By Amy Baird
Relive the excitement of the holiday classic movie Elf and prepare for holidays by enjoying the laugh-out-loud production of Elf the Musical at the SCERA Center for the Arts in Orem, Utah. Based on the 2003 film Elf from New Line Cinema starring Will Ferrell, it was adapted for the stage by Thomas Meehan and Bob Martin with songs by Mathew Sklar and Chad Beguelin. The musical premiered at Hirschfeld Theatre on Broadway in 2010. It is the classic family favorite reimagined with endearing musical numbers.
The play follows the story of Buddy the abnormally large elf, who discovers that he was adopted and is actually a human. He travels to New York City looking for his lost father, who just so happens to be on the naughty list. Hilarity ensues as Buddy naively encounters the less-than-friendly New York City at Christmas time. He gets a job, finds love, and most importantly helps his father realize the importance of family.
Director Michael Carrasco worked with the production team and actors to create a high-energy, entertaining experience for the audience. The show starts with a rousing musical number, “Happy All the Time,” in Santa’s workshop full of elves. The entire ensemble radiates enthusiasm and excitement as they gleefully sing about being happy. The cast walk on their knees with fabric designed to look like legs. The choreography is energetic and joyful as they jump and dance across the stage.
The momentum of the play is carried by Eric Smith as Buddy the Elf. Smith’s high energy and physical comedy bring Buddy to life. Every action and facial expression is amplified to the highest degree thanks to Smith’s electric energy. The entire production is accented with outbursts of laughter from children as Buddy engages with the world around him. Smith captures the wonder of being a child and experiencing life as an adult for the first time.
Buddy’s love interest is represented by Elisha Garrett as Jovie, the hesitant, jaded, grumpy coworker from Macy’s. Watching the play, I wondered why the actress was so grumpy and negative but then realized she was embracing her part. As Jovie learns to embrace the Christmas spirit, Garrett portrays her change of heart beautifully. Garrett’s strong vocals wow the audience from her discovery of the joy of Christmas in “A Christmas Song” to her soulful and adorably sarcastic “Never Fall in Love with an Elf.”
Patrick Brannelly captures the cold, gruff personality of Walter Hobbs but is able to show the evolution of his character to a kind-hearted family man. His strong voice carries the vocal numbers in the office. Becca Hardman as Emily Hobbs portrays the quiet sensitivity of Buddy’s stepmother, while also showing her strength and quick-witted side. Maxwell Warren as Michael Hobbs does an excellent job portraying the disinterested teenager. He shows Michael’s transformation from disconnected teen to involved family member and advocate for Buddy. Shannon Follette as Deb steals the show with her dynamic portrayal of Walter Hobb’s secretary. Her energy matches Buddy’s, and the enthusiasm is definitely catching.
The ensemble show their versatility as they change from happy elves to angry New Yorkers to office workers to disgruntled department store Santas. The changes are quick, and each ensemble character has their own unique personality.
One of the main reasons for the ensemble’s success is the choreography of Chantelle Wells. From dancing with desks to dancing on their knees as elves, the ensemble make the stage come alive. One of the most noticeable dramatic changes shown through dance is when Buddy enters New York. As Buddy tries to walk through the crowds absorbed in their own lives, the synchronized actions and cooperative dance numbers create a stark juxtaposition to the opening elf number.
Another favorite of mine is “Just Like Him,” where Buddy sings in the office about wanting to be just like his dad. The choreography is a feat, with multiple desks being moved across the stage and danced with. Dancing with props is not limited to desks though. In “No More Santas,” the exhausted department store Santas use exercise balls in large red sacks as dancing props, throwing, bouncing on, and jumping off them in time to the music.
Scenic designer Shawn M. Herrera captures the varying locations from Santa’s workshop to the New York City skyline. Backdrops serve multiple purposes, like the city skyline working for both the apartment and the office. Santa’s Workshop doubles as the Macy’s toy department. The use of the elevator to transition between locations is also a creative move. The lightning design by Elizabeth Griffiths matches the mood of the scenes with bright lights for the happier scenes and dimmer lights for the office scenes. Kelsey Seaver does an excellent job as costume designer in capturing the personality of the characters and transforming the ensemble for their various roles.
Elf the Musical is a great way to begin the holiday season. Experience this re-envisioning of the holiday favorite with laugh-out loud comedy and toe-tapping songs like “Sparklejollytwinklejingley” and “Just Like Him.” The show is family-friendly and will be enjoyed by all ages. With intermission, it runs about two and a half hours, so it may be a little long for very young children. If you’re a fan of the movie version of Elf, you’ll fall in love with this retelling of the classic story infused with new energy through the addition of original songs.
SCERA Center for the Arts Presents Elf the Musical, Book and Lyrics by Thomas Meehan and Bob Martin, Music and Lyrics by Mathew Sklar and Chad Beguelin, based on the movie Elf.
The SCERA Center for the Arts, 745 S State St, Orem, UT 84058
November 29–December 14, 2019, 7:30 PM
Tickets: $14 Adults, $12 Seniors/Children 3–11, All Seats Reserved
SCERA Center for the Arts Website
SCERA Center for the Arts Facebook Page
Elf the Musical at SCERA Facebook Page
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