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Monday, December 1, 2014

REVIEW: PAPER MILL PLAYHOUSE’S “ELF” A WONDERFUL HOLIDAY GIFT FOR ALL AGES!

By Ruth Ross

To adults, a human being who thinks he's an elf could get "old" pretty quickly, but Thomas Meehan and Rob Martin (book), Matthew Sklar (music) and Chad Beguelin (lyrics) turn what could be dross into pure gold! I am talking about Elf, the charming musical version of the 2003 Will Ferrell film that opened last night at the Paper Mill Playhouse—just in time for Christmas—and what a gift it is for young and old alike!

ELF Photo 6I never thought I would write those last three words, but I ruefully confess that, although I have never seen the film (the thought of Will Ferrell's face 12 feet tall gave me the willies), I was thoroughly bowled over by the tale of Buddy, an orphan mistakenly transported to the North Pole where he has been raised by Santa's elves. Now 30 years old, he undertakes a journey New York City to discover his true identity and reconnect with his biological dad. (Above James Moye with his fellow elves. Photo by Matthew Murphy)

ELF Photo 3What could be a cloyingly sweet children's story is redeemed by clever dialogue, with plenty of physical jokes for the kids and lots of witticisms for the grown-ups, along with sprightly melodies, complex and nimble choreography and colorful costumes. On a fantastic set designed by Matthew Smucker (it's reminiscent of the snow globe Santa gives Buddy, right), Eric Ankrim's firm directorial hand guides the large cast through its dramatic and musical paces, accompanied by the musical direction of Dominick Amendum. (Above: Paul C. Vogt and James Moye with Santa’s Elves. Photo by Matthew Murphy)

ELF Photo 5Best of all, there's talent to spare in this attractive cast comprised of Broadway veterans and Paper Mill Playhouse favorites. Onstage for the entire play, James Moye plays Buddy with an endearing goofiness as he experiences culture shock down on earth, falls in love (and gets his first kiss) and, in general, makes hilarious pronouncements that proclaim his naiveté loud and clear. He sure can sing and dance, and his energy is boundless! You just want to give him a hug. Kate Fahrner plays his new (girl) friend Jovie as a bit of a grouch, but we learn that she's been romantically disappointed since her arrival in New York City, so she's a bit soured on life. That Farhner convincingly conveys Jovie's gradual transformation—under Buddy's infectious warmth—redeems the character.

ELF Photo 4Robert Cuccioli brings his usual flair to what could be the thankless role of curmudgeonly Walter Hobbes, Buddy's workaholic biological father, too busy for Christmas, too busy for his family, too busy for life. He hoofs and sings his way through the action and gives a performance that even makes us feel sympathy for this grump. He's well matched by Heidi Blickenstaff as Walter's wife Emily and Jake Faragalli as their son Michael. Both put across a song with gusto and dance with spirit. Their newly reawakened belief in Santa is life-affirming. (L-R: Heidi Blickenstaff, Robert Cuccioli, Jake Faragalli, James Moye, Kate Fahrner. Photo by Matthew Murphy)

Jessica Sheridan is terrific as Deb, Walter's receptionist/secretary, and Paul C. Vogt is a hilarious Santa Claus who, before the action starts, reminds us to turn off our cell phones and unwrap a candy! His droll delivery of the side-splitting dialogue sure warms up the audience for the hijinks to follow!

ELF Photo 2Josh Rhodes gives us a veritable smorgasbord of dance styles, including several lively tap dance routines (one made up of a coterie of dancing Santas, another by Macy's elves (left with Buddy) and a very agile department manager played by DeMone. Performed by a first-rate ensemble on ice skates (really rollerblades) on the Rockefeller Center ice rink, A Christmas Song is especially delightful. If you didn't believe in Christmas by this time, I guarantee you'll be a convert! Brightly colored costumes by David C. Woolard enhance the holiday atmosphere.

By the time the lights go down on the final scene, Elf will have warmed your heart, no matter what your age may be. This tuneful holiday confection is a worthy addition to the Paper Mill Playhouse's record of outstanding productions of that most American of art forms, the musical comedy. So give the family the gift of theater by calling now for tickets to Elf before they're sold out.

Elf will be performed at the Paper Mill Playhouse, 22 Brookside Drive, Millburn, through January 4, 2015. Performances are Wednesdays through Sundays. Check the website for special holiday week schedules. For information and tickets, call the box office at 973.376.4343 or visit www.papermill.org online. Credit cards are accepted. Groups of 10 or more can receive a 40% discount on tickets by calling 973.315.1680. College student can order $20 rush tickets over the telephone or in person at the box office on the day of performance.