This show is a real cracker!

The 2003 film Elf is an established seasonal favourite and, inevitably, audiences will have Will Ferrell lodged in their heads when they think of Santa’s hapless ‘little’ helper Buddy.

Thankfully, Simon Lipkin in Elf The Musical overcomes any comparisons (and a dreadful wig) to make a convincing lead.

Philip McKinley’s classy revival — the scenes in Macy’s look particularly gorgeous in Tim Goodchild’s design — has some rousing song-and-dance numbers (the book is by Thomas Meehan and Bob Martin, with songs by Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin, choreography by Liam Steel).

Veronica Lee – Daily Mail 3 Stars

This musical adaptation of the Will Ferrell movie is infectiously upbeat and a riot of colour, comedy and Christmas magic.

Paul Vale – The Stage 3 Stars

Buddy’s back with some syrupy showtunes.

Despite some appealing performances and a tight candy-cane-twirling ensemble, it comes close to the blandly corporate Christmas experience it sets out to satirise and doesn’t muster a lot more joy than the kind of department store grotto in its story.

Chris Wiegand – The Guardian 2 Stars

This is an Elf warning: Elf the Musical isn’t very good. It jettisons most of what is sly and subtle about the sublime 2003 Christmas film on which it’s based, in favour of sappy sentiment and bland songs.

Nick Curtis – Evening Standard 2 Stars

Douglas Mayo has had a life long love affair with musical theatre. He has authored several books on publicity and marketing for amateur theatre groups. He is in the process of developing a musical based on his original story concept.

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Review of Elf The Musical at the Dominion Theatre

November 18, 2015 Last updated: May 8, 2019 3:16 pm By Chris Omaweng

The role of Buddy is completely inhabited by Ben Forster, the show’s hyperactive tour de force. Not so much likeable as loveable, Forster’s Buddy is endearing even when he is inadvertently wreaking havoc – undeniably, the complete lack of malicious intent almost guarantees his continued approval on the audience’s part throughout. A highly energetic character, he is missed when off-stage, and we’re left with characters that don’t achieve a similarly strong rapport with the audience. I realise this may be very deliberate, and at times probably helps to justify Buddy’s existence at all at certain points in the narrative.

There’s a decent mixture of tunes, played by an impeccable orchestra, led by Stuart Morley, who seems to like the Dominion Theatre : he was musical director for a number of years for We Will Rock You in the same venue. The song ‘I’ll Believe In You’ follows in the footsteps of Billy Elliot the Musical  and Made in Dagenham in lyricizing the words of a poignant and deeply emotionally charged letter – just in case anyone was wondering if it was all jingle bells and glamour. And then there was ‘Nobody Cares About Santa’, where the children of today are derided for not paying nearly as much attention to shopping centre Santas as the children of yesteryear.

Aside from that, though, the songs are not particularly memorable, even if there is something quite  Mary Poppins -esque in Buddy extolling the virtues of making even the most mundane of tasks seem fun – through song. But mostly it is, as The Pajama Game would put it, “all going in one ear, and out the other”. If I’m referencing a lot of other names and shows , it’s only because Elf does so itself, with mentions of The Ice Man Cometh, Billy Crystal and Miracle on 34th Street.

I found it odd that Kimberley Walsh as Jovie could have thousands enraptured in a previous incarnation as a member of the popular music group Girls Aloud, but seemed a little unengaging and detached here. There are, though, stand out performances in both Joe McGann’s Walter and Jennie Dale’s Deb, the former’s ever-confident nature and the latter’s playful and bubbly persona both always welcome.

Elf isn’t for everyone. A few audience members walked out well before the interval, and still others did not return for Act Two. At times the show comes across as not quite big enough to fill the large Dominion stage space. A few musical numbers seemed to be there as fillers to help the show reach its 10.00pm finish. Some of the narrative is too predictable, and other parts of it too implausible. But in the mix of various protagonists and antagonists, it’s pleasing to see it’s more sophisticated than a simplistic ‘good’ meaning ‘very, very good’ and ‘bad’ meaning ‘horrid’.

There are enough jokes and punchlines to entertain the mums and dads – and other big people in the audience clearly obsessed by any and all things Christmas. It doesn’t quite reach the incredible heights that would justify those infamous premium seat prices (you could always write a letter to Santa requesting tickets to Elf…), but it’s very pleasant nonetheless. I would recommend it to those who would like a seasonal show but without the audience participation and near-anarchy of a panto.

Review by Chris Omaweng

ELF is the hilarious tale of Buddy, a young orphan child who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported back to the North Pole. Unaware that he is actually human, Buddy’s enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father, discover his true identity, and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas.

Elf The Musical Dominion Theatre 268-269 Tottenham Court Road, London, W1T 7AQ 24th October 2015 – 2nd January 2016 Monday – Saturday 7.30pm Wednesday & Saturday 2.30pm

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Theatre Review: ‘Elf The Musical’ at Toby’s Dinner Theatre

Waiting breathlessly for live theatre? Well, wait no longer, Toby’s Dinner Theatre is fully open with its imaginative production of “Elf The Musical.” The book is by Thomas Meehan and Bob Martin, with music by Matthew Sklar and lyrics by Chad Beguelin. The production is directed and choreographed by Mark Minnick, under the artistic direction of Toby Orenstein. It was originally set to open November 6, 2020 and run through the holiday season.  Opening this summer, however, allows audiences to celebrate Christmas in July and helps us to forget the heat. “Elf The Musical” is great fun no matter what time of year.

The musical is adapted from the movie “Elf” starring Will Ferrell. The musical farce played on Broadway during the holiday seasons of 2010-11 and 2011-12. It later played in London’s West End in 2015-16, as well as having several touring productions.

The plot follows much of the movie. Buddy Hobbs, (Jeffrey Shankle), a young orphan, climbed in Santa’s (DeCarlo J. Raspberry) bag of gifts and wound up in the North Pole where he was raised by Santa and Mrs. Claus (Kalen Robinson) and their elves. He grows up to find he is really human and goes back to New York to find his real father. Buddy meets his real father, Walter (David Bosley-Reynolds) and his son, Michael (Luka Van Herksen). (Note: Michael Hobbs is played by Van Herksen alternating with Patrick Ford and Cato Huza.) In the musical version, Santa is the narrator and the show updates the story a little. Santa now has a cell phone and an iPad and his sleigh is not guided by reindeer due to protests by PETA.

“Elf The Musical” is a great way to spend a warm summer night.  It recalls the joys of the holiday season and being with those we love — things we all missed during this past year. It also brings back the thrill of live theatre. 

Shankle makes a perfect Buddy the Elf. His wonderful voice — especially in his solo, “World’s Greatest Dad” and in other numbers with his fellow cast members — helps create the joy of the show. Shankle displays his versatility as a performer by making this extremely naïve adult believable.

Raspberry also never gives a disappointing performance. As Santa and the manager at Macy’s, his rich modulations remind me how much I missed live, musical theatre. Raspberry and Shankle open the show with “Happy All the Time,” and we know right away we are in for a treat. In the number, “Nobody Cares about Santa Claus,” Raspberry, in his role as the manager, along with Buddy and the Fake Santas (Justin Calhoun, David James, Shane Lowry, and AJ Whittenberger), perform one of those great ensemble numbers that we all count on from Toby’s.

MaryKate Brouillet is Buddy’s love interest, Jovie, a pretty Macy’s employee he meets while working there. Brouillet’s vocal, “Never Fall in Love (With an Elf)” is both tender and funny. Brouillet turns in an excellent performance.

As Buddy’s family, Bosley-Reynolds give another standout performance as the dad to both Buddy and Michael (Luka Van Herksen), as does Janine Sunday as his wife, Emily. I particularly like her in the number, “In the Way,” with Kalen Robinson (as Deb), Sunday and Van Herksen. I also really enjoyed Sunday and Van Herksen in ‘I’ll Believe in You” and in Act II, ‘”There is a Santa Claus.” There is great warmth between the mother and young son who have been abandoned by Walter, a workaholic. 

Robinson brings a zest to her roles as Deb and Mrs. Santa. Whenever she performs, she brightens the stage and has a spectacular vocal range.

Lowry and Calhoun stand out as the beleaguered employees of Walter Hobbs, Chadwick, and Matthews. The rest of the fine cast include James as Mr. Greenway/Charlie, Alexis Krey as Tiara, Crystal Freeman as Macy’s Saleswoman, Whittenberger as Jim/Boy, and Patricia Targete as Charlotte/Waitress. All are part of the ensemble which includes playing Santa’s elves in that delightful opening. 

Minnick’s direction and choreography are top notch. He grabs us with “Happy All the Time,” using ingenious elf carts and the jolly Christmas tune, “Sparklejollytwinklejingly.” The dancing and direction in “Nobody Cares About Santa Claus” is a reason to hurry back from intermission.

The music that night was astutely led by the conductor, Nathan Scavilla. Ross Scott Rawlings’ musical direction and orchestrations are flawless. Thanks goes to John Pantazis for sound design. The music never overwhelms the theatre but blends with the singing and dancing.

The scenic and lighting design is by David A. Hopkins (who also provides some special sound effects). The design is clever and conveys the warmth of the season from the time you enter the theatre to the time you leave. The elves’ carts are technical masterpieces — and watch out for that flying sleigh! Janine Sunday not only gives a fine performance, but is the costume coordinator. This show has many unusual costumes, elves and Santas for example.  It also takes place in the winter.  So, coats, hats and boots are all there and look wonderful on-stage, including some “ice skates.” (The costumes are based on the original design of Gregg Barnes, but Sunday’s touch, especially the quick changes, is unmistakable.) The transitions from Christmastown in the North Pole, to Macy’s, to the Tavern on the Green in Central Park, plus several other locales, are made seamlessly and allow us to accept the often hard to believe plot of the show via the talents of Hopkins and Sunday.

“Elf The Musical” is a great way to spend a warm summer night. It recalls the joys of the holiday season and being with those we love — things we all missed during this past year. It also brings back the thrill of live theatre. The beaming faces of the children and the smiles of the audience reminds us of how glad we are to be back at Toby’s watching another wonderful production.

Time: 2 hours and 15 minutes with a 20 minute intermission.

“Elf The Musical” runs until August 22, 2021 at Toby’s Diner Theatre at 5900 Symphony Woods Road, Columbia Maryland. For tickets go to this link . Toby’s is now serving its traditional buffet before the show. Staff members continue to wear masks for your protection. However, other restrictions have been lifted as per the governor’s orders.

Toby’s Dinner Theatre’s next production will be “Godspell” opening August 27, 2021.

Theatre Review: ‘Talk Radio’ presented by Vagabond Players, Inc.

Theatre Review: ‘After Midnight’ presented by Signature Theatre

About the author, susan brall.

Ms. Brall is a graduate of the City College of New York with a B.A. in Theater. She has an M.A. in Theater from the State University of New York in Binghamton with a concentration in Directing. Growing up in New York City gave her a chance to see many Broadway and Off-Broadway productions. After college she worked as a Recreational Therapist and Activities Director. In that capacity she edited several house newsletters. Although not directly employed in Theater, Ms. Brall worked in community theater in this area as well as New Jersey and central Pennsylvania as a director, assistant director, stage manager and other behind the scenes jobs. She also served as president of the former Columbia Community Players. Ms. Brall also lectures on theatre at a senior center.

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Elf The Musical in Boston with George Wendt [Review]

It wouldn’t be Christmas in Boston without the arrival of a family-friendly holiday-themed theater experience. This year, it’s Elf The Musical, and we’ve been offered tickets for review, plus a giveaway for a lucky family (see below). I have a confession: I have never seen Elf the movie. Nope. Not once. I went into this one blind, but I thought the kids would really enjoy it and I was right. We all enjoyed ourselves and it was a great time out as a family getting into the holiday spirit.

If you haven’t seen Elf, either, here’s a little description of the plot:

ELF The Musical is the hilarious tale of Buddy, a young orphan child who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported back to the North Pole. Unaware that he is actually human, Buddy’s enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father, discover his true identity, and help New York remember their inner ELF.

George Wendt (Norm, of Cheers fame, among plenty of other roles) is returning to the tour playing the jolly old elf (he was the original Santa on Broadway in 2010), and I was excited to see him in the role. He didn’t disappoint! The musical also features Erik Gratton (Buddy), Bernard Dotson (Store Manager), Cynthia Ferrer (Emily), Veronica J. Kuehn (Jovie), Trey Middleton (Michael), Ruth Pferdehirt (Deb), Christopher M. Russo (Walter), Danny Rutigliano (Mr. Greenway) and Ken Clement (Santa Standby).  The cast also includes  Darren  Biggart, Allyson Carr, Allyson Kaye Daniel, Paul Ianniello, Eric Anthony Johnson, Chandon Jones, Drew King, Andrew Kruep, Emily Larger, Eric Jon Mahlum, Frankie Paparone, Emily Jeanne Phillips, Shaun Repetto, Wyatt Rogers, Morgan Rose and Emily Grace Tucker.

Elf The Musical for Families

There are a few things I think families should know about Elf The Musical. First off, the sets are gorgeous. They are bright and bold and colorful. Each time they revealed a new set, the little girl behind me squealed with delight. The story is silly and fun and the music is catchy.

All that said, I had a few moments that made me cringe for people with really littles in the audience. There’s some mild language – friggin’ and bitchy come to mind – and quite a bit of innuendo that most kids will miss. The story relies very heavily on the premise that no one believes in Santa Claus. This is a huge pet peeve of mine in Christmas stories, but I thought it was particularly over the top in this case. If kids aren’t questioning, they may be before things are done. Sure, in the end (spoiler alert!), everyone becomes a believer, but I’m not sure it’s enough to make up for all of the eye-rolling and snarking about Santa beforehand.

My kids are tweens, so most of this didn’t bother me. My youngest is still a believer, though, and so I was pretty uncomfortable with how much anti-belief talk went on. It’s just something to keep in mind before you plan to go. We definitely would recommend it and it’s hard to find something that we ALL enjoy, so Elf The Musical was a big win in that regard. But I am a believer in knowing what you’re getting yourself into!

Get Tickets to Elf The Musical

Performances of Elf The Musical are Tuesday, November 28 through Sunday, December 10: Tuesday through Saturday evenings at 7:00 pm, Sunday evenings at 6:00 pm, with matinees on Saturdays at 2:00 pm and Sundays at 1:00 pm. Tickets prices begin at $37.50 and are on sale now at the Boch Center Box Office, Bochcenter.org, by calling (800) 982-ARTS (2787), and via Ticketmaster. Groups of 10 or more may reserve tickets now by contacting Boch Center Group Sales at (617) 532-1116 or [email protected].

Disclosure: We received tickets for review purposes. Giveaway tickets are provided by the giveaway sponsor. There was no other compensation provided and all opinions are our own. 

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17 Responses to Elf The Musical in Boston with George Wendt [Review]

Decorating the tree… doesn’t feel like Christmas until the tree is up!!!

My favorite holiday tradition is decorating the tree and home with the kids.

I love the movie so much!

I like Christmas movies most.

Putting up the tree with my family!!!

Decorating the tree for sure! I love looking at all the ornaments and thinking about the memories associated with them!

Decorating the tree…I love thinking about the memories from all the ornaments.

I love decorating a gingerbread house each year with my family.

Making over 109 dozen Christmas cookies!

The tree is a big one and all the lights :)

We have a few. One of my favorites is going to the Enchanted village at Jordan’s Furniture.

Stockings! My MIL stuffs all the stockings and Christmas morning, we usually unwrap all the individually wrapped items and have a good laugh together.

We go to the enchanted village every year!

decorating!

I love baking cookies with my family!

I do a Christmas Yankee swap with in-laws on Christmas Eve! So much fun!

Skating on Frog Pond!

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