By Allison Klamkin
Odyssey If you aren't already in the Christmas spirit, and let's face it, many of you are, you certainly will be after seeing "Elf: The Musical"
Based on the 2003 movie of the same name, "Elf" follows the story of Buddy, a would-be-elf who has lived his whole life making toys in Santa's workshop on the North Pole. After 30 years, Buddy has grown to twice the size of the rest of the elves and Santa has to break the truth to him: Buddy is a human. He crawled into Santa's sack as an infant and was adopted by the elves as one of their own.
Santa sends Buddy to look for his father, Walter Hobbs, in New York City, and to potentially take Walter off the Naughty List. Buddy heads to New York to find his father and become a part of his new family, but first he must convince himself that he is, in fact, human.
In this musical adaptation, Sebastian Arcelus takes on the iconic role of Buddy, played in the film by comedian Will Ferrell. Buddy is a far cry from Arcelus' past roles as rocker Roger in "Rent," and songwriter Bob Gaudio in "Jersey Boys," but he steps into the role with ease. Arcelus is a joy to watch on stage and has a child-like demeanor that wins over the audience.
Mark Jacoby is Walter Hobbs, Buddy's human father who had no idea that Buddy was ever born. Hobbs is a workaholic who never seems to have time for his wife Emily (Beth Leavel) and son Michael (Matthew Gumley). Jacoby, Leavel and Gumley are all excellent in their roles – Jacoby as the overworked, stressed out father, Leavel and as his wife and Gumley son. Their one wish for Christmas is to spend more time with Hobbs.
Michael Mandell is hysterical as the Macy's manager who tries to convince Buddy that he is not at the North Pole when he walks into the store. Amy Spanger wins over the audience as Jovie, a recent transplant to New York from Los Angeles who works as a Christmas elf at Macy's and whom Buddy falls in love with, and ultimately marries.
George Wendt is perfectly cast as Santa Claus, the big guy in the red suit, who also acts as the story's narrator, filling the audience in on Buddy's life story. The ensemble, while small, plays many roles – jaded New Yorkers, Walter's office staff, Macy's elves and the elves at the North Pole.
Director and choreographer Casey Nicholaw ("The Drowsy Chaperone," "Spamalot") does a wonderful job bringing Buddy's world to life with creative staging (especially at the North Pole when the elves must appear smaller than Buddy) and lively choreography. Book writers Thomas Meehan ("Annie") and Bob Martin ("The Drowsy Chaperone") stick closely to the film's script, but throw in pop culture and various musical theatre references. Santa, for instance, stores his naughty and nice lists in his brand new iPad, while Buddy, upon finding out that he is a human and an orphan, compares himself to Little Orphan Annie. The music by Matthew Sklar and lyrics by Chad Beguelin, both of "The Wedding Singer," is memorable and really moves the story along, and is completely original, featuring all new songs composed especially for the production.
While "Elf" may not be the next Tony Award-winner for Best Musical, it certainly provides a fun and entertaining night at the theatre. Filled with fun musical numbers, colorful costumes and sets and a talented cast, you can't help but leave the theatre filled with the Christmas spirit.
"Elf" began previews at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre on November 2 and is slated to open on November 14 with a limited run through January 2.