Sparklejollytwinklejingley

Elf, the Musical

Are you looking for a holiday musical that’s a perfect fit for your entire family? A show that leaves you giddy because it overflows with Christmas Spirit? A play that’s fresh and full of life, as well as a sweet theatrical bon bon that’s as bright and colorful as the lights on a Christmas tree? Well, you’re in luck. In Chicago for only two joyful weeks, “The Story of Buddy the Elf” brings optimism, good cheer and happy holiday spirit to the Windy City. This is a marvelous musical that’s funny, surprisingly stirring and, as Buddy sings, absolutely “Sparklejollytwinklejingley.”

Based upon “Elf,” the 2003 movie that starred Will Ferrell, this heartwarming Christmas classic, adapted for the stage, overflows with heart and humor. This theatrical musical boasts a book co-written by the late, great Tony Award-winner, Thomas Meehan (ANNIE, HAIRSPRAY) and Bob Martin (THE PROM, THE DROWSY CHAPERONE), and offers a catchy score by Matthew Sklar and lyrics by  Chad Beguelin (THE WEDDING SINGER, THE PROM)). This 2010 Broadway musical has that great, old-fashioned look and sound. Like the film, the stage version tells how Buddy, an orphaned human, was raised by elves at the North Pole. Buddy quickly became an enthusiastic, if  somewhat bumbling, toymaker in Santa’s workshop. However, after he learns that his real father lives in New York City, Buddy is urged by Santa Claus to head south to meet his human family.

Like a fish out of water, Buddy finds urban Manhattan incredibly overwhelming, especially after his rural, idyllic formative years in Christmas Town. Buddy discovers that his dad, Walter Hobbs, is a bitter, frustrated workaholic in children’s publishing. Emily and Michael, Buddy’s stepmom and young stepbrother, even share some of Walter’s cynicism, especially during the hectic holidays. 

At Macy’s Toy Department, where Buddy soon finds himself, he employs his creativity to help the staff decorate the store, to “the Big Man’s” specifications. Buddy finds the Macy’s employees are in dire need of an attitude adjustment, particularly Jovie, a lovely, but standoffish salesgirl with a snarky disposition. For some reason, she both attracts Buddy and offers a challenge to his dose of unswerving Christmas Cheer. But in the tradition of all the best holiday stories, Buddy inspires everyone to believe in Santa Claus, including New York’s most cynical citizens.

This beguiling musical accomplishes everything it sets out to do. It offers a charming, funny, eye-popping holiday entertainment that youngsters will enjoy along with their parents. The score offers such delicious ditties as the opulent opening number, “Happy All the Time,” the ditzy “Sparklejollytwinklejingley,” the beautiful “A Christmas Song,” Jovie’s jazzy judgmental “Never Fall in Love,” and the ear-worm tune that’ll haunt theatergoers, “The Story of Buddy the Elf.”

Staged and guided with energy and imagination by Broadway Director Philip Wm. McKinley (ELF, THE BOY FROM OZ), this new National Tour stars Jack Ducat as Buddy. Here is a new, charismatic and gifted young actor, who’s making his National  Tour debut. He’s wonderful as wide-eyed, optimistic Buddy the Elf. Mr. Ducat absolutely owns the stage in this big, splashy musical comedy. An actor to watch, he has the ability to both break our hearts, while making us laugh with his skillful comic timing. And Jack Ducat sings with so much pluck, power and musical perfection, plus he’s also a talented dancer, as well. Jack Ducat is truly one of the strongest reasons to see this show.

But wait—there’s more, much more! Jeff Brooks (the National Tours of DEAR EVAN HANSON and CHICAGO) is spot-on as Walter Hobbs, the harried head of Buddy’s new human family. He’s the epitome of the Manhattan workaholic, trying to cope with problems in the publishing world while trying to meet a holiday deadline. And a lovely powerhouse vocalist, Yara Martin is the perfect Manhattan mom as Emily Hobbs, Buddy’s loving, but skeptical, stepmother. But, for me, the real standout 

actor/singer of this family is uber talented young Camden Kwok, previously seen as Michael, in the National Tour of PETER PAN. As Buddy’s lovable 9-year-old stepbrother, Michael Hobbs, this little guy possesses so much polish and professional pizz zazz that belies his youth. Ryan Duck, who can be seen in the ensemble, plays the role at select performances.

Jovie, Buddy’s romantic interest, is outstanding in the hands of gifted actress/singer, Felicia Martis. This lovely young actress has a bright smile that could light up the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree. Not only does Ms. Martis play her role with genuineness, grit and grace, she can belt out a song like nobody’s business. Audiences may have enjoyed her in the National Tour of AIN’T TOO PROUD. Hilarious Katelyn Lauria, also making her National Tour debut, gets to show off her triple threat skills playing Deb, Walter Hobbs’ Jack-of-all-trades office manager. And Andrew Hendrick is sensational, both as Santa Claus and the hard-hearted and merciless Mr. Greenway. And seen in the National Tours of HADESTOWN and TINA, THE MUSICAL, Darius J. Manuel is truly hilarious and high-spirited, as both the Hot Dog Vendor and the flustered Manager of Macy’s Toy Department.

This National Tour is magnificently Directed Musically and Conducted by Charlie Yokom, keeping the beat with his polished, seven-member pit orchestra. The production is Choreographed with style and artistry by Liam Steel. The production features a multitalented ensemble of actor/singer/dancers who continually keep the production in constant motion. Set against a brilliantly chromatic Scenic Design by Tim Goodchild, who also Designed all the beautifully vibrant costumes, the look is enhanced by inventive Hair & Wig Design by Sam Cox. A colorful and ever-changing Video Design by Ian William Galloway adds so much to this entire production, which sparkles under Patrick Woodruffe’s creative Lighting Design.

ELF, THE MUSICAL is a magical production that’s suitable for the entire family. It offers likable characters, hummable songs, eye-popping visuals and humor that both kids and adults will appreciate. Director Philip Wm. McKinley proves to be an expert in mining every moment of humor from a script, while also emphasizing moments of heartwarming love and charm. With a talented cast headed up by the winning and wonderful Jack Ducat, who’s joined by a gifted ensemble of supportive triple-threats, Chicago has been given a genuine, glittering gift that’s especially Sparklejollytwinklejingley.  

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented December 2-14 by Broadway in Chicago at the Auditorium Theatre, 50 Ida B. Wells Dr., Chicago.

Tickets are available at the Auditorium Theatre Box Office, by calling 800-775-2000 or by going to www.auditoriumtheatre.org.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.