Elf the Musical on Broadway grossed over $2 million at the box office for the week ending 12/15/2024. For the fourth week in a row the show has been in the top five. The show continues to bring holiday cheer, laughter and the “Elfie” spirit to capacity audiences. Congrats to the entire company!!!

Elf the Musical on Broadway hits the top of the highest grossing shows for a third week. Grossing $1,826,498.00 the holiday critical hit is an audience hit as well. Among the top five shows for the week were Wicked, Lion King, Hamilton and Sunset Blvd. Not bad company for an Elf. Tickets are moving very quickly for the limited run which closes on January 4th. Happy Holidays to everyone.

By Liz Keill

Published December 11, 2024 at 11:44 AM

CHATHAM, NJ – The Charles Dickens perennial tale of Scrooge, Tiny Tim and  residents of London comes vividly to life in Chatham Players’ ”A Christmas Carol.”

Part of what makes this version so appealing is the spot-on direction and choreography by Amanda Papa and Matt Mancuso. As they note, it is a ghost story and even Dickens learns in the telling.

There are superb performances by Jonathan Richards as Ebenezer Scrooge and the versatile Chris Prestera as Charles Dickens.  I’m not sure how much seeing Dickens on stage really matters, but he occasionally adds insights we might miss otherwise. He also understands and visualizes the ravages of poverty.

The songs add a contrasting dimension, especially when Scrooge’s worldly goods are being sold off after his death during the Ghost of Christmas Future.  Their “Cheery Oh Ta Ta” in “The Pawnbroker’s Song” is gleefully performed by Rebecca Iacovitti, Heather Corzine, Paul Salierno and Ed Faver.

The Fezziwig scene is especially appealing, with Mr. Fezziwig (Nick Foil) and his wife (Iacovitti) leading off a sprightly “Dance with Your Dumplin’, Dance with Your Tart.” All of these visits to the past help us see how Ebenezer could have taken a different path and led a happier life.

Jason Benjamin as Bob Cratchit brings a grace and depth to the role, which is usually played as rather diminished  and broken down.  It helps that he can sing and dance in “Not Tomorrow” along with his family as they anticipate Christmas Day.  The tragic scene in Act II, “If I Could Hold You in My Arms” is touching  when sung by Benjamin and Lisa Wolper as Mrs. Cratchit. Then we have an adorable Tiny Tim, played by Leo Caravano. The large cast keeps it all moving, with varied roles, as the play moves along.

This version of the classic, adapted from writings and letters of Charles Dickens by Philip Wm. McKinley, gives us a greater sense of street life in London in 1843. Roy S. Pancirov designed the flexible set. Costumes by Frances Harrison and Beth Gleason reflect the styles of the time. Kudos to the musicians, with arrangements by Kyle Cao, that enhance the setting without overwhelming the actors.

“A Christmas Carol” continues through Dec. 21. For tickets, call 973-635-7363 or visit chathamplayers.org.  The Playhouse is located 23 North Passaic Avenue, Chatham.

ELF the Musical was among the top four highest grossing Broadway shows the week of 12/2/2024. Only Wicked, Hamilton, and Lion King were higher. The show earned $1,947,923 which marks the second-highest gross for an eight-performance week in the 38-year history of the Marquis Theatre (with the largest eight-performance week record belonging to “Beetlejuice,” which earned $2,146,200 during the week ending Jan. 8, 2023).

Congratulations to the entire company!!! Tickets are selling fast for the final weeks. Grab them now and have a very Elf-y Christmas!!!

THIS WAS MY FAVORITE REVIEW OF ELF THE MUSCIAL!

I try not to make it a habit to read reviews from my shows. (We all try – how often do we succeed?) My sister sent me this review of ELf the Musical and I have to say it’s my absolute favorite review. The writer (Ross) starts out his article by saying he’s miserable and really didn’t want to go to the theater. I wish all reviewers started their columns with their mindset and mood. If you don’t have time, read the two bold sections at the top and the bottom of the article. My kudos to Mr. Ross for his honesty! It speaks to how theater can change a person’s outlook. Enjoy!!

November 24, 2024 By Ross 

I think my heart grew a few sizes larger the other night while watching Elf – the Musical at Broadway’s Marquis Theatre. And I’m not kidding. I walked into the theatre a big grouch. I’ve had a hard busy work day, all the while navigating a pulled muscle in my lower back and a sore shoulder muscle that never stopped aching all day. I was tired, cranky, and basically thinking I would be much better off in bed on painkillers drinking a hot toddy. Happy Holidays everyone, but within minutes of the most surprisingly sweet and festive two and a half hours on Broadway, my discomfort was gone. Just from watching this charmingly funny tale of a very tall elf who learns just days before Christmas that he isn’t actually an elf, but a human, who, a long time ago crawled into Santa’s sack when he was just a wee infant. And instead of Santa returning him to his momma (a question that never crossed my mind until now), Buddy the Elf was raised by the happiest of happy elves who dance and sing up a storm and make toys at record speed. Now that’s a wonderful life, I’m thinking.

Grey Hensen, Sean Astin Photo by Evan Zimmerman for Murphy Made

Now one might call me a Classic Christmas enthusiast, who can not make it through the holiday season without watching: “It’s a Wonderful Life“, “Love, Actually“, “A Christmas Story“, and the one and only original animated “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas“. Never ever the live-action film. I avoid films like that, and “Elf”, the 2003 film that starred Will Ferrell, and I really had no intention of watching it. Pretty much ever (I still believe that to be true). But I have to say, the musical version, brought to magical life by the talented team that delivered The Prom to Broadway, with music by Matthew Sklar, lyrics by Chad Beguelin, and a book by Thomas Meehan & Bob Martin, is just what the holiday doctor ordered, or should have, as I totally forgot about my aches and pains (and my hard day) for the entirety of the show.

Kalen Allen, Grey Henson, and The Cast of Broadway’s Elf the Musical. Photo by Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade.

Perfectly embodied and sung by the gem, Grey Henson (Broadway’s Mean Girls; Shucked), Buddy the Elf is, like his familial elves, “Happy All the Time“, until it slips out that he is not like all the other elves. He’s special, they tell him. And by special, they mean human, and not at all an elf. So with a little holiday push by Santa, played lovingly by Sean Astin (“Lord of the Rings” trilogy), Buddy is off to New York City to find his father and, in turn, help him, who Santa states is firmly stamped on the naughty list, rediscover his holiday spirit and reconnect with his family. His journey is long, assisted by the somewhat straightforward heavily projected set and costuming by Tim Goodchild (West End’s Strangers on a Train), with festive lighting by Patrick Woodroffe (Jim Steinman’s Bat Out of Hell), and sound design by Gareth Owen (Broadway’s Hell’s Kitchen) & Peter Fitzgerald (Broadway’s Purlie Victorious..), that feels somewhat more like a touring production, rather than a planted Broadway show, but it really doesn’t effect his “sparklyjollytwinklejingley” spirit that never fades, even when he finally comes face to face with his overworked and overwhelmed Daddy (Walter) Hobbs, played gloriously sour by Michael Hayden (Broadway’s Judgment at Nuremberg).

He tries to follow Santa’s sage advice, “ask first, then hug” but Buddy’s enthusiasm doesn’t do the festive family trick. It only engages and enlists boss Hobbs’ staff, led by the fabulously talented Jennifer Sánchez (Red Bull Theater’s The Alchemist) as office assistant Deb, who initially mistakes Buddy for a singing telegram entertainer. This mismatch doesn’t go well, as expected, and Buddy finds himself escorted out into the street, and pointed towards the ‘North Pole’ village at the nearby Macy’s Department Store. In some way, this is the Christmas match he needs, filling the standoffish employees there with his happy elfin spirit, promoted by the anxious store manager played hilariously well by Kalen Allen (Netflix’s “Meet Me Next Christmas“). Who also can sell you the greatest hotdogs in town, depending on your mood or taste buds.

Kayla Davion and Grey Henson in Broadway’s Elf the Musical. Photo by Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade.

But the main event of that short overnight stay is when Buddy the Elf falls quickly and hopelessly in love with the pretty Jovie, a determined-to-be practical store-elf-for-hire, who doesn’t believe in all that joyful, hopeful magic of Christmas, vowing to “Never Fall in Love (With and Elf)” or so she states. Powerhouse Kayla Davion (Off-Broadway’s White Girl in Danger) as Jovie knocks down that gingerbread house (not literally) with her killer vocals and sweet straightforward charm, pulling us in with ease to her wishful thinking and romantic ideals. We can’t help but fall for her as quickly as Buddy does, but his forgetfulness at crucial moments places a few obstacles for this sleigh ride to continue down its non-snowy path. But we are very forgiving for the lovable Buddy, and we hold onto our festive hearts hoping (and knowing) she will be forgiving too.

You see, Walter Hobbs, the unknown father of Buddy, works long hard hours as a publisher of children’s books in an Empire State Building office. He’s far too busy and stressed to go Christmas shopping with his wife, Emily, gloriously well-played by lovely-voiced Ashley Brown (Encores’ The Golden Apple), and their son, Michael, delightfully portrayed by Kai Edgar (Ahmanson’s A Christmas Story). But after an altercation with Macy’s fake Santa, Buddy is dropped off at the Hobbs’ door by a couple of jolly policemen, and a bond begins to form with his newfound family, one that we know will benefit them all, once they embrace his joyful soul.

Michael Hayden, Ashley Brown, Kai Edgar, Grey Henson, and Kayla Davion Photo by Evan Zimmerman for Murphy Made

His new stepmom can’t help herself but giggle along with all of us as we watch Henson’s Buddy drive the story forward as only he can, giving us “A Christmas Song” and energy that can’t be denied. With Buddy decked out in human work clothes whispering “Dad” until he can’t help but yell it out, Elf never stops for a second, completely captivating us all in its holiday cheer and goodwill. The songs, particularly the lyrics, are impossible not to love, especially “The Story of Buddy the Elf” sung with such cheer, and backed up by the effervescent choreography of Liam Steel (West End/Broadway’s Company) layered like icing on top of the orchestrations cake by music supervisor Alan Williams (Broadway’s Funny Girl). It could make anyone believe in Santa, even the grouchy Mr. Greenway (Astin) who demands everyone work through Christmas just so he can publish a new children’s Christmas storybook.

Naturally, everything comes together in the end, energizing the New York City Christmas spirit in ways that will make you smile stupidly from ear to ear and send a sleigh soaring. As directed with a heartful of joy and love by Philip Wm. McKinley (Broadway’s The Boy From Oz), Elf flies high into the Central Park sky, and I can’t begin to tell you just how much this production cured my rainy workday Thursday night blues, ushering me into Christmas, before sending me out into the difficult streets of New York City with the happiest of elvish steps, humming the music and singing “Buddy the Elf” as I made my way home. Hensen’s Buddy certainly knows how to play those Christmas bells in a way that lifted the weight off my shoulders, reducing my achy muscles, and giving me a little lump in my throat. And I’m sure it did the same to all those enthralled kids around me, including the adult-plus-one I brought with me that night. Don’t miss your chance to care about Santa once again with Broadway’s Elf the Musical.

Grey Henson and Jennifer Sanchez (center) with The Cast of Broadway’s Elf the Musical. Photo by Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade.

This past week Elf the Musical outsold the following shows grossing over $1 million.    

The show made more money than following productions: &Juliet, A Wonderful World of Louis Armstrong, Back to the Future, Cabaret, Chicago, Death Becomes Her, Gypsy (only three performances), Hadestown, Harry Potter, Maybe Happy Ending, Moulin Rouge, Once Upon a Mattress, Our Town, Six, Stereophonic, Suffs, Swept Away, Tammy Faye, The Book of Mormon, The Notebook, Water for Elephants.

Not bad for a little holiday show!!!

Looks like Broadway audiences are looking for a fun, joyful, high spirited holiday show.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE ENTIRE CAST, STAFF, and CREW! One of the absolute best companies on Broadway.

“Elf the Musical,” inventive spins on “A Christmas Carol” and classic family fare:

The end of the year marks the return of eggnog and latkes, gifting and regifting — and holiday-themed shows to bask in tradition, communal spirit and, yes, fun. In New York, we can always count on well-timed offerings on stages of all sizes.

One of the biggest, the Marquis Theater, is hosting “Elf the Musical” (through Jan. 4) in which Grey Henson gets the title role “delightfully, entirely right,” according to Laura Collins-Hughes’s review for The New York Times.

BUDDY IS BACK and on BROADWAY!!!!

PREVIEWS BEGIN NOVEMBER 9, 2024

OPENING NIGHT NOVEMBER 17, 2024 *** AT THE MARQUIS THEATRE

TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW AT ELFONBROADWAY.COM

(New York, NY – September 10, 2024) Temple Live Entertainment and Crossroads Live North America have announced a limited holiday engagement of Elf The Musical, beginning this November on Broadway at The Marquis Theatre. Following two hugely successful, record-breaking seasons in London’s West End in 2022 and 2023, this production of Elf The Musical will be new to Broadway and will mark the musical’s return for the first time in over a decade. The musical will star Tony Award nominee Grey Henson (Mean Girls, Shucked) as Buddy the Elf.  Broadway previews begin Saturday, November 9, 2024, with an official Opening Night of Sunday, November 17, 2024, for the limited engagement through Saturday, January 4, 2025. Tickets are available now, at www.elfonbroadway.com.

Elf The Musical features a book by Tony Award winners Thomas Meehan (Annie, The Producers, Hairspray) and Bob Martin (The Drowsy Chaperone, Smash, Boop! The Musical), with songs by Tony nominees Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin (The Prom, The Wedding Singer). The musical returns to Broadway in an acclaimed production directed by Philip Wm. McKinley (Boy From Oz, Spiderman: Turn Off The Dark), first staged at the Dominion Theatre in London’s West End. It became the venue’s fastest-selling show in nearly a century and became a firm holiday favorite for London audiences, breaking its own Box Office records during last year’s run. The production features Choreography by Olivier and Drama Desk nominee Liam Steel (Company), Set and Costume Design by multi-Olivier Award winner Tim Goodchild (Strangers on a Train, We Will Rock You, numerous productions at Royal Shakespeare Company), Lighting Design by Patrick Woodroffe (Bat Out of Hell, Mamma Mia! The Party), Sound Design by Tony Award winner Gareth Owen (MJ the Musical, Hell’s Kitchen) and Video Design by Ian William Galloway (The Audience, The Light Princess), with music supervision by Olivier Award winner Alan Williams (Sunset Boulevard). Casting is by Rachel Hoffman / The Telsey Office.

Elf The Musical is the hilarious and heartwarming tale of Buddy, a young orphan child whose life is changed forever when he mistakenly crawls into Santa’s sack of toys one Christmas Eve. Raised by elves in the North Pole, Buddy’s enormous size and poor toy-making abilities make him realize he doesn’t quite fit in. 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. Hailed by Time Out as “a slickly irresistible and fizzily enjoyable confection of a show” that will “whirl you up in a technicolor dream of Christmas,” this modern-day holiday classic returns home to New York in an acclaimed West End production that “has the magic to send you out of the theatre smiling and singing” (The Times of London).

“Voyage de la Vie” – Singapore

The saying goes: “There’s a broken heart for every light on Broadway.”   My feeling is for every light on Broadway there’s a kid with a dream. Somewhere along the way the kid stopped living his/her dream and started to live someone else’s and that’s where the broken hearts come from. I’ve always said be careful who you stand next to, you don’t want to catch their dream. Live your own dream. I’m a kid that lived my dream and I’m fortunate enough to still be living it.

I suppose I’m too old to be called a kid anymore. But I’ve always thought of everyone in the theater as a kid. To me it’s not a sign of age, it’s an indication of your spirit. The colleagues I’ve worked with whom I’ve admired the most had that “can-do” spirit that we all have as children. There are no boundaries, no restrictions, only hope and the belief if I dream harder it will come true. I worked with George Abbott who is often referred to as the “Father of American Theater.”   Mr. Abbott was the biggest kid in the neighborhood. At one hundred years old he still had that gleam of adventure in his eye you only find in the undying spirit of a child with a dream and a purpose.

There are people I’ve worked with who have taken offense to me calling them “kids.”  They find it demeaning in some form or other. It’s as if I’m indicating their lack of knowledge or education. But for me, we’re all a bunch of “kids” just putting together a show in the backyard. The same way we put on shows when we were growing up in all those small towns across the country before we packed up and moved to the big city to find our dreams. I use “kid” as a term of endearment to illustrate the person has not lost their inner child, the kid that allowed us to search for the dream.

The difference for me now? Not much. I’m still that “kid” putting on shows in the back yard. The shows just got bigger and a lot more expensive. 

Elf the Musical with book by Thomas Meehan & Bob Martin, Music by Matthew Sklar and Lyrics by Chad Beguelin has opened at the Dominion Theater in London for the 2023-24 holiday season. The production stars Matthew Wolfenden, Georgina Castle, Tom Chambers and Rebecca Lock. Produced by Ingrid Sutej and Miguel Esteban, this joyful and spirited musical is playing to sold out houses again this year. It seems London can’t get enough of Buddy the Elf!!!

Georgina Castle, Tom Chambers, Rebecca Lock, Nicholas Pound and Mathew Wolfenden star in Elf the Musical.

Matthew Wolfenden and Georgina Castle

The 2023 Cast of Elf the Musical at the Dominion Theater, London