Review: ELF! THE MUSICAL at Music Hall At Fair Park

Well, DFW, it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas with lights lining tree limbs, crowded mall parking lots, and holiday show ads stuffing mailboxes like they were stockings on December 25th. Still, even the grumpiest Grinch will have a hard time ignoring the "Sparklejollytwinklejingley" cheer spread by Buddy The Elf in Dallas Summer Musical's current presentation of ELF! THE MUSICAL.

Based on the 2003 film starring Will Ferrell, ELF! THE MUSICAL follows the story of Buddy, an orphan raised at the North Pole. Despite his statuesque build, Buddy believes he is one of Santa's elves, which couldn't make him more proud. Upon learning that he is, in fact, an average human, Buddy makes his way to New York City in hopes of reuniting with the father he never knew. Things in New York City are nothing like Buddy expected, and "real life" doesn't seem quite so jolly. When Santa needs Buddy's help in spreading Christmas joy, can Buddy come through and save the day? Well, I won't pretend that the ending is unpredictable, but I can guarantee the musical delivers plenty of fun along its path!

Filling Buddy's large elf shoes is Daniel Patrick Smith. Smith is utter perfection in the role, leaving behind any image of the famous SNL star that came before him. Whether flashing a smile or spreading Christmas cheer by "singing loud for all to hear," Smith's energy is infectious. His velvety vocals add warmth to the many songs he leads.

Although Buddy carries the bulk of the show on his tall shoulders, a bevy of talent joins him onstage. Most notably is D. Scott Withers as Buddy's scrooge of a father. Withers and Smith have great chemistry, despite the fact that much of the show revolves around their challenging relationship. When a bit of Christmas magic eventually strikes him, Withers is a riot as he joins in on the fun. As Buddy's stepmother and younger brother, Gabrielle Mirabella and Harper Brady (who alternates the role with Nicky Torchia) are welcome additions to the onstage family.

Beyond the talented cast, the brightest light decorating the stage is Connor Gallagher, the choreographer for the extravaganza. Despite most of the impressive moves appearing as merely as high-energy dance breaks (as opposed to progressive story telling), Gallagher is responsible for much of the energy and pace of the show.

Fans of the movie will be happy to know that, as family friendly as the show (mostly) tries to be, there's plenty of adult humor to keep laughs rolling. The fun continues at the Music Hall at Fair Park through December 20th, 2015. Tickets and more information are available at www.DallasSummerMusicals.com.

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