“A SPLASHY, PEPPY, SUGAR-SPRINKLED HOLIDAY ENTERTAINMENT!
The score is polished and hummable. Chad Beguelin’s lyrics have a bright comic zest and are well-matched to Matthew Sklar’s gently swinging music. Their boogie-woogie “Nobody Cares About Santa” is a rowdy parody of the rival Rockettes show at Radio City.
Bookwriters Bob Martin and Thomas Meehan follow the film’s screenplay but also stuff it with some decent jokes, boosting the fruitcake with extra nuts.”
—Charles Isherwood, The New York Times
“ENDEARINGLY GOOFY!
Even if you haven’t seen the movie, director/choreographer Casey Nicholaw and his game, nimble cast allow us to enjoy the ride.”
—Elysa Gardner, USA Today
“ELF IS HAPPY ENOUGH FOR FAMILIES, SAVVY ENOUGH FOR CITY KIDS AND PLENTY SMART FOR ADULTS!
Casey Nicholaw’s staging successfully retains the many charms of the movie, and his choreography is filled with delightful touches. The creators have taken a highly enjoyable film and enhanced it for theatre audiences.”
—Steven Suskin, Variety
“WHO NEEDS WILL FERRELL?
ELF, the musical, stands on its own with great sets and design, a funny adapted script, and a top-notch behind-the-scenes creative team featuring songs by Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin and a book by Tony® winners Thomas Meehan and Bob Martin. They’re only the top of a talented group that also includes David Rockwell’s set designs and Gregg Barnes costumes. The production is a tight, polished affair that has enough jokes for adults and enough special effects for the kids.”
—Mark Kennedy, Associated Press
“Even the biggest Cotton-Headed-Ninny-Muggins will leave the theatre with
A WARM FESTIVE GLOW!
Offering a stockingful of pleasantly melodic tunes, some humorous modern flourishes and a sugarplummy supporting cast, ELF is a sleigh-length ahead of recent seasonal fare on Broadway.”
—Thom Geier, Entertainment Weekly
“JOLLY HOLIDAY ENTERTAINMENT, DECKED OUT WITH A BUNCH OF CROWD-ROUSING SONGS!
Neatly scripted by Thomas Meehan and Bob Martin, the musical briskly skates along upon a bright, jingly score. While the story is contemporary, its merry treatment and jaunty music recall 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.
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.
—Michael Sommers, NewJerseyNewsroom.com
