ELF 2024 Previews

[EDSOSLO858]

Posted: 11/8/24 at 12:01am

Give the world a holiday that’s bright as can be, make it sparklejollytwinklejingley…

Broadway gets a joyous early Christmas present: a revival of Elf the Musical! Decking the halls of the Marquis Theatre starting tomorrow night (November 9), this staging — previously seen in London — is directed by Philip William McKinley with choreography by Liam Steel. The principal cast is led by Grey Henson as Buddy the Elf, joined by Kayla Davion, Sean Astin (doubling as Santa Claus and Mr. Greenway), Kalen Allen, Ashley Brown, Michael Deaner, Kai Edgar, Michael Hayden, and Jennifer Sanchez. Based on the hit 2003 film, Elf features a holly-jolly score by Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin, with a book by Bob Martin and the late Thomas Meehan. Opening night is November 17, for a seasonal run through January 4.

“Elf is the hilarious and heartwarming tale of Buddy, a young orphan whose life is changed forever when he mistakenly crawls into Santa’s sack of toys one Christmas Eve. Raised by elves at the North Pole, Buddy’s enormous size and limited toy-making abilities make him realize he may not quite fit in! When he discovers he is actually human, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father, and in turn, helps the Big Apple and the people he meets rediscover the true meaning of Christmas.”

Is any-Buddy here going sometime this next week?

[DaveyG]

Posted: 11/9/24 at 8:16am

I was at the invited dress last night and had the BEST time. It made me forget about the state of the world for a few hours.  

Highly recommend. 

[EDSOSLO858]

Posted: 11/9/24 at 1:10pm

Approximate 2:30 runtime per the website, including a 15-minute intermission. 

[bwayphreak234]

Posted: 11/9/24 at 1:14pm

This wasn't really on my radar, but after this sh*tty week, my interest in some lighthearted holiday cheer and theatre escapism has definitely been piqued.

Updated On: 11/9/24 at 01:14 PM

[EDSOSLO858]

Posted: 11/9/24 at 10:43pm

Any first preview reports?

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 11/10/24 at 4:42am

I’m curious to find out which song they’re using for the opening number, “Christmastown” or “Happy All the Time?”

[IdinaBellFoster]

Posted: 11/10/24 at 9:20am

CATSNYrevival said: "I’m curious to find out which song they’re using for the opening number, “Christmastown” or “Happy All the Time?”"

“Happy All The Time” is in the regional licensed version so I would be shocked if they reverted.

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 11/10/24 at 11:48am

IdinaBellFoster said: "CATSNYrevival said: "I’m curious to find out which song they’re using for the opening number, “Christmastown” or “Happy All the Time?”"

“Happy All The Time” is in the regional licensed version so I would be shocked if they reverted."

I would agree but "Happy All the Time" isn't on the London cast recording so I'm assuming they didn't use it in London for some reason even though it was used in the 2012 Broadway revival 3 years prior. I've never understood that. A new album would have made more sense if they had recorded the new song but they didn't.

[ACL2006]

Posted: 11/10/24 at 1:30pm

Via Reddit:

Won the lottery for Elf last night! It's a very cute and fun show. It's not a very new show so you probably all know about the music. The cast is very talented, I am a fan of Grey Henson after seeing him in Shucked and he was fantastic in this. Perfect for the role. Kayla Davion is really amazing, I'd love if she sang more in this. Also thought Kalen Allen was funny and fun. 

 

 

Some of the technical aspects of the show felt a little subpar, especially all the projections. They looked straight out of the early 2000s. But mild complaints for a really fun night. Definitely needed a little Christmas and got it! 

 

 

Final thoughts: not a must-see by any definition but if you're looking for a fun time, especially with a family, worth your time.

[Fordham2015]

Posted: 11/11/24 at 7:58pm

According to the PDF on Playbill Vault they used Happy All the Time

https://assets.playbill.com/playbill-inside/elf-11-17-2024-4.jpg

[Producer2]

Posted: 11/12/24 at 4:29pm

Yes “Happy All The Time!”  The show is fantastic, the best Elf I’ve seen.  They tweaked all the versions and this one is definitive.  Grey is perfect!!!  Sean Astin is a treat!

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 11/13/24 at 11:29am

A lot has been made of “Tammy Faye” not selling but looking at tonight’s seatmap for “Elf” - that’s really depressing. 

[EDSOSLO858]

Posted: 11/13/24 at 11:43am

Jordan Catalano said: "A lot has been made of “Tammy Faye” not selling but looking at tonight’s seatmap for “Elf” - that’s really depressing."

To be fair, it will likely bring in most of its audience during the Thanksgiving and especially Christmas weeks. Historically, ELF hasn’t really sold that well leading up to Turkey Day.

[ACL2006]

Posted: 11/13/24 at 12:07pm

The first few weeks will have tiny crowds. Post-Thanksgiving it'll start to do well. It'll be the cheaper alternative for families this holiday season than trying to see Wicked, The Lion King or Hamilton.

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 11/13/24 at 12:13pm

Yeah, of course it’ll sell better in a few weeks it’s just odd that they chose to start this now

[Call_me_jorge]

Posted: 11/13/24 at 12:43pm

This production or version of the show is definitely touring next year. Crossroads will be producing, probably non-equity. It’s for sure coming to Chicago next fall. This is the last season NETworks is producing their Elf tour.