'Elf: The Musical' at the Palace Theater - My Review

Elf The Musical is at Waterbury's Palace Theater for a limited run. The promotional material promised that "this modern day Christmas classic is sure to make everyone embrace their inner ELF." I could not attend opening night due to the CAS awards celebration for a coworker, but I did get a complimentary seat to see the second night. I noticed WATR's Tom Chute, Musicals at Richter's Donald Birely and lots of well-dressed kids in the audience at this performance. Of course the lobby of the Palace was dressed in its Christmas finery in keeping with the theme of the show.

The musical is based on the beloved 2003 New Line Cinema hit, which I don't remember ever seeing. Elf The Musical is described at "the hilarious tale of Buddy, a young orphan child (don't miss the Annie reference, which shares a book writer with this show) who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported back to the North Pole. Unaware that he is actually human, Buddy’s enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father, discover his true identity, and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas."

With songs by Tony Award nominees Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin (The Wedding Singer), a book by Tony Award winners Thomas Meehan (Annie, The Producers, Hairspray) and Bob Martin (The Drowsy Chaperone), direction by Sam Scalamoni and choreography by Connor Gallagher, this Christmas classic is set in modern day. I would agree with Variety  when it proclaimed, “ELF is happy enough for families, savvy enough for city kids and plenty smart for adults!”

This was a sparkly show from beginning to end. There are supremely colorful elf costumes, red velvet Santa suits, and falling snow. There are ice skaters at Rockerfeller Center, lots of singing and dancing (with choreography by Connor Gallagher) and a flying sleigh (rigged by ZFX, Inc.) A beautiful set designed by Christine Peters was ever changing and the modern costumes by Gregg Barnes really popped. In between all this, there is a cute story that is full of witty remarks that kept the adults laughing.

To say that the cast stars Matt Kopec in the lead role of Buddy seems a bit of an understatement. This energetic redhead sang perfectly and had a boyish charm that belied his six foot frame. The best compliment that I can give him is that he reminded me of the multi-talented  John Tartaglia.

Jane Bruce, in her touring debut, had a beautiful stage presence as the wife of  Walter (played by Matthew Alan Smith.) Jacqueline Grabois, last seen as Kate Monster in the tour of Avenue Q,  was a sketch as his secretary Deb,and Kevin Rockower played his boss Mr. Greenway. Kate Hennies played Buddy's adorable love interest Jovie, and Clyde Voce was likable as the Store Manager at Macy's. Gordon Gray, formerly a professor of Theater at Barnard College, was a jolly Santa, and the ensemble featured many strong male and female performers.

Tyler Altomari from Poughquag NY plays young Michael. (Last year, Connor Barth played this role in the national tour, and I was sorry that I never was able to see his performance.) Mr. Altomari played Randolph in Bye Bye Birdie at Musicals at Richter to Chuck Stango's Mr. MacAfee. (Mr. Stango came to see Tyler on opening night and this probably explains the presence of Mr. Birely in this night's audience.) He has a wonderfully clear voice that he used well in his two duets with his onstage mom and he did a great job in the role of Walter and Emily's son. Congratulations to this young actor on his first tour. 

The musicians in the pit were directed by Eric Fotre Leach and included Will O'Keefe on drums and percussion. His solo on bells that was simultaneously acted out by Buddy was a highlight for me.