See it if you like good music, dancing & fun holiday musicals
Don't see it if you want something to think about or hum later
See it if You have kids and want to get the Christmas spirit
Don't see it if If you think it will be like the movie.
See it if You love Christmas!
Don't see it if You don't want to see a show with kids in the audience.
See it if truly a show for everyone very funny and light hearted , great cast and clever writing
Don't see it if you dont like elf the movie or hate Christmas
See it if You’re looking for a family-friendly holiday show.
Don't see it if you don’t like Elf the movie, since they are very similar.
See it if You are into spreading Christmas Cheer by singing loud for all to hear.AND.... if you want to see George Wendt play Santa! He was GREAT!!!!
Don't see it if You expect it to be exactly like the film.
See it if Elf was a funny story which made you feel like a kid again
Don't see it if You don't like Christmas stories
See it if You are with kids and you’ve had a few glasses of wine.
Don't see it if You want to relive the magic of the movie. This is too similar to the movie, but without Will Farrell, it doesn’t have the charm it needs.
"The musical mostly avoids disappointment, travelling in the range between benign and fairly charming...Where Ferrell was all deadpan innocence and incredulousness as Buddy, Blum's characterization is more Chris Kattan: He's the Spirit of Christmas Spazzy...The show as a whole doesn't creep far above nice, really, but that's far preferable to naughty."
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"The stage version, that is now on the stage at The Cadillac Palace Theatre, as part of the Broadway In Chicago season, is a festive and cute holiday entertainment, and although the star, Will Blum is very close to Ferrell, the musical version falls a little flat... I found this show to appear as one might see in a Community Theater. Our local Community Theater would never touch this show, but if they did, it would far surpass what is on the stage at The Cadillac Palace."
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"Certainly you hope a family show like this one will deliver a transformative experience for young theater-goers. This touring production of the musicalization of the 2003 feature film tries hard to do that, with a colorful, large scale production and a very solid cast – but while it gets off the ground and flies, it never really soars. Not in the way a feel-good family holiday story ought to, and there are many, many role models out there to serve as a guide to accomplish just that."
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"Although Blum delivers spritely spirit in song and dance, he can’t quite match Ferrell’s dazzling performance...The visual is candy coated cute. This show has strong principals...'Elf the Musical' is a fun way to get in the holiday mood. The elfin magic still charms even sans Ferrell."
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"Being a fan of the film, but not wanting to just see a stage production mirroring the same thing I can see on DVD, I was pleasantly satisfied that 'Elf' was able to keep the integrity of the plot, characters, and humor while, at the same time, giving each of those elements a fresh lift...By combining good music with loveable characters, a fun story, and a ton of holiday spirit, 'Elf' is certainly worthy of becoming an annual family holiday tradition."
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"'Elf the Musical' is a funny fresh, treat for the holidays...The colorful sets and costumes were very visually appealing and the pace and plot of the show progressed very well. It is a unique show, and though you might think it is aimed at children because of the title, logo and look of the show, but I think the satiric humor caters best to teens and adults."
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"Will Blum is an energetic and capable performer, so it’s hard to put a finger on exactly why he’s a poor fit for the title character of 'Elf the Musical.' The chief issue: Instead of emphasizing the innocent, childlike nature of a 28-year-old who thinks Santa is real, Blum occasionally inches towards the creepy...'Elf’s' frequently two-dimensional, gaudy sets from Christine Peters lend an amateur feel to some of the show’s scenes."
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"Meehan and Martin add their own comedic genius, creating a show that is funny and fun for the entire family. The writers succeed because they understand how to relate to today’s audience...Of course what really sets this show apart from the movie is that this is a musical...Thanks to the funny book, the energetic cast, and the bright and cheery costumes and sets, 'Elf The Musical' is like a tasty sugar cookie with lots of colorful sprinkles on top."
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