By Mikenzi Ford
The best way to spread Christmas cheer may be singing loud for all to hear, or it may be attending Four Seasons Theatre Company’s 2022 production of Elf The Musical. Director Kody Rash with Production Assistant Denise Seamons created magic onstage for a night of fun and festive frivolity for those looking for a light-hearted addition to their holiday traditions. Music Director Afton Whitney led a lively cast in strong vocal performances including Nalani Matthias (Jovie).
Matthias’s vocals and performance have the audience rolling with laughter and delighting in her range. Matthias plays the love interest of lead, Germain Costa (Buddy) whose depiction of the comical, starry-eyed elf in search of his human family leaves theatre goers reaching for a hug. Costa’s performance is energetic and playful; he is in command of the stage.
Buddy’s newly discovered family played by Logan McKenna (Walter Hobbs), Sarah McKenna (Mrs. Hobbs), and Callum McKenna (Michael Hobbs) an off-stage father, mother, son bring their warmth to their stark New York flat, one of many masterful set designs by Lineset Design and Fabrication, seamless and stunning. A mother-son duet sung by Sarah and Callum is heart-warming and punctuated by Sarah’s vocals and Callum’s boyish charm. Young Callum can be seen blushing after the production and signing autographs for young, freckled admirers.
Supporting performances from Ben Harrison (Santa), Daniel Francis (Store Manager), Elizabeth Spencer (Deb), Mindy James (Mrs. Claus/Charlotte Dennon), and Kyle Pyfer (Greenway) provided depth and sugary richness from every angle of the stage. Scene after scene the audience enjoys a sweet and syrupy feast for the eyes. Choreographers Kelly Bateman, Melisa Jensen, and Katie Packer produced fun and fresh movement for the actors on stage, including a tap number, which is, judging by the cheering from the charmed viewers, clearly an audience favorite.
Kody Rash doubled the role of costume design and was assisted by Kim Rash and Mary Savage in costume creation. The ingenuity and hilarity of turning adults into three-foot elves is brilliant. Danny Rash (stage manager), Chase Cook (lighting design), Kyle Sunderland (lighting board operator), Justin Wellington (sound design), and Whitney (sound mixing) rounded off the production team for this Elf the Musical, who no doubt deserve a candy cane and an extra dose of syrup in their hot chocolate as Four Seasons Theatre Company opens their holiday run.
Grab family and friends for a night of festive fun and attend Elf the Musical through December 10. Side effects include random, raucous singing, an increased sweet tooth, and snuggling.
Four Seasons Theatre Company Presents Elf the Musical, score by Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin. The book is adapted by Bob Martin and Thomas Meehan from the 2003 film
Until December 10, 2022
Sky View Auditorium, 520 S 250 E, Smithfield, UT 84335
All ticket sales final. No refunds. Ticket prices are $20 for adults and $17 for children and seniors
Contact: 435-535-1432
Four Seasons Theatre Company Facebook Page
Loved it! Fun for the whole family, especially if you want to start the holiday on the right foot! Buddy the elf was so funny and lovable. The cast had great chemistry and the production was really impressive. Really enjoyed the show!