BWW Review: ELF the musical Colors the Stage in Tinsel
In 2003, a Christmas movie starring Will Ferrell was released in theaters. Fifteen years later, Elf has officially secured its place in the holiday traditions of millions; however, this Christmas comedy might have been better left untouched by Broadway producers, as Elf the musical under delivers on the promise of a Will Ferrell caliber classic.
BWW Review: Stage Adaptation of ELF Lacks the Magic Mojo of the Movie
In the Broadway musical ELF, one of the characters says, 'Lower your expectations and you won't be disappointed.' Perhaps audiences attending the touring production of ELF playing at The Durham Performing Arts Center this week should heed that advice.
Based on the 2003 movie, ELF tells the story of Buddy, a human raised by elves in The North Pole. When Buddy learns he is not actually an elf, he sets off on a journey to New York to find his biological father, a surly book publisher who is on Santa's naughty list. The movie featured a stellar cast including Bob Newhart, Ed Asner, James Caan, Zooey Deschanel, and Will Ferrell as Buddy. And according to 'Forbes,' 'Entertainment Weekly' and The British Film Institute, ELF is one of the best Christmas movies of all time.
So you might expect that a stage adaptation of ELF would follow suit. Nope. Sadly, the staged version lacks the mojo that made its movie predecessor work.