REVIEW: ‘Elf’ musical tunes up a Christmas comedy

New musical based on a Will Ferrell movie packs jolly holiday entertainment

BY MICHAEL SOMMERS

NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM

BROADWAY REVIEW

Arriving on Sunday at the Al Hirschfeld Theater for a yuletide visit, "Elf" proves to be a surprisingly jolly new holiday musical crafted from that familiar 2003 family movie starring Will Ferrell.

No masterpiece but often a fun show, this cheerful old-school musical faithfully traces the film's saga of Buddy, a gangling 30-year-old reared by Santa's elves at the North Pole, who decides to find his father in far-off New York City.

Do you need to know any more plot? Buddy's Christmastime misadventures in Macy's toy department, the Rockefeller Center ice rink and Central Park provide plenty of chances for songs, dances and nifty visuals. Sentimental stuff involving Buddy's workaholic dad and his nice family thankfully is kept to a minimum while Buddy's romance with a Macy's employee is downright snappy.

Neatly scripted by Thomas Meehan ("Annie") and Bob Martin ("The Drowsy Chaperone"), the musical briskly skates along upon a bright, jingly score from composer Matthew Sklar and lyricist Chad Beguelin ("The Wedding Singer"). While the story is contemporary, its merry treatment and jaunty show music recalls 1960s Broadway shows done in the style of Jule Styne or Charles Strouse.

A handsome succession of clever sets designed by David Rockwell and many colorful costumes by Gregg Barnes foster the impression further that "Elf" is fashioned as a throwback to yesteryear Broadway. The result is a comfortably retro entertainment given much vivacity by a crackerjack company under the expert guidance of director-choreographer Casey Nicholaw (another "Drowsy Chaperone" alumnus).

His beery voice scarcely muffled by Santa's beard, George ("Cheers") Wendt amiably narrates things but mostly keeps offstage since the show spins around the green (in more ways than one) figure of Buddy. A high-spirited Sebastian Arcelus proves a mite low in star wattage but his nimble, energetic performance as Buddy certainly is appealing.

Among the featured players, seasoned pros light up the musical like ornaments on a holiday tree. Craggy Mark Jacoby smoothly depicts the grumpy dad. His neglected wife and son are spiritedly portrayed by ever-dynamic Beth Leavel and Matthew Gumley, a capable youngster. Amy Spanger is all cinnamon and spice as the sadder-but-wiser girl Jovie, who warms to Buddy's ingenuous presence. Backstopping them ably, a dozen ensemble members comprise a lively array of elves, Macy's staffers, corporate workers and sundry New Yorkers.

A bustling, pleasant first act that's highlighted by a giddy "Sparklejollytwinklejingley" production number in which Macy's halls are festively festooned by Buddy and his co-workers is topped by a second act decked out with a bunch of crowd-rousing songs.

"Nobody Cares About Santa" is a jazzy, grouchy, foot-stamping lament rendered by Buddy and a Chinese restaurant full of out-of-work department store Saint Nicks. "Never Fall in Love (With an Elf)" is a punchy solo of romantic regret for Jovie strongly delivered by Spanger. "There is a Santa Claus" is a brief, upbeat realization of joy expressed to the highest power by Leavel and Gumley. "The Story of Buddy the Elf" is an insistent number with a catchy musical hook and a truckin' rhythm that involves the entire company.

Cynics may well view "Elf" as a mechanical ho-ho-ho-house, but the fact remains that holiday shows have been staged at Broadway theaters since Civil War days and this latest production to cash in on Christmas is a smart and thoroughly professional endeavor that packs plenty of old-fashioned entertainment.

"Elf" continues through Jan. 2 at the Al Hirschfeld Theater, 302 W. 45th St., New York. Call (212) 239-6200 or visit www.elfmusical.com.