SCHENECTADY – For those who want to extend Christmas I recommend a trip to the production of “Elf the Musical”, which is playing at Proctors Theatre through Sunday. It’s hard to imagine another musical that celebrates the holiday spirit more effectively than does this adaptation of the film that starred Will Ferrell.
“Elf” is a show that is certain to please adults as much as it does youngsters. It tells a fairy-tale story that is both entertaining and charming. It’s so pleasing and effortless you have to leave Proctors with a smile on your face.
The story of Buddy, the 30 year old who was raised at the North Pole by Santa and his elves is a work that emphasizes one’s need to belong. Buddy is a misfit. He is tall even by human standards and he’s too innocent even for Santa. Buddy is such an optimist that he sees good in every one and needs sings all the time.
However, all these wonderful traits are wasted in world dominated by cynicism. Buddy doesn’t fit in the North Pole and his long lost human family is convinced he’s crazy. Worse his naïve behavior causes problems for his emotionally vacant father who rejects this fragile being.
For adults, the essence of the story will be about the search for family. The younger set will not be that specific about the emotional core of the play they will understand the desire to fit in a world that doesn’t appreciate child-like innocence.
The presentation is solid and it tells a tale that has a heart, but does it without losing any of its entertainment value. Indeed, what makes the material successful is that the work is neither ponderous nor cute. Buddy knows he’s a misfit but clings to his innocence because he understands it is the best way to behave. Soon others accept that behavior as an improvement over a life without affection.
Playing Buddy demands balance. If he is too silly the character loses our respect and if he is too serious we lose interest and fail to find the joy in his wide-eyed discoveries.
Daniel Patrick Smith is terrific as Buddy. He is eager without being annoying, lovable without being cloying and energetic without being exhausting. You believe in the character and want the best for him.
He is also a good singer, a fine dancer and has a delicious sense of comic timing. Smith’s performance holds the show together and he does it without doing a Will Ferrell imitation. If you’d like a point of reference, (one best for grandparents) Smith, especially with his red wig, reminds you of a young Danny Kaye, especially in the “Carol of the Bells” number.
Though the music fits the story seamlessly, there are many songs that are used for narrative purposes and in an attempt to move the story along it might cost some interest with younger members of the audience. Even at a fast pace the show is over two and a half hours long, which pressed the attention span of my six year old companion. When asked if she though the show was good, Eleanor replied “Good? It was fantastic.”
Everyone will enjoy the several production numbers. “Sparklejollytwinklejingley” where Buddy brings enthusiasm to a department store staff as they decorate for the arrival of Santa is great. “Nobody Cares for Santa” where a bevy of Santas moan the loss of faith in their character, is vibrant and “Happy All the Time” is colorful fun, as are all the numbers that take place at the North Pole.
“Elf the Musical” is excellent entertainment and is destined to be one of those classics which always delight and never bore you. It is at Proctors through Sunday and is great holiday fun.
“Elf the Musical” at Proctors Theatre, Schenectady. Through December 28. Performances 2 and 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 6:30 p.m. Sunday. (no performances Christmas Day, December 25) 346-6204, proctors.org
Bob Goepfert is the arts editor for the Troy Record.
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