Elf the Musical is as sweet as a bowl of spaghetti and syrup.
The show, based on the 2003 Christmas classic about charming, childlike Buddy, the misfit elf who learns he's really a human and leaves the North Pole to find his father -- and culture shock -- in New York, had voices both young and old giggling Saturday at Little Rock's Robinson Center Performance Hall. The touring production of NETworks Presentations is presented by Celebrity Attractions.
Buddy's motto is: "The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear." And, under the direction of Sam Scalamoni, the capable cast does that, and dances and jokes (with modern pop culture references and local nods sprinkled in) for the duration of the two-hour family-friendly show that has one 20-minute intermission.
Sam Hartley, as Buddy, has the biggest challenge -- filling the large curled-toe shoes of Will Ferrell, who originated the iconic big kid of a character. And the endearing Hartley is, to borrow a title of one of the show's most engaging numbers, "Sparklejollytwinklejingley" in the role.
His Buddy, forever yammering about gingerbread and tickle-fights, manages to be -- borrowing another upbeat song title -- "Happy All The Time," without being the least bit irritating. Of course Buddy's workaholic father, Walter, (actor Mark Epperson) would disagree. But what does his opinion matter? Walter's on -- gasp -- Santa's Naughty List ... well, iPad!
The catchy songs performed by the eight-member orchestra under conductor Michael Uselmann, the energetic dancing of a 13-member ensemble, the kaleidoscope of colorful costumes and the sets straight out of a storybook all create a true feeling of Christmas magic, which is what Elf is all about.
Plan to park your own sleigh early and arrive at the newly renovated performance hall with time to spare. Not only does the new layout take some getting used to, the ticket-taker lines were moving as slow as syrup at Saturday's matinee.
Elf the Musical will be performed again at 2 and 7 p.m. today at Robinson Center Performance Hall, West Markham Street and Broadway, Little Rock. Tickets are $28-$73 plus service charges. Call (501) 244-8800 or visit ticketmaster.com.
Metro on 12/04/2016