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| The cast of Elf The Musical |
It may be 95 degrees outside, but when the doors at Toby’s Dinner & Show opened, it might as well be a frosty December at the North Pole.
Elf The Musical, a fanciful, totally enjoyable Christmas production based on the 2003 film with the same name, is a welcome remedy for the horrendous past 15 months we endured that included essentially missing in-person holiday celebrations with family and friends due to the lockdown.
As Broadway musical icon Jerry
Herman penned for the classic Mame,
“We need a little Christmas, right this very minute. We need a little Christmas
now!” With the production Elf, Toby’s delivers just that—in the
midst of summer—and at a time we could all use it.
Yes, the pandemic and the
associated government restrictions have altered theatre production schedules so
what would normally be a timely Christmas musical in December, we can celebrate
the holiday in July. In fact, Toby’s bills the show as “Christmas in July.”
Leaving the heat outside,
patrons enter a holiday wonderland in a comfortably air conditioned theater
with Christmas trees attached to the walls and lit garland and cardboard
snowflakes above. The simple Christmas atmosphere is done just right by scenic
designer David A. Hopkins.
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 film version, which did not contain
music.
The songs are largely
sentimental and lighthearted with melodies that are not necessarily memorable.
Nonetheless, they effectively tie the story together and are performed
exceedingly well by the Toby’s cast and the four-piece orchestra conducted by Nathan Scavilla on the evening of this reviewed performance.
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.
"In a tour de force, veteran performer Jeffrey Shankle, slays the lead role of Buddy."
In over a decade of covering
productions at Toby’s, there are three constants. One, the buffet is always scrumptious
and themed to the show that is playing. Two, there is maximum effort put forth
by the performers, musicians and technical crew under solid direction. And three,
Helen Hayes award winners Director and Choreographer Mark Minnick and Artistic
Director Toby Orenstein always seem to cast the right people for the roles. In Elf, that wonderful trend continues.
In a tour de force, veteran
performer Jeffrey Shankle, slays the lead role of Buddy. Playing the naive but happy elf/human, Mr. Shankle draws upon his comedic instincts, timing and superb
vocals. Not only is his singing pitch perfect, but man can he hold a note! Mr.
Shankle’s tenor voice is 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)”.
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| Jeffrey Shankle as Buddy |
The supporting cast is similarly
outstanding. David Bosley-Reynolds as the stern father Walter Hobbs exhibits
his strong acting skills and solid baritone voice. With his job on the line as
a developer of children’s books and little time for family, Mr. Bosley-Reynolds
as Walter conveys 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.
Her son Michael, an adorable and
smart 12 year-old, was played by Luka Van Herksen on the night of this review.
He demonstrates potential as a strong performer in musical theatre as he is
blessed with a fantastic singing voice. Happily, Luka had the opportunity to
showcase that talent in duets with Ms. Sunday in “I’ll Believe In You” and “There
Is A Santa Claus.” He shares that role with two other boys on a rotating basis.
DeCarlo Raspberry performs admirably
in the dual roles of Santa Claus and 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)”.
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 Kalen Robinson, Alexis Krey, Justin
Calhoun, Shane Lowry, Crystal Freeman, AJ Whittenberger and Patricia Targete.
Then there is the always
entertaining David James, who effectively plays the part of Walter’s boss, the
cranky and demanding Mr. Greenway who never spent Christmas with his family in
30 years to build a children’s book company and it shows.
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 “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 Janine Sunday—from colorful elf attire to street garb. There are
countless combinations and costume changes throughout—all executed seamlessly.
Also notable are the imaginative
set pieces employed. David A. Hopkins and Shane Lowry (also a member of the
Ensemble) designed numerous clever props and sets especially in the opening scene
where the elves were riding wagons. That was awesome.
And kudos to sound designer John
Pantazis for the well mic’d audio throughout.
Elf The Musical is an early Christmas
present for the young and not so young. It provides much joy and fun in Santa’s
bag of goodies for a laugh-filled, nostalgic escape highlighted by a talented
cast and crew under expert direction. Enjoy
the show, think Christmas even now, and know that you won’t have to deal with
icy roads on the way home.
Running time: Two hours and 15
minutes with an intermission.
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