By Lisa Panzer
Looking for a holiday boost? Go experience ‘Elf’ at the Walnut Street Theatre’s main-stage! The pre-curtain is even wrapped like a present with a big red bow.
Nic Rouleau as Buddy the Elf in “Elf The Broadway Musical” at Walnut Street Theatre.
As a baby, Buddy (Nic Rouleau) had somehow crawled into Santa’s (Bill Van Horn) bag and was thereafter raised as an elf in Christmastown, until he grew unusually big. He was a lousy toy-maker too. His fellow elves tried to cover for him, but one day Buddy overheard the startling truth. He was human!
Wanting to know who his parents were, he got Santa to reveal that his biological father worked and resided in NYC, so off he goes to the Big Apple, traversing the Lincoln Tunnel wearing a jolly green elf suit and pointy shoes. But Dad/Walter Hobbs (Fran Prisco), who is also A-listed on Santa’s iPad generated naughty list, is not very receptive to Buddy, or Christmas, but Buddy’s effervescent spirit just might save the day and the family in many magical ways.
From the exuberant live orchestral overture and opening number “Christmastown/Happy All The Time” all the way to the fabulous company finale, this show is chock filled with sparkle and zest. One of the many outstanding numbers is “Nobody Cares About Santa” featuring a bunch of grumpy Santas hanging out in a Chinese restaurant after an exhausting night of dealing with kids texting while on their laps.
The cabaret style choreography in the above number by Robbie Roby kicks, as do all of the dance numbers in their varying stylistic movements, physicality, and artistic breadth. Stunning sets (Robert Andrew Kovach) and lickity-split scene changes, spectacular mood augmenting lighting (Matt DeMascolo) together with an extraordinarily strong ensemble, and supporting cast, including those who can roller blade like they are ice-skating, jump, do flips and sing at the same time – well, it is simply fantastic.
Nic Rouleau and Ensemble. Photo by Mark Garvin.
Nic Rouleau’s effervescence as Buddy exudes from the stage, as his character’s bouncy faith lifts the dim NYC cheer via waves of song. Kathryn Brunner with her powerful vocals beautifully portrays Buddy’s love interest, jaded Jovie, whose heart is rekindled by the kooky elf. Santa, jovially played by Bill Van Horn, narrates in part and relays that since PETA stopped the use of Reindeer his sleigh is in jeopardy and sincere uplift is needed. Tiara J. Greene sparkles as hectored Macy’s Manager and Paul L. Nolan shines as flinty Mr. Greenway, the Scrooge’s Scrooge, Walter’s boss who demands his workers to continue working through Christmas Eve.
With so many praises to sing about, it is easy to imagine that many audience members will be carrying enough ‘Elf’ show tunes to help fuel Santa’s sleigh…
If You Go:
ELF The Broadway Musical
- Directed by Glenn Casale
- Music Direction by Chris Burcheri
- Book by Thomas Meehan and Bob Martin
- Music by Matthew Sklar, Lyrics by Chad Beguelin
Based on the New Line Cinema film by David Berenbaum
Runs through Dec. 29 at the Walnut Street Theatre, 825 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Tickets can be purchased at the box office, by calling 215-574-3550 or by clicking here
Running Time – 2 hours and 30 minutes with one intermission