Review: JOLLY, JAZZY AND JOVIAL, ELF USHERS IN THE JOY OF THE HOLIDAY SEASON at The Rose Theatre

Picture the movie "Elf" and a couple things come to mind: a grown man in an elf suit singing loudly at the most inopportune moments, eating mounds of candy, syrup, and spaghetti as if it were a food group, and countless other iconic memories. Elf revamped as a musical doesn't just capture the essence of the film, it does much more. Elf opened Friday night at The Rose Theatre and did not disappoint. A two-hour production with a glittering light show does the trick, if even only the projections are an illusion.

The scene is set with a little background on Buddy. He is not very good at making toys and consistently falls below his quota. He always wonders why he seems to fall short and not match up to his fellow North Pole colleagues. That is until one day his pal lets the cat out the bag and divulges that Buddy is indeed not an elf, but human. As an infant he crawled into a sack of toys and Santa raised him as one of his own. This is all a revelation for Buddy, who is dearly devoted to Santa and his goodwill mission. New York City calls his name as the realization sets in that he is an orphan, (just like "Annie!" Hats off to this perfectly timed homage referencing Elf writer Thomas Meehan.) Saddened to leave him, he also looks forward to what awaits him in the Big Apple: bright lights, bustling streets of busy people, and the twinkle of the Empire State Building where his father works. As much as he attempts to engage people in the office, Walter, and even some Macy's store elves to join in some Christmas fun, poor Buddy isn't met with as much enthusiasm. Some adore his childlike tendencies while others, aka Walter, just wish he would return to the North Pole.

With the book by Thomas Meehan and music by Matthew Sklar and lyrics by Chad Beguelin, this take on the modern Christmas classic is sure to delight and enchant as the story unfolds. Matthew Gutschick directs the holiday showstopper with Jerry Brabec conducting an 18-piece orchestra.

It's a lot of humor, dance, and heart. This show was made for all ages, and even an adult audience can appreciate its little nuances and tropes. You won't want to miss the array of sights and sounds it offers, so spectacular with an arc proscenium loaded with 30-pounds of glitter and state of the art projections that will dazzle you.

The dancing alone is a riot. With choreography, mostly jazz by Sue Gillespie Booton, a crew of fake Santas share in their woes about people no longer believing in Santa as they perform a kick line very reminiscent of the Radio City Rockettes. You will want to join in the fun with every catchy number full of sparkly, jolly, twinkly charm and pizzazz.

Dan Chevalier emotes with earnest enthusiasm in his efforts to convince Santa is real, and Christmas cheer all you need to get through a gloomy day. His gleeful disposition is contagious and endearing. Other stand outs include Mary Carrick, Regina Palmer, and Josiah Hydeen. Palmer, and Chevalier, and Hydeen are seasoned performers on The Rose stage.

Elf The Musical's sold out performance is telling- you won't want to miss this popular holiday show that will lift your spirits. The show runs through December 23rd at 7 pm, and Saturdays and Sundays at 2 pm. Due to its sold out schedule additional performances have been added on Dec. 8, 15, and 22. Don't miss this spectacular holiday production!

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