Crossroads Live North America and Temple Live Entertainment North America, along with Broadway in Chicago, present ELF THE MUSICAL.
In 2003, Will Ferrell introduced the world to Buddy, an oversized, chronically smiling, Christmas-loving elf. In the heartwarming New Line Cinema film written by David Berenbaum, Buddy finds out he is a human. He decides to leave the North Pole and head for NYC to meet his real father, who is on Santa’s Naughty List. ELF instantly became a holiday cult-classic movie with the irrepressible, yellow-tight-wearing Ferrell forever tied to infectious Christmas spirit.
Jack Ducat (Buddy) has some big-pointy shoes to fill in this staged production based on the film. And he candy (cane) crushes it! Ducat delights as an elf assimilating into a cynical world of non-believers. The creative team of Thomas Meehan (book), Bob Martin (book), Matthew Sklar (music) and Chad Beguelin (lyric) impressively transform the movie to a live performance. Meehan and Martin do a great job of preserving favorite movie quotes about smiling, syrup and narwals. Nod out to Conductor Charlie Yokom for his unexpected cameo. Meehan and Martin also streamline the storytelling to make room for multiple Sparklejollytwinklejingley musical numbers by Sklar, Beguelin and Choreographer Liam Steel.
The singing and dancing level up Buddy’s story to optimal merriment and amusement. The show starts with the North Pole elves -not to be confused with the department store elves- singing and dancing to “Happy All the Time.” Scenic and Costume Designer Tim Goodchild has cleverly dressed the elves to give the illusion of being shorter. The ensemble dance the first vigorous number on their knees… and smiling. The combo of caped outfits and Steel’s movements dazzle and captivate. I’m blown away by the ensemble kneeling into the dance.
The show is full of holiday-inspired spectacle. The ensemble jigs it up as office workers, store elves and fake Santas in multiple upbeat numbers. The music, lyrics and dance generate a festive vibe. Adding to the fun, an effervescent Katelyn Lauria (Deb) and hilarious Darius J. Manuel (Store Manager) bring extra oomph and personality in their supportive roles.
At the heart of ELF is family reunification. Through an innocence born of growing up on the Nice List, Ducat gives off a sweet, endearing quality that makes him truly likable. There is a cute scene where between Ducat’s arrest and release to his father, the police become besties to Buddy! Although Jeff Brooks (Walter) takes longer to warm up to him, Yara Martin (Emily) and Camden Kwok (Michael) embrace Ducat into the family. Martin and Kwok are charming as mother and son converting to believers. Their bond feels legit as they beautifully sing “I’ll Believe in You” and later “There is a Santa Claus.” And although her part seems pared down from the movie, Felicia Martis (Jovie) does get a solo in “Never Fall in Love (with an elf).” Martis enchants in the wistful ballad.
In addition, ELF’s video designs by Ian William Galloway are vivid and often dimensional. Initially, I was bemused by the North Pole backdrop that had a large door cut out of it. It was distracting and cheap looking as Ducat paddles to warmer waters. Later, I realized Galloway and Goodchild used that cut-out for additional dimension on different visual landscapes like skyscrapers and elevators. The effect was mesmerizing. It’s some of the best video designs I’ve seen on stages. Kudos to Galloway!
ELF THE MUSICAL is a guaranteed good time. It’s fun for the whole family. And it’s a timely reminder to be nice not naughty at this time of the year… and always.
Running Time: Two hours and fifty minutes includes an intermission
At Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive
Based on the New Line Cinema film written by David Berenbaum
Book by Thomas Meehan and Bob Martin
Music by Matthew Sklar
Lyrics by Chad Beguelin
Choreography by Liam Steel
Directed by Philip Wm. McKinley
Performances are:
Wednesday at 1pm
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays at 7pm
Saturdays at 2pm and 7:30pm
Sundays at 1pm and 6:30pm
Thru December 14
For more information or tickets
Production photos by Evan Zimmerman for Murphymade
For more Chicago theatre information and reviews, please visit Theatre in Chicago
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