REVIEW: Elf – The Musical

Wet and wild weather outside but a heartwarming glow inside the theatre as a lyrical family show magically transports the audience to a world of innocence and joy.

Elf – The Musical is now playing at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre.

A Christmas comedy film was released during the holiday season in 2003 which captivated the hearts of the audience and raked up nearly $230million at the box office. The family movie went on to became a perennial favourite and is now a permanent fixture on television at Christmas time.

The sweet textured family film was also turned into a charming musical which went on to break box office records in theatres at Christmas.

The book for the musical is by Bob Martin and Thomas Meehan, with music by Matthew Sklar and lyrics by Chad Beguelin. The team has done a worthy job in translating the film, and keeping intact the central theme of sons and absent fathers, and providing Christmas flavoured music.

The story follows the misadventures of a chap called Buddy living in the North Pole with Santa Claus. The innocent and child-like Buddy sets off to find his real father after he discovers he is not a natural born Elf. The trials and tribulations of an outsider like Buddy in New York City searching for his father, and his interactions with a range of characters, is the source of much amusement and riotous comedy.

The tempo and pacing of this classic musical seems to drag in various scenes and the material feels somewhat stretched. The length of the show, including some of the less than memorable songs, could be truncated and jettisoned to make this musical flow better.

The casting for the key role of Buddy, which was played by a knockout Will Ferrell in the original movie, can either make or break the balance of the stage show. If the performer is too loud and annoying, too over-the-top and too crude it can result in robbing the sweetness and innocence of Buddy. The balance is absolutely fundamental. Jordan Conway is perfectly cast as Buddy and his joyous energy infects the audience who respond with genuine love and warmth. Conway is an absolute delight, his comic timing is impeccable, and they way he sings and dances is spellbinding.

The part of Buddy’s absent father Walter is played wonderfully by Barry Bloxham while Nikita Coulon as Emily (Walter’s wife) and Natalie Gray as Jovie (Buddy’s would-be girlfriend) are also spot on in their performances.

The show is produced and directed by Jon Conway and the lush looking production uses an epic sized LED screen, captivating stage effects such as Santa’s sleigh flying high, an interactive snowball fight, thrilling acrobatics, and very colourful costumes that evoke the spirit of the Christmas season.

Elf – The Musical is a life-affirming and tremendously uplifting show.

Verdict: ★★★

Elf – The Musical is playing at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre until Sunday 16^th November