Images: 
Total Rating: 
***1/4
Previews: 
November 2, 2010
Opened: 
November 14, 2010
Ended: 
January 2, 2011
Country: 
USA
State: 
New York
City: 
New York
Company/Producers: 
Warner Brothers Theater Ventures in assoc w/ Unique Features
Theater Type: 
Broadway
Theater: 
Al Hirschfeld Theater
Theater Address: 
302 West 45 Street
Genre: 
Musical
Author: 
Book: Thomas Meehan & Bob Martin; Score: Matthew Sklar & Chad Beguelin
Director: 
Casey Nicholaw
Review: 

Elf, book by Thomas Meehan and Bob Martin, music by Matthew Sklar, lyrics by Chad Beguelin, is a delightful show, with good jokes, imaginative visuals and cute songs. It has a versatile cast of singer-dancers, including the adorable Sebastian Arcelus as the human brought up as an Elf, and the most innovative choreography, by the director Casey Nicholaw, this side of Susan Stroman.

David Rockwell's design, Gregg Barnes' terrific costumes and Natasha Katz's lighting enhance everything, and the show is witty, clever, totally engaging with catchy, charming songs, all energetically directed by Nicholaw.

The little kids in the audience were totally into it, and the kid in the adults, who also got the in-jokes, laughed and were moved by the spirit. A very lively, fun-filled show.

Cast: 
Sebastian Arcelus (Buddy), Amy Spanger (Jovie), Beth Leavel (Emily), George Wendt (Santa), Mark Jacoby (Walter), Matthew Gumley (Michael), Valerie Wright (Deb), Michael McCormick (Greenway), Michael Mandell, Timothy J. Alex, Callie Carter, Cara Cooper, Lisa Gadja, Jenny Hill, Asmeret Ghebremichael, Blake Hammond, Emily Hsu, Nancy Johnston, Marc Kessler, Matt Loeher, Lee Wilkins, Kirsten Wyatt.
Technical: 
Set: David Rockwell; Cost: Gregg Barnes; Light: Natasha Katz; Sound: Peter Hylenski; Proj: Zachary Borovay; Hair: Josh Marquette; Dance Arr: David Chase.
Critic: 
Richmond Shepard
Date Reviewed: 
November 2010