One of the most enjoyable aspects of the holiday season on Broadway is the limited run festive productions we get to see to add some Christmas cheer to our theatre-going lives. This year’s entry (make sure you check out my thoughts on the annual Rockettes Spectacular here) is the revival of Elf: The Musical at the Marriott Marquis on Broadway. It’s a high energy comedy the whole family will enjoy and a great way to get some holiday cheer if you’re feeling a little blue.

Elf: The Musical is based on the popular 2003 film starring Will Farrell about a human who is raised as an elf who comes to New York City to find his long-lost (naughty listed) father Walter. I love fish-out-of-water comedies and Elf works as a film because the innocent and sweet antics of Buddy are in such contrast to the cynicism of New York and particular business world New York. Bob Martin and Thomas Meehan have captured this energy in their book adaptation and created something that makes it hard to not find endearing.

There are some mild changes from the film such as Buddy doesn’t have an elf father figure outside of Santa and the incredible author is talked about rather than seen (he’s played by Peter Dinklage in the movie.) However, most of the funny lines are kept from the film and certainly the overall tone and appeal of the character remain in tact.

At the Marquis revival Buddy is played by Grey Henson with the child-like energy you want for the character. Michael Hayden is appropriately gruff as his dad Walter and Ashley Brown and Kai Edgar steal the show as his new stepmom and stepbrother (one of my favorite musical moments is their song “There is a Santa Claus.) The big star performance comes with Sean Astin as Santa Claus and the boss Mr Greenway. Since Santa is off-stage for most of the production it makes sense to use the cast as much as possible and he is a lot of fun in both roles. One can easily see he’s having a great time with the production and that positive energy is what is needed for a show like this.

My favorite number of this production of Elf: the Musical is when the beleaguered mall Santas sing “Nobody Cares About Santa.” The choreography by Liam Steel in this song is charming and it’s a catchy tune by Matthew Sklar (music) and Chad Beguelin (lyrics.) This is also one of my favorite set designs of the night with the Santas eating at a Chinese restaurant, which is of course open on Christmas Eve.

Speaking of the songs most of the other songs by Sklar and Beguelin are fine but on the generic side. Like most Broadway shows it could definitely use a good trim as songs like “I’ll Believe in You” and “A Christmas Song” are pretty basic. Director Philip Wm. McKinley has also not done anything to make the production stand out as far as staging or setpieces. It’s all fine but I’ve seen local productions (one here at Hale Center Theatre Sandy last year) with more sumptuous sets and a more magical North Pole presence (when you think about it should the Chinese restaurant set be the most impressive part of this show?) It was, however, interesting to see what a difference the live orchestra makes as I’ve only seen it with a pre-recorded track.

Nevertheless, if a festive family offering is what you are looking for this holiday season Elf: The Musical at the Marriott Marquis will more than satisfy. It’s positive and hopeful with lots of good laughs for all to enjoy. If near Broadway this Christmas I say give “The Story of Buddy the Elf” a try. It is playing through January 4th and tickets can be purchased here.

Also if you’ve never seen it I recommend the stop motion film they made off the musical a few years ago. It’s very charming. You can purchase it here (ad)

PS. This is the first time I’ve ever reviewed a musical on Broadway as a critic. Very surreal and exciting for me. Thanks for the opportunity!

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