The cast and production team excel in all facets, and Helen Hayes
Award winning Director and Choreographer Mark Minnick skillfully guides them
through a heart-warming, energetic, fast-paced celebration of Christmas and
family. Enjoyable music under the
direction of Ross Scott Rawlings and the six-piece orchestra and well-placed
humor throughout remind us how we loved to revel in Christmas as well as the
other holidays of December.
Because of the schedule issues resulting from the covid pandemic, Elf
The Musical had been presented by Toby’s during the sweltering summer of
2021 but did so with aplomb. We are closer to Christmas today, of course, so it
has more relevance. Several of the leads reprise their roles from that
production with Helen Hayes Award winner Jeffrey Shankle starring once again as
Buddy.
Elf The Musical, which played on Broadway from 2010 to 2011, the West
End from 2015 to 2016 and spawned several tours, was scored by Matthew Sklar
and Chad Beguelin. The book by Bob Martin and Thomas Meehan was adapted from
the 2003 film version, Elf, which did not contain music.
Most of the songs are largely sentimental and lighthearted with melodies
that are not exceptionally memorable. Nonetheless, they effectively tie the
story together and are performed proficiently by the Toby’s cast and orchestra.
The story is about a young orphan named Buddy Hobbs who
accidentally crawls into Santa’s bag of toys and winds up at the North Pole
where he is brought up by elves. He thought he was one of them as he became
older until one blurted out he was really human. Santa urged him to travel to New York City to
find his actual father who happens to be on Santa’s naughty list because he
doesn’t believe in, well, Santa and by extension, the spirit of Christmas.
Buddy learns to his chagrin that all adults do not believe in Santa
Claus. He attempts to win over his newly discovered family and instill the true
meaning of Christmas. Along the way, Buddy finds love that showcases some of
the more touching scenes in the show.
"...Director and Choreographer Mark Minnick skillfully guides [the cast] through a heart-warming, energetic, fast-paced celebration of Christmas and family.
In a tour de force, veteran performer Jeffrey Shankle, commands the lead role of Buddy. Playing the naive but exuberant elf/human, Mr. Shankle
draws upon his comedic instincts, timing and superb vocals to reflect his
unbridled enthusiasm and optimism. Mr. Shankle’s tenor voice is pitch perfect
and in stellar form in such songs as “Happy All the Time,” “World’s Greatest
Dad,” “Just Like Him” and in a marvelous, well-choreographed production number
“Nobody Cares About Santa.”
His duet with his love interest Jovie, played well by MaryKate
Brouillet, in the tender ballad “A Christmas Song” is moving. Ms. Brouillet
also showcases her crystal clear, melodic voice in the touching “Never Fall In
Love (With An Elf)”. Jovie was cynical at first regarding Buddy but eventually
warmed up to his eccentricities capping off a tender love story.
The supporting cast is similarly outstanding. David Bosley-Reynolds
as the stern father Walter Hobbs exhibits his strong acting and comedic skills with
a solid baritone voice. With his job on the line as a developer of children’s
books and little time for family, Mr. Bosley-Reynolds expresses his toughness
and newly revealed tenderness as the story unfolds. He performs well in the
group number “In The Way.”
Janine Sunday does a fine job as Emily Hobbs, Buddy’s stepmother
and devoted wife of Walter. She proficiently expresses her true love for her
family while hoping her beleaguered husband spends more time with them. It was
Emily who procured a DNA test to prove that Buddy is Walter’s son. Ms. Sunday’s
superb vocals are on display in the numbers “In the Way” and the lovely “There
is a Santa Claus” with Emily’s son Michael, played in this performance by Noah
Frieman. Noah Anderson and Joey Vogel assume the role of Michael in other performances.
Noah Frieman plays an adorable and smart 12- year-old demonstrating
potential as a strong performer in musical theatre. Poised on the stage and blessed
with a fantastic singing voice, Noah had the opportunity to showcase his talent
in those duets with Ms. Sunday.
Anwar Thomas performs admirably as Macy’s Manager using his laudable comedic skills. He also can sing with the
best of them and performs well in the production number “Happy All the Time”
and in a solo “Nobody Cares (Santa Reprise)”.
Jordan B. Stockdale plays Santa in a narrator role,
setting up the story, and is effective in doing so.
David James is a delight in playing the part of Walter’s boss, the
cranky and demanding Mr. Greenway. He never spent Christmas with his family in
30 years to build a children’s book company and it shows. Mr. James plays the
role to the hilt.
Other members of the cast and ensemble are outstanding as well.
They acted, they sang, they danced, they moved set pieces, they did it all.
Among them are: Asia Lige Arnold as Mrs. Claus, Brandon Bedore in multiple
roles, Vince Gover as Chadwick, Spencer Teal as Sam, and Joey Ellinghaus and
Patricia “Pep” Targete also in multiple roles.
A full list of the Cast and Ensemble as well as the Production
Staff are listed in the Playbill.
Mark Minnick’s choreography is precise and detailed as always.
Using all areas of the in-the-round stage, the performers moved about in synch
and in rhythm. Such numbers as “Happy All the Time,” “In the Way,”
“Sparklejollytwinklejingley” (what a title!) and “Nobody Cares About Santa” are
fine examples. And the simulated Rockefeller Center skating rink with several
cast members rollerblading in lieu of ice skates in the number “A Christmas
Song” is a nice touch.
Brilliantly hued costumes were coordinated by Sarah King and Helen
Hayes nominee Janine Sunday—from colorful elf attire to street garb to a
multitude of Santas. There are countless combinations and costume changes
throughout—all executed seamlessly.
Also notable are the imaginative set pieces employed. Shane Lowry
designed numerous clever props and sets especially in the opening scene where
the elves were riding wagons. That was awesome. The walls of the theater are decorated
in Christmas trees and images of New York’s skyline. Garlands hanging from the
ceiling add more to the Christmas flavor. And then there was snow!
Lynn Joslin’s lighting design is spot-on, and Mark Smedley’s sound
design allowed for very clear and audible dialogue and song.
Elf The Musical is welcome Christmas present
for the young and not so young. It provides much joy and fun in Santa’s bag of
goodies including the tasty buffet for a laugh-filled, nostalgic escape highlighted by a talented cast and
crew under expert direction.
In the immortal words of composer Jerry Herman when he penned the
music for Mame, “We need a little Christmas right this very minute…we
need a little Christmas now.” And Toby’s is delivering this welcome gift.
Running time. Two hours and 30 minutes with an intermission.
Elf the Musical plays through January 4, 2026, at Toby’s the Dinner Theatre, 4900
Symphony Woods Rd., Columbia, MD 21044.
Tickets may be purchased by calling the box office at 410-730-8311or
visiting here.
Next up: Rock of Ages, January 9, 2026 to March 15, 2026
Photos Jeri Tidwell Photography
The Menu can be found here.
