BWW Reviews: ELF at Paper Mill Playhouse is Fabulous Fun through January 4th

Elf is now on stage at Paper Mill Playhouse through January 4th and it is a holiday extravaganza for the whole family. The show is delightful from the opening moment when Santa Claus greets the audience and introduces the tale of Buddy the Elf. Your spirits will soar at this show, right along with Santa's sleigh.

Based on the 2003 (PG) film version starring Will Ferrell, Paper Mill's musical production of Elf takes the story to a whole new level with original songs, elaborate dance sequences and creative staging. While the movie had a definite charm for children, the Paper Mill Playhouse production of Elf will certainly appeal to a very broad audience.

Elf is made magical with wonderful direction by Eric Ankrim, clever choreography by Josh Rhodes and lively musical direction by Dominick Amenudum. The book is by Thomas Meehan and Bob Martin with music by Matthew Sklar and lyrics by Chat Beguelin.

And Paper Mill Playhouse has once again assembled a terrific design team who bring breathtaking effects to Elf with scenic design by Matthew Smucker, costume design by David C. Woolard, lighting design by Charlie Morrison and sound design by Randy Hanson.

The story focuses on Buddy, a naïve but lovable elf, who has a robust enthusiasm for all things Christmas. When Buddy learns of his true identity as a human (his size makes this evident), he leaves the North Pole and travels to New York City to meet his biological father, spreading his holiday cheer in a rather cynical world.

The cast is led by James Moye as Buddy who masters his role with the perfect measure of sincerity and humor. Kate Fahrner is ideal as Jovie, a sympathetic young woman who is skeptical of Buddy's rather bumbling romantic efforts toward her. Buddy's New York City family, Robert Cuccioli as Walter Hobbs, Jake Faragalli as Michael Hobbs and Heidi Blickenstaff as Emily Hobbs bring the plot full circle as they grapple with their busy life style and the sudden appearance of Buddy. Paul Vogt is the ideal Santa Claus, a contemporary version of the legendary character, glib and charming.

The ensemble rounds out the multi-talented cast of Elf with superb acting, and production numbers that captivate like Sparklejollytwinklejingley, Just Like Him and Nobody Cares About Santa.

Elf is a festive, fun, fast-paced musical theatre production. Gather your group and head over to Paper Mill Playhouse. Wrap up some tickets with a bow and give them as a holiday gift. This is a show not to be missed.

Elf will be performed at Paper Mill Playhouse eight times a week, Wednesday through Sunday. Check Paper Mill Playhouse's web site for special holiday week schedules. Tickets are now on sale and range from $28 to $99. Tickets may be purchased by calling (973) 376-4343 at the Paper Mill Playhouse Box office or online at www.PaperMill.org. College students can order $20 rush tickets over the phone or in person at the Box Office on the day of the performance.

Photo Credit: Matthew Murphy

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