By Marilynn Wood
Pass through the seven levels of Candy Cane forest, through the swirly, twirly gum drops and come to Tuacahn Center for the Arts to see Elf, The Musical in Ivins, Utah. You won’t be disappointed. With all the joy of Christmas itself, The Musical, Elf, based on the motion picture of the same name, with a score by Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin and the book by Bob Martin and Thomas Meehan is a festival of bright colors, joyous songs, and enthusiastic dancing.
Tuacahn is breathtaking during the holidays. Twinkling lights, giant presents, and quirky sculptures made of tires puts you quickly in the holiday spirit. Santa (Jim Bullock) greets you in his bright red suit and invites you to read a story with him. The story begins in sparkling Christmastown with cheery dancing elves and Buddy (Matt Owen), one giant elf. It is clear Buddy doesn’t belong and Santa explains he is an orphan, raised by the elves but really belongs in the human world with his father in New York City. His father (David Engel), is a businessman who doesn’t believe in Santa and thus is on the naughty list. As he wanders the streets of New York, Buddy is disheartened at the lack of Christmas spirit, commercialism, and disbelief in Santa. He is determined to win over his father, half-brother (Brendan Knox), and stepmother (Jennifer Swiderski), along with all of New York, and teach them the true meaning of Christmas.
Director Peggy Hickey, Music Director Christopher Babbage, and Choreographer Bill Burns weave this heartwarming story into an energetic, enthusiastic, and entertaining musical with songs and dances that delight the inner child in everyone. Paul Black adds sparkle and glitz with wonderful lighting and scenic design complete with swirling snowflakes you can almost feel and touch. Gregg Barnes costumes fill the stage with vibrant colors and curled-toe elf shoes. Every scene is a cornucopia of color and song.
Owen is the perfect Buddy. His facial expressions are delightful. He is the primary ingredient that invokes the child-like innocence of the show. The irrepressible optimism of the whole show revolves around him. Highly talented in all ways, he carries the show and fills the audience with laughter and smiles.
Knox and Swiderski work well together. Their voices blend perfectly especially as they harmonize in “There is a Santa Claus.” Knox playing the pivotal role of Michael Hobbs provides a strong and emotionally-charged vocal performance with the warmth and humor needed to bring the array of character roles together.
Deb (Cynthia Ferrer) is spunky and flirtatious; Walter Hobbs (Engel) is grumpy, yet you cheer as he reforms; Santa (Bullock) is a jolly, delightful old elf; and Mr. Greenway (also Bullock) is nasty. Hats off to Bullock who shows great diversity in playing both the sourest and jolliest characters in the play.
Buddy’s mantra “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear,” says it all. It is the brilliant voices and wonderful dance numbers that promotes Christmas cheer in the audience. “Sparklejollytwinklejingley” sung by Buddy and the Store Manager (Ricky Bulda) makes you want to get up and join them. “A Christmas Song,” sung by Jovie (Jillian Gottlieb) and Buddy while they skate around the Christmas tree, fills your heart with the Christmas spirit. The entire cast is wonderful. Between little elves dancing on their knees (so they are elf sized), people skating around a brilliant Christmas tree, and store clerks dancing with giant bears, the cast fills the stage with vibrant colors and tapping shoes in each scene.
From the glittering walls to the amazing dancing, Elf, The Musical will be a bright star in your holiday season. Go see Tuacahn’s Elf The Musical, in Ivins, Utah and feel the spirit.
Tuacahn Center for the Arts presents Elf, The Musical, Book by Bob Martin and Thomas Meehan, score by Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin.
Tuacahn Hafen Theatre, 1100 Tuacahn Drive, Ivins, Utah, 84738
November 29, 2019 – December 21, 2019 7:30 PM Monday-Saturday. Matinee December every Friday-Saturday 2:00 PM
Tickets: $29.00+
Contact: 800-746-9882, 435-652-3300
Tuacahn Center for the Arts Facebook Page
Elf, The Musical Facebook Event
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