“Elf The Musical” brings a beloved holiday classic from screen to stage, delivering festive fun, catchy tunes and plenty of laughs. I recently saw the show on tour, and while it didn’t quite soar through the seven levels of the Candy Cane Forest without a few hiccups, it’s still a holiday treat worth experiencing.
A brief background on ‘Elf The Musical‘
First hitting Broadway in 2010, “Elf The Musical” is based on the 2003 film starring Will Ferrell. The stage adaptation keeps much of the movie’s charm while sprinkling in new songs and a few changes to the story. It’s a show built to spread Christmas cheer—loudly, for all to hear!
Synopsis
Buddy the Elf is not your average elf. In fact, he’s not an elf at all—he’s a human who was accidentally raised at the North Pole by Santa’s helpers. When Buddy discovers the truth, he sets out on an epic journey through the Candy Cane Forest, the Lincoln Tunnel, and all the way to New York City to find his real father, Walter Hobbs.
Unfortunately, Walter is a workaholic who’s on the naughty list, and the bustling city of New York is sorely lacking in Christmas spirit. It’s up to Buddy’s enthusiasm (and a little sugar-fueled determination) to bring holiday joy to his newfound family and remind everyone of the true meaning of Christmas.
My thoughts on the show
Watching “Elf The Musical” feels like diving into a big bowl of spaghetti and syrup—it’s a bit unconventional, but it has its sweet moments. The cast brought plenty of energy to their roles, with Buddy’s over-the-top optimism stealing the show. From whimsical sets to colorful costumes, the production captures the North Pole magic and New York’s holiday hustle beautifully.
However, “You sit on a throne of lies” if you claim the show is perfect. The runtime is long, and several scenes seem to drag without adding much to the story. While the original songs are fun, they don’t all land as memorably as the film’s iconic moments. That said, “Elf The Musical” still does a good job of reminding you, “There’s room for everyone on the nice list!”
For fans of the movie, you’ll recognize many familiar elements, though the stage adaptation isn’t a carbon copy. The musical adds new twists and skips a few of the movie’s famous scenes. While the differences might surprise purists, they also help the show stand on its own as a fresh take on the story.
Final verdict
“Treat every day like Christmas,” and treat yourself to seeing “Elf The Musical.” It’s a fun, festive outing that’s perfect for families or anyone looking to kickstart their holiday spirit. While the pacing could use a little more sparklejollytwinklejingley, the show’s heartwarming themes and Buddy’s relentless cheer make it a worthwhile experience.
“Don’t be a cotton-headed ninny muggins”—go see “Elf The Musical.”
It's Christmas 365 