I’ve never been shy to admit that Elf is my favourite Christmas movie. I first saw the 2003 film at the cinema with my after school drama teacher who needed a child to take to a “kids‘” movie, and I’ve rewatched it almost every year since. It’s a perfect festive treat for many reasons, and much of them can be attributed to Will Ferrell’s endearing performance as the suspiciously-tall Buddy the Elf, and the surprising amount of nuance and heart poured into a story about convincing a bunch of stony-faced New Yorkers to believe in the magic of Santa.
It’s a bit of a shame then, to head along to the Australian premiere of Elf: The Musical at the Sydney Opera House with literal bells on, as a musical fanatic, to find that they’ve over-sweetened the syrupy musical numbers, and all but lost the secret sauce that brings depth to the film. Of course, musical-ifying something always requires a certain degree of glitz, and this production is endearing in its own way – but unfortunately, Elf: The Musical makes some unimaginative choices, which can leave you with an artificially-sweet aftertaste.
The book, by Bob Martin and Thomas Meehan, removes Papa Elf from the cast of characters (the lovable old elf who “forgot” to have children, and raised Buddy as his own) and instead has Santa Claus narrate the story. As Santa kicks off the show, there are hints that we may be in for some meta-theatrical, interactive panto fun. However, this isn’t developed any further, and Santa’s distaste for his own “annoying” elves becomes the focus of his character. This trend of condescending tones continues throughout the show, with most characters outwardly finding Buddy annoying or “too much”, often becoming two-dimensional versions of their on-screen counterparts. It’s a distinct shift in attitude from the film, which never really condescended its audience (or Buddy, for that matter) despite being (largely) for children.
...the Australian cast makes a valiant effort to bring the Christmas spirit. Gareth Isaac is a hoot as Buddy the Elf...
The music, composed by Matthew Sklar with lyrics by Chad Beguelin, is slick and festive. It’s very successfully jingly and upbeat, but struggles with the more tender or emotional numbers, somewhat lacking in depth and variety. Jovie, the brooding temp worker employed as a Macy’s Christmas elf, love interest to Buddy (as portrayed by Zooey Deschanel in the film), has an entire number dedicated to “not falling in love with an elf” that falls especially flat. With somewhat outdated lyrics, she laments her choices in men, including those “who wear tights”, and her character is reduced to a stereotype.
Despite these issues, this concert-style presentation is a colourful production with pleasantly dynamic staging, and the Australian cast makes a valiant effort to bring the Christmas spirit. Gareth Isaac is a hoot as Buddy the Elf, bringing an appropriate level of enthusiasm, the lankiest legs you’ve ever seen, and some serious pipes. As Deb, an employee at Buddy’s father’s office, Madeleine Mackenzie steals almost every scene she’s in with her effervescent energy. As one of Santa’s elves, Charlie, James Macalpine is hilariously expressive with his puppet-ish costume. Wrangled by director Eric Giancola, the entire ensemble really is a lot of fun, and so is Mitchell Woodcock’s choreography. Aussie acting legend Simon Burke is sound as Buddy’s father, Walter Hobbes, but also somewhat overwrought, and the writing of many of the characters doesn’t allow much room for the performers to shine.
The experience of seeing Elf: the Musical is sort of like eating a shiny candy cane off the Christmas tree – festive and sweet, and it might even please the kids, but it’s ultimately only one, dissatisfying flavour. It struggles to meet the high bar set by the film, particularly because of its condescending approach. If a little more care was taken with the source material, and with the musical theatre form, perhaps it would feel a little less like one of the corporatised Christmas stories that Buddy’s dad sells to “stupid kids”.
The Australian premiere of Elf: The Musical is presented by Sydney Opera House and John Frost for Crossroads Live, in association with Shake & Stir Theatre Co. It is playing until Sunday, December 29, and limited tickets are available over here.
Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, travel inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox.