SPARKLE JOLLYTWINKLEJINGLEY

Elf—the Musical

Of the multitude of holiday movies released during the past several years, one of the best-loved of all is the contemporary New Line Cinema film, “Elf.” This heartwarming Christmas comedy classic starred the inimitable Will Ferrell in the title role, with many critics calling it one of his best performances. While this story may not have the emotional impact of movies like “It’s a Wonderful Life” or the unswerving life lessons of “A Christmas Carol,” it overflows with heart and humor. 

Featuring a book by Thomas Meehan (“Annie,” “The Producers,” “Hairspray”) and Bob Martin (“The Prom,” “The Drowsy Chaperone”), and offering a catchy musical score by Matthew Sklar, with lyrics by Chad Beguelin (“The Prom,” “The Wedding Singer”), this 2010 theatrical musical truly has that great, old-fashioned Broadway sound. Like the film, the stage version tells how Buddy, an orphaned human, was raised by elves at the North Pole. Buddy became an enthusiastic, if  somewhat bumbling, toymaker for Santa Claus. However, after he learns that his real father lives in New York City, at Santa’s urging Buddy heads south to meet his human family. 

Buddy understandably finds Manhattan quite overwhelming, after his rural life in idyllic Christmas Town. He discovers that his dad, Walter Hobbs, is a bitter, frustrated workaholic in children’s publishing. Emily and Michael, Buddy’s stepmom and stepbrother, share some Walter’s cynicism, especially during the hectic holidays. At Macy’s Toy Department, where Buddy finds himself, he employs his creativity in helping the staff decorate to Santa’s specifications. The holiday workers are in dire need of an attitude adjustment. This is particularly true of Jovie, a lovely, but standoffish salesgirl with a snarky disposition. For some reason, she both attracts Buddy and offers a challenge for a dose of his unswerving holiday high. But in the tradition of all the best Christmas stories, Buddy inspires everyone, including New York’s cynical citizenry, to believe in Santa Claus.

This colorful, captivating musical accomplishes exactly what it’s meant to do. It offers a charming, very funny, eye-popping holiday entertainment that youngsters will enjoy right 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 “Never Fall in Love,” and the ear-worm tune that’ll haunt the audience for days, “The Story of Buddy the Elf.”

 Ben Dow is wholeheartedly wonderful as wide-eyed Buddy, the Elf. Seen at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre’s “Skakesfest in the Park,” and a notable standout in Windy City Playhouse’s “Sons of Hollywood,” Mr. Dow has the opportunity to star in this big, splashy musical comedy. He has the ability to break our hearts, while making us laugh with his skillful comic timing. And Ben Dow sings with a great deal of heart, power and musical perfection. Ben Dow is truly one of the strongest reasons to see this show.

 But wait—there’s more, much more! Chicago veteran actor, Sean Fortunato, is spot-on as Walter Hobbs, the harried head of Buddy’s new family. He is the embodiment of the Manhattan workaholic trying to deal with publishing problems while meeting his holiday deadline. Sean may be remembered as the terrifying Miss Trunchbull in Drury Lane’s “Matilda.” An exquisite, powerhouse vocalist and a true comic genius, Melody A. Betts is perfection as Emily Hobbs, Buddy’s delightfully skeptical stepmother. Another gifted actor/singer, talented young Gabriel Solis makes his dynamic Drury Lane debut as Buddy’s lovable, 12-year-old stepbrother, Michael. Elliott Mayeda, who can be seen in the ensemble, is the standby for this role.

The romantic role of Jovie is outstanding in the hands of gifted actress, Lydia Burke. She returns to the Drury Lane stage, after appearing in Roald Dahl’s “Matilda.” Not only does Ms Burke totally and truthfully inhabit her role with grit and grace, she can belt out a song like nobody’s business. If you were lucky enough to have enjoyed her performance in “Priscilla, Queen of the Desert” or “Sister Act,” at Mercury Theater Chicago, you know what a phenomenal songstress she is. Fresh off her Broadway in Chicago role in “The Devil Wears Prada,” the always wonderful Marya Grandy is hilarious and gets to show off her skills as a triple threat playing Deb, Walter Hobbs’ office manager. And both A.D. Weaver and Karmann Bajuyo are sensational as Santa and the villainous  Mr. Greenway, respectively. And effervescent Lorenzo Shawn Parnell is very funny, both as Charlie, the Elf and the flustered Macy’s Toy Department Manager.

Skillfully directed and choreographed by Lynne Kurdziel-Formato, this is a magical production for the entire family. She’s particularly expert in bringing out all of the humor of the story, while also hitting the heartwarming love and charm of the piece. The scene changes are even a delight to watch, choreographed as they are with so much style and speed. 

This terrific production sports excellent musical direction by Christopher Sargent, accompanied by his polished, seven-member pit orchestra. The show features a multitalented and seasoned ensemble of actor/singer/dancers who keep the production in constant motion. Set against a storybook scenic design by Kristen Martino, with colorful, cartoony projections by Anthony Churchill, the production displays beautifully vibrant costumes by Rachel Boylan and wigs by Emily Young. Drury Lane has a happy holiday hit on its hands, offering the perfect Christmas entertainment that’s suitable for the entire family.

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented November 9-January 8 by Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace, IL.

Tickets are available in person at the Drury Lane box office, by calling 630-530-0111 or by going to www.DruryLaneTheatre.com.

Additional information about this and other area shows may be found at www.theatreinchicago.com.