by Stephanie TooneDecember 18, 2025 | 8:51 am

If there’s two things that Buddy the Elf is, it’s compulsively congenial and completely unaware of personal space.

In “Elf the Musical,” the audience is immediately reminded of those qualities as Santa and Buddy (Jack Ducat) banter about an extemporaneous hug and boisterous greeting. Though the inspiration from the modern-day Christmas classic is evident throughout every scene, the Phillip Wm. McKinley-directed musical’s infectious lyrics, jolly jigging, and heartwarming message of holding tight to the magic and marvel of Christmas still offers its own fresh dose of “Sparklejollytwinklejingley.”

Crossroads Live North America and Temple Live North America, along with Regions Bank Broadway in Atlanta, introduced the national touring musical on Dec. 16, at the Fox Theatre for a limited, one-week run in Atlanta. The book, by Tony Award-winners Thomas Meehan and Bob Martin, offers an exceptional canvas for the cast, but the actors brought an uncanny grasp of the sarcasm, innocence, and chutzpah of the fantastical tale. 

Ducat’s Buddy is both lovable and layered as he embarks on his journey to find his dad after Santa breaks the news that he is a human orphan, not the tallest elf in the North Pole. Santa shares the story of how Baby Buddy was found in one of his toy-filled sacks after Buddy’s mom died. The final bit of revelation: Buddy’s dad is alive, doesn’t know he exists, and lives in a faraway place called New York City. Santa, played by Andrew Hendrick, peppers the origin story with swift quips for the adults at the expense of Starbucks and New Jersey.

As Buddy adventures to NYC, the elaborate, chroma key version of the city’s taxis, towering buildings, and bright lights ignites the fantasy for the children in the audience. In the upbeat numbers “Happy All the Time” and “World’s Greatest Dad,” Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin’s music and lyrics encapsulates the idealistic, earnest spirit of the show’s star.

After meeting his dad, Walter Hobbs (Jeff Brooks), a stern, workaholic, and children’s book publishing executive, the production sets into Buddy’s paradoxical story and its conflict with the dark reality of the holiday doldrums he finds with his dad and new life in New York. Buddy does find a kindred merriment in his new little brother Michael, played by Camden Kwok, who sparkles in every number and scene he graces. He later finds an advocate in his stepmom, Emily (Yara Martin), once she confirms through DNA he is, in fact, Walter’s son.

Fans of the 2003 film will be delighted by the stage show re-imagining the adorable love story with Buddy and Jovie (Felicia Martis). The musical also punches up some of the classic scenes, like Buddy outing a Macy’s Santa as a fake with an elaborate dance sequence decked with all the holiday adornments. The cast, perhaps through ad-libs, modernizes the dialogue with a touch of Gen Alpha colloquialisms like “clock it” and various references to TikTok, which seemed to delight the 12-year-old viewer who accompanied me to the theater Tuesday night.

The show rises above its already side-splitting laughs from the movie with a production that features dazzling dynamics and formations choreographed by Liam Steel and memorable melodies like “Nobody Cares About Santa,” which Ducat sings with conviction, sorrow, and angst. The standout “A Christmas Song” serves as a reprise later in the show, reminding Jovie and the audience that the holiday is “like magic, if things go wrong.”

Plenty goes wrong for Buddy and his crew, from his dad disowning him for his antics and ruining a much-needed manuscript to Santa’s newfangled sleigh getting stuck in Central Park. Buddy’s child-like charm and Christmas spirit save the day for Santa, and influence his dad to lighten up and ditch his stressful job to make more time for the family.

The second act of the show is slightly less inventive than the first act, with a bit of a rush to the finish. Yet, the illuminated set design in the show’s final scene, as the city’s renewed Christmas spirit literally lifts Santa’s sleigh to its fairytale glory, makes for the perfect finish and all the reason to catch this holiday spectacle before it takes off like Dancer, Blitzen, and the rest of the gang.

Catch Thursday night’s 7:30 p.m. show or shows happening 8 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Saturday, or the last shows of the Atlanta run at 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are on sale now at foxtheatre.org/elf or by calling 855-285-8499. 

The tour is coming to 10 cities this holiday season, including Chicago, Atlanta, and San Antonio. 

By: Stephi WildDec. 10, 2025

Performances are now underway for the brand-new tour of Elf The Musical, following the limited holiday Broadway engagement at The Marquis Theatre last year. The tour is coming to 10 cities this holiday season, including Chicago, Atlanta, and San Antonio. 

The tour is led by Jack Ducat as Buddy, Felicia Martis as Jovie, Jeff Brooks as Walter Hobbs, Yara Martin as Emily Hobbs, Ryan Duck and Camden Kwok as Michael Hobbs / Little Boy, Andrew Hendrick as Santa Claus / Mr. Greenway, Katelyn Lauria as Deb, Darius J. Manuel as Macy’s Manager/Hot Dog Vendor. They will be joined by Connor Barton, Calista Case, Derick Donato, Adam Furgal, Kabir Gandhi, Tanner Gleeson, Patrick Johnson, Vanessa Mitchell, Clark Anton Rulon, Emma Sucato, Mikayla Thrasher, Alysia Vastardis, Annie Wogisch, and Keila Sue Wong.

Elf The Musical, inspired by the hit film, is the tale of Buddy, a young orphan child whose life changes forever when he mistakenly crawls into Santa’s sack of toys one Christmas Eve. When he discovers he is human, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father and, in turn, helps the Big Apple rediscover the true meaning of Christmas.

Brandy McDonnell, The Oklahoman: “…you’d have to be a cotton-headed ninny-muggins — or at least a real Scrooge — not to at least smile at the seasonal antics of “Elf the Musical.

“Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune: Ducat makes an endearing Buddy, with childlike enthusiasm that comes off as more believable than Ferrell’s performance, thanks in part to his youthful look and mannerisms. Buddy’s complete oblivion to innuendo adds a note of adult humor to this overall family-

Rachel Weinberg, BroadwayWorld: Ducat’s boundless energy makes ELF extra cheery in this national tour.

7 Nov 2025

Written by Penny for Theatre & Tonic

Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review

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Every year, friends and family are divided over what is the ultimate Christmas film. Passionate cases are presented for Love Actually, The Muppet Christmas Carol, It’s a Wonderful Life and even Die Hard! But it’s hard to argue against the story of Buddy the Elf and his exploits in New York City as a film worthy of a high position on any festive movie league table. 

It’s also hard to think of a Christmas film more suited to a musical stage adaptation. And this year Elf the Musical is back in London for a fourth Christmas run, moving from the 2,000 seater Dominion Theatre to the Aldwych, a slightly smaller venue with its 1,200 audience capacity and layout making for a more intimate experience. With twinkling fairy lights, festive décor and candy canes in abundance, walking into the theatre feels as if you are literally stepping into Christmas!

This year popular stagey husband and wife, Joel Montague and Carrie Hope Fletcher take on the leading roles of Buddy and his love interest Jovie, with Aled Jones taking on the role of Walter Hobbs, making a whole generation feel very old now that he’s now the grumpy father figure rather than the angelic choirboy “walking in the air”.

The book, by Thomas Meehan and Bob Martin stays fairly true to the film (written by David Berenbaum) with a few minor changes that don’t lesson its familiarity. Papa Elf as narrator is replaced by the big man himself, a rather jaded Santa Claus (Martyn Ellis) with one eye on the toy factory and one eye on the football. There are a few changes to bring the story up-to-date – Santa now has an iPad rather than lugging around a massive book full of boys and girls’ wishes, and the potentially problematic scene with Buddy delightedly shouting “You’re an elf” at a character with dwarfism isn’t included. But, all of the iconic parts of the film are there. The audience is waiting for lines like “cotton-headed ninny muggins” and “Santa! I know him!” and the show does not disappoint!

The music, by Matthew Sklar with lyrics by Chad Beguelin, has a classic show tune feel without any of the numbers being particularly memorable.  One of the best songs opens Act Two with a group of cynical department store Santas lamenting their impending unemployment in a number called ‘Nobody Cares About Santa’ – but rather than bringing the mood down, it turns into an up tempo dance number that belies its negative sentiment and sets us up for more of Buddy’s irrepressible optimism.

The inclusion of this scene feeds into an underlying theme of corporate greed vs Christmas spirit that is very well balanced throughout the show. Adults will appreciate the negative connotations of the commercialisation of Christmas – from publishing executives warring over profits on Christmas Eve to department store managers terrified that they’re being monitored by the faceless bigwigs from “Corporate” – it’s an unpalatable underside lurking just below the tinsel and candy canes on the surface. But, we don’t delve too deep and younger people in the audience will delight in the dancing Santas and Buddy’s total lack of filter in a corporate environment!

The set is excellent, enhanced by back projections, taking us from the North Pole and the magic of Christmas Town to the streets and boardrooms of New York. It’s colourful and ridiculously festive. Designer Tim Goodchild matches this in the costumes, with bright block colours that should clash but somehow work perfectly! The direction and choreography from Philip Wm. McKinley and Liam Steel is slick and the energy never drops, the dance numbers are pure joy from start to finish.

The casting is absolutely spot on without a weak link. Aled Jones gives an excellent performance as the absent father – not just for long-lost son Buddy but also for young Michael whose only Christmas wish is to spend a day with his Dad – without ever being in danger of becoming a panto villain. At this performance Michael was played by Samuel Sturge, a young actor with a very bright future ahead of him. His was a very natural performance, full of charm and with some absolutely incredible vocals. His duet with mum Emily (a wonderfully warm Rosanna Hyland) was a highlight of the show.

The role of Jovie, the girl of Buddy’s dreams, is a little underwritten without much stage time to let us really get to know her. Carrie Hope Fletcher still managed to shine, moving from deadpan cynicism to discovering joy and cheer. Her solo number, ‘Never Fall in Love (With an Elf)’ was funny, poignant and beautifully delivered. And, of course, her chemistry with Buddy was heartwarming and very real.

But, this show belongs to Buddy, and Joel Montague is perfect in the role. He has a perfect blend of naivety and charm, a wide-eyed innocence, sprinkling some sparkle in a city that has forgotten how to shine. Whether he’s charging around creating havoc, leading a big song and dance number, making the most unlikely friends or asking for a hug, he’s always lovable and engaging. His singing is fabulous, and his energy is completely infectious. 

As a musical, Elf might not be in contention for any prestigious industry awards, it certainly isn’t a highbrow piece of theatre, and it doesn’t pretend to be. It’s a perfect start to the festive season and I defy anybody to leave the theatre without a huge smile on their face. Spending an evening at Elf the Musical is definitely right up there with singing for the best way to spread Christmas cheer!

Elf the Musical plays at the Aldwych Theatre until Saturday 3rd January. Find out more and book here.

All new photos have been released from ELF the Musical, which began performances at the Aldwych Theatre on Tuesday 28 October and will run for a limited season until 3 January 2026. Check out the photos below! The production is directed by Philip Wm. McKinley and choreographed by Liam Steel.

ELF the Musical stars Joel Montague, Carrie Hope Fletcher and Aled Jones MBE as Buddy, Jovie and Walter Hobbs respectively. Joining them are Rosanna Hyland as Emily Hobbs, Martyn Ellis as Santa/Mr Greenway, Lucinda Lawrence as Deb and Dermot Canavan as Store Manager with Mollie Cleere, Farirayi Garaba, Sophie Pourret, Lucy Rice, Biancha Szynal, Kyle Cox, Zack Guest, Ryan Jupp, Dominic Lamb, Danny Nattrass. The cast is completed by Olivia Bella as on stage Swing, Sophie Camble as Swing, Amy Punter as Swing, Samuel John Humphreys as Swing and Michael Tyler as Swing.

The role of Michael Hobbs is played by Ayrton English, Max Garlick, Harry Georgiou and Samuel Sturge.

Based on the beloved 2003 New Line Cinema hit starring Will Ferrell, ELF features a book by Tony Award-winners Thomas Meehan and Bob Martin, with songs by Tony Award nominees Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin and musical supervision/additional arrangements and orchestrations by Alan Williams.

ELF is the funny and charming tale of Buddy, who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag as a baby and was raised as an elf! Way too tall and not so great at his job, Buddy is the North Pole’s biggest misfit… and knows he’ll never belong. When Santa tells him the truth, Buddy heads to New York City to find his birth father (who turns out to be quite high on the naughty list). After causing some merry mayhem in Manhattan, Buddy finally discovers the gift of family and falls in love. And when Santa’s sleigh crashes in Central Park, it’s Buddy who finds a way to save Christmas forever!

Photo Credit: Matt Crockett

Samuel Sturge, Rosanna Hyland

Martyn Ellis

Martyn Ellis

Joel Montague, Carrie Hope Fletcher

Joel Montague, Carrie Hope Fletcher, and cast

Joel Montague, Lucinda Lawrence

Joel Montague

Joel Montague and cast

Aled Jones, Rosanna Hyland

Aled Jones and cast

The musical will begin performances at the Aldwych Theatre from the 28th October.

Character portraits have been released as Elf the Musical prepares to return to the West End.

Based on the much loved film starring Will Ferrell, this revival of the musical is set to star:  Joel Montague, Carrie Hope Fletcher and Aled Jones MBE as Buddy, Jovie and Walter Hobbs respectively. Joining them are Rosanna Hyland as Emily Hobbs, Martyn Ellis as Santa/Mr Greenway, Lucinda Lawrence as Deb and Dermot Canavan as Store Manager with Mollie Cleere, Farirayi Garaba, Sophie Pourret, Lucy Rice, Biancha Szynal, Kyle Cox, Zack Guest, Ryan Jupp, Dominic Lamb, Danny Nattrass. The cast is completed by Sophie Camble as Swing, Amy Punter as Swing, Samuel John Humphreys as Swing and Michael Tyler as Swing.

The role of Michael Hobbs will be played by Ayrton English, Max Garlick, Harry Georgiou and Samuel Sturge.

Elf is the funny and charming tale of Buddy, who mistakenly crawled into Santa’s bag as a baby and was raised as an elf! Way too tall and not so great at his job, Buddy is the North Pole’s biggest misfit… and knows he’ll never belong. When Santa tells him the truth, Buddy heads to New York to find his birth father (who turns out to be quite high on the naughty list). After causing some merry mayhem in Manhattan, Buddy finally discovers the gift of family and falls in love. And when Santa’s sleigh crashes in Central Park, it’s Buddy who finds a way to save Christmas forever!

Elf the Musical features a book by Tony Award-winners Thomas Meehan and Bob Martin, with songs by Tony Award nominees Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin and musical supervision/additional arrangements and orchestrations by Alan Williams.

The musical returns to London following two runs at the Dominion Theatre as well as performances at the Marquis Theatre on Broadway. It features direction by Philip Wm. McKinley, with choreography by Liam Steel, set and costumes by Tim Goodchild, lighting by Patrick Woodroffe, sound by Gareth Owen, video by Ian William Galloway and casting by Grindrod Burton Casting.

Elf opens at the Aldwych Theatre next Tuesday 28 October for a limited season until 3 January 2026. THis production directed by Philip Wm McKinley, choreographed by Liam Steele with music direction by Alan Williams became the fastest selling production in the history of the Dominion Theater as well as breaking the box office record at the Marquis Theater on Broadway in 2024.

By: Stephi WildOct. 22, 2025

All new photos have been released of the cast of ELF the Musical, which opens at the Aldwych Theatre next Tuesday 28 October for a limited season until 3 January 2026. Check out the photos below!

ELF the Musical stars Joel Montague, Carrie Hope Fletcher and Aled Jones MBE as Buddy, Jovie and Walter Hobbs respectively. Joining them are Rosanna Hyland as Emily Hobbs, Martyn Ellis as Santa/Mr Greenway, Lucinda Lawrence as Deb and Dermot Canavan as Store Manager with Mollie Cleere, Farirayi Garaba, Sophie Pourret, Lucy Rice, Biancha Szynal, Kyle Cox, Zack Guest, Ryan Jupp, Dominic Lamb, Danny Nattrass. The cast is completed by Olivia Bella as on stage Swing, Sophie Camble as Swing, Amy Punter as Swing, Samuel John Humphreys as Swing and Michael Tyler as Swing.

The role of Michael Hobbs will be played by Ayrton English, Max Garlick, Harry Georgiou and Samuel Sturge.

Based on the beloved 2003 New Line Cinema hit starring Will Ferrell, ELF features a book by Tony Award-winners Thomas Meehan and Bob Martin, with songs by Tony Award nominees Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin and musical supervision/additional arrangements and orchestrations by Alan Williams.

ELF is the funny and charming tale of Buddy, who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag as a baby and was raised as an elf! Way too tall and not so great at his job, Buddy is the North Pole’s biggest misfit… and knows he’ll never belong. When Santa tells him the truth, Buddy heads to New York City to find his birth father (who turns out to be quite high on the naughty list). After causing some merry mayhem in Manhattan, Buddy finally discovers the gift of family and falls in love. And when Santa’s sleigh crashes in Central Park, it’s Buddy who finds a way to save Christmas forever!

Photo Credit: Matt Crockett

Aled Jones

Carrie Hope Fletcher

Joel Montague and Carrie Hope Fletcher

Joel Montague

Joel Montague

Joel Montague and cast

Marty Nellis

Rosanna Hyland

Rosanna Hyland and Aled Jones

Elf stars real-life West End married couple Joel Montague (The Great Gatsby, Hamilton) as Buddy and Carrie Hope Fletcher (Calamity Jane, Les Misérables) as Jovie in the hit show.

Photos: Elf The Musical – Rehearsals

Joining Joel Montague and Carrie Hope Fletcher in the cast of Elf The Musical are TV star Aled Jones as Walter Hobbs, alongside Rosanna Hyland (Back to the Future, School of Rock) as Emily Hobbs, Lucinda Lawrence (9 to 5 The Musical, Mamma Mia! The Party) as Deb, Dermot Canavan (Fiddler on the Roof) as the Store Manager, Martyn Ellis (Wicked) as Santa/Mr Greenway.

The role of Michael Hobbs will be shared by Ayrton English, Max Garlick, Harry Georgiou and Samuel Sturge.

The cast also features Mollie Cleere (Mamma Mia! The Party), Farirayi Garaba (Mamma Mia!), Sophie Pourret (The Great Gatsby), Lucy Rice (Clueless), Biancha Szynal (Bring It On), Kyle Cox (& Juliet), Zack Guest (Moulin Rouge!), Ryan Jupp (Crazy For You), Dominic Lamb (Guys & Dolls), and Danny Nattrass (Brigadoon).

The cast is completed by swings Sophie Camble (Cinderella The Musical), Amy Punter (Tina – The Tina Turner Musical), Samuel John Humphreys (The Great Gatsby) and Michael Tyler (Mamma Mia!).

The beloved musical returns to London following sold-out runs at the Dominion Theatre.

Based on the hit 2003 film starring Will Ferrell, Elf The Musical follows Buddy, an orphan who mistakenly finds himself at the North Pole and is raised as one of Santa’s elves. When he learns the truth, Buddy travels to New York to meet his father, discovering the meaning of family and festive spirit along the way.

The show has a book by Tony Award winners Thomas Meehan (Annie, The Producers, Hairspray) and Bob Martin (The Drowsy Chaperone), with songs by Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin (The Wedding Singer).

The West End production will be once again directed by Philip Wm. McKinley with choreography by Liam Steel. Set and costume design is by Tim Goodchild, with lighting by Patrick Woodroffe, sound by Gareth Owen and video design by Ian William Galloway. Casting is by Grindrod Burton Casting.

Elf The Musical plays at the Aldwych Theatre from 28 October 2025 to 3 January 2026.

7 October 2025

Exclusive: Elf the Musical has revealed a look inside the rehearsal room ahead of its limited West End season!

As already announced, Joel Montague, Carrie Hope Fletcher and Aled Jones will star as Buddy, Jovie and Walter Hobbs respectively when the show opens at the Aldwych Theatre.

Adapted from the 2003 New Line Cinema film starring Will Ferrell, Elf features a book by Thomas Meehan and Bob Martin, with music by Matthew Sklar and lyrics by Chad Beguelin. The story follows Buddy, a human raised as an elf at the North Pole, who travels to New York City in search of his birth father.

Also in the cast are Rosanna Hyland (Back to the Future: the Musical) as Emily Hobbs, Martyn Ellis (Wicked, The Lion King) as Santa/Mr Greenway, Lucinda Lawrence (9 to 5) as Deb and Dermot Canavan (Fiddler on the Roof) as Store Manager with Mollie Cleere, Farirayi Garaba, Sophie Pourret, Lucy Rice, Biancha Szynal, Kyle Cox, Zack Guest, Ryan Jupp, Dominic Lamb and Danny Nattrass. The cast is completed by Sophie Camble, Amy Punter, Samuel John Humphreys and Michael Tyler as swings.

The role of Michael Hobbs will be played by Ayrton English, Max Garlick, Harry Georgiou and Samuel Sturge.

The show previously ran at the Dominion Theatre in both 2022 and 2023, setting box office records on each occasion. It also had a recent run at the Marquis Theatre on Broadway in 2024, marking its first return to New York in over ten years and setting new weekly gross records.

The production is directed by Philip Wm McKinley, with choreography by Liam Steel, set and costume design by Tim Goodchild, lighting design by Patrick Woodroffe, sound design by Gareth Owen, and video design by Ian William Galloway. Casting will be by Grindrod Burton Casting.

A new set has been designed for the Aldwych Theatre by Goodchild to accommodate the venue’s dimensions. The production is presented by Temple Live Entertainment.

Elf The Musical runs from 28 October 2025 to 3 January 2026.

Jack Ducat will star as Buddy the Elf in Philip Wm. McKinley’s production based on the 2003 film.

By Logan Culwell-Block, Andrew Gans

September 29, 2025

The upcoming 2025 holiday tour of Elf the Musical has found the cast that will bring holiday cheer for all to hear! The screen-to-stage musical is hitting the road after a 2024 holiday run on Broadway, with the new non-union tour set to begin November 1 at Clark State Performing Arts Center in Springfield, Ohio.

Jack Ducat will lead the company as Buddy, with Felicia Martis as Jovie, Jeff Brooks as Walter Hobbs, Yara Martin as Emily Hobbs, Ryan Duck and Camden Kwok as Michael Hobbs and Little Boy, Andrew Hendrick as Santa Claus and Mr. Greenway, Katelyn Lauria as Deb, and Darius J. Manuel as Macy’s Manager and Hot Dog Vendor. The company will also include Connor Barton, Calista Case, Derick Donato, Adam Furgal, Kabir Gandhi, Tanner Gleeson, Patrick Johnson, Vanessa Mitchell, Clark Anton Rulon, Emma Sucato, Mikayla Thrasher, Alysia Varstardis, Annie Wogisch, and Keila Sue Wong.

Again directed by Philip Wm. McKinley, the tour has stops planned in 10 cities, including Chicago, Atlanta, and San Antonio. A full itinerary is at ElfMusicalTour.com.

Restager Dave Solomon and Associate Choreographer Richard J. Hinds will helm the US tour creative based on the 2024 Broadway revival production. 

Based on the 2003 New Line Cinema film starring Will Ferrell, Elf features a book by Tony winners Thomas Meehan (Annie, The Producers, Hairspray) and Bob Martin (The Drowsy Chaperone), with songs by Tony nominees Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin (The Wedding Singer). The musical made its Broadway debut in 2010 at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre and returned there in 2012. A 2024 engagement of McKliney’s staging was a box-office hit at Broadway’s Marquis.

Like the film, the stage musical follows the charming tale of Buddy, who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag as a baby and is raised as an elf. When Santa tells him the truth, Buddy heads to New York City to find his birth father.

The forthcoming tour will have choreography by Liam Steel; set and costumes by Tim Goodchild; lighting by Patrick Woodroffe; sound by Gareth Owen; video by Ian William Galloway; hair and wig design by Sam Cox; orchestrations by Doug Besterman; dance arrangements by David Chase; vocal arrangements by Phil Reno; music supervision, additional arrangements, and orchestrations by Alan Williams; and associate music supervision by Nate Patten.

First staged at London’s Dominion Theatre in 2022, this production became the fastest-selling show in the venue’s history, going on to break its own box-office records during the subsequent 2023 run at the same house.