By Meg Larson
Elf the Musical, now playing at the CenterPoint Legacy Theater in Centerville, is based on a motion picture released in 2003. It is about Buddy the Elf, who is an orphan who was accidentally taken to the North Pole with Santa Claus on Christmas Eve and adopted by elves. When Buddy turns 30, he learns that he is a human, and goes on a special quest to find his human parents.
This enchanting musical begins with Santa Claus (Dave Hill) who instantly warms the audience up with some humor and introduces Buddy’s story. It begins in Christmastown, where Buddy (Aaron Ford) travels to New York where his father, Walter Hobbs (Todd J. Wente) resides. Father Hobbs is on the naughty list. Hill and Wente interact fairly well together; Hill being over-excited and awkward, while Wente is irritable and pessimistic. Walter’s wife Emily (Kirsten Jacobson)and son Michael (Zach Abercrombie) bring a whole new energy to the stage as a quirky family with a workaholic for a father. Ford and Abercrombie’s brotherly relationship grows quickly throughout the show, and allow you to see a more fun side of Michael’s character. As Buddy gets tangled up in a Macey’s Christmas fiasco, he meets a beautiful girl in an elf costume named Jovie (Hannah Roskelley). The couple’s interactions are awkward, but also adorable in their chemistry that grows as the show goes on.
Director Maurie Tarbox does a phenomenal job. Each character’s face throughout the production has a purpose. That purpose is what creates the story and makes the audience smile. The music is brought to life with Kelley Richardson’s choreography. The colorful costumes are probably my favorite part; Rachel Lindsay does an amazing and clever job with them.
As the production begins, a projector shaped like a book sets a background for the stage with illustrations that enhance the story’s magic; no doubt the work of scenic artists Cynthia Klumpp and Janae Klumpp. Efficient lighting and clear sound help to make the magic thanks to various technicians.
I decided to start my Christmas season strong by going to see CenterPoint Legacy Theatre’s production of Elf the Musical. It turned one of the hardest weeks of my life (family illness) into pure magic. Seeing Elf the Musical at Centerpoint Theatre is a sure way to feel the Christmas spirit. It is fun for the whole family and perfect if you need a good laugh.
CenterPoint Legacy Theatre presents Elf the Musical, adapted by Bob Martin and Thomas Meehan
Davis Center for the Performing Arts, 525 N 400 W, Centerville, UT 84014
November 23- December 22 (excluding Sundays) 2018, 7:30PM, Saturday matinee 2:30 PM
Tickets: $19.50-$27
Contact: 801-298-1302
CenterPoint Legacy Theatre Facebook Page
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