REVIEW: Elf at the Music Hall

What: Elf The Musical

Where: The Music Hall

Blurb: Supercilious Comedy

High Point: Everything, but, oh that working Santas scene

"Elf, the Musical" is as odd a take on a coming-of-age/saving-Christmas tale as you're likely to find, that nonetheless leaves you uplifted and alight in holiday cheer.

The slick production, on stage at the Music Hall, is a collaboration between the Hall and Ogunquit Playhouse.

"Elf's" script is based on the popular, eponymous nonmusical film, starring Will Ferrell, with changes on the way to the stage - noticeably the singing and dancing (this is a musical after all). In addition some characters and scenes are cut, while adult innuendo and humor was added (nothing a child will grasp, but also it doesn't add much).

What hasn't changed is the story's basics. The show remains a high-energy, lighthearted, saccharine, and quirky tale with innocence, goodness and family its central theme.

The tale begins when a toddler, Buddy the orphan, crawls into Santa's toy bag, returns with him to the North Pole and is adopted by the elves. He grows up clueless, and just assumes he's a very large elf.

At 30, Buddy learns the truth, and with Santa's approval heads to NYC to find his birth dad.

The Hall and Playhouse presented "Elf" a few years back to critical acclaim. It has lost nothing, and is perhaps even more vibrant the second time around.

First the actors.

"Elf's" cast is more than three-dozen plus strong, so obviously it's not a one-man show. But given Steven Booth's stage time as Buddy, and how he uses it, it's not so off the mark; "Elf" is completely reliant on the actor in this role. If Buddy tanks, so does the show. Luckily that's not an issue.

Booth's Elf is exuberance personified. His childlike innocence is impressive. Regardless how far the tale's concept stretches the imagination, Booth makes you a believer. His physicality is right, the spirit spot on, and the voice plum.

Speaking of voices, enter Major Attaway as Santa, an actor that possesses that rare vocal quality that can mesmerize while reading a phone book.

Attaway, who performed as the Genie in "Aladdin," on Broadway, is an impeccable, jolly Santa with a touch of sass, whether speaking directly to the audience or nailing a song. His affable opening perfectly sets the show's tone.

Alaina Mill's Deb, the secretary to workaholic Walter Hobbs, Buddy's dad, is a buoyant delight. The smooth performance - singing, dancing and acting - is a standout; you can't help but like this lovable character.

All the principles bring their characters authentically to life, (as much as an elf can be authentic) and add rich vocals, among them: Diana Huey as Jovie, Buddy's ice queen love interest (a perfect, jaded counterpoint to Buddy's optimism); Christopher Russo, as Buddy's perfectly Scroogish dad; Annie Edgerton as a warm Emily, Buddy's stepmom; Lothair Eaton as the delightful Macy's manager; Peter Surace as lead elf, and of special note, Alkaio Thiele who nails the role of Michael, buddy's young brother, and sports an impressive voice.

Kudos also to Surace and Nick Berninger as Matthew and Chadwick, respectfully.

Philip Paul Kelly's Mr. Greenway, Hobb's boss, reads flat - until he sings that is. Great voice.

Connor Gallagher is back in the director/choreographer seat, and with good reason. Once again he keeps things at a snappish pace, artfully moves characters and scenes, and creates rousing dance numbers starting with the opening scene (and that aforementioned "Nobody Cares about Santa" number). In general Gallagher keeps the jollies front and center.

The visuals he works with - colorful costumes, set pieces, and props - bring the fantastical and real worlds to life. Then there's the engaging and colorful backdrop projection design by Jason Lee Courson, which marks the set, color each location and up the fun factor. Amongst the drops there's a working toy conveyor belt in Santa's workshop, and the tundra and the Lincoln Tunnel Buddy trudges through on the way to New York.

The work of Music Director/Conductor Andrew Bourgoin and his orchestra is superb, a full, rich, joyous sound.

"Elf the Musical" is pure commercial cheese, and perfectly suited to an all-age, Christmassy outing. It's a bit slapstick, so not to everyone's taste. But if silliness and real laughs are your thing, this bold, vibrant and unapologetically production is a candy-cane delight.

STATS

Book by Thomas Meehan & Bob Martin

Music by Matthew Sklar

Lyric by Chad Beguelin

Director & Choreographer: Connor Gallager

Music Director/Conductor: Andrew Bourgoin

Designers:

Set: Jason Sherwood

Lighting: Richard Latta

Sound: Don Hanna

Projection: Jason Lee Courso

Wig & Hair: Roxanne De Luna

WHERE: The Music Hall, 28 Chestnut St. , Portsmouth NH

WHEN: through Dec. 18

COST: $50 to $101

CONTACT: www.themusichall.org or The Music Hall Box Office 603-436-2400

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