ELF The Musical
Closed 2h 15m
ELF The Musical
77

ELF The Musical NYC Reviews and Tickets

77%
(147 Ratings)
Positive
80%
Mixed
16%
Negative
4%
Members say
Funny, Entertaining, Delightful, Quirky, Hilarious

About the Show

This holiday musical inspired by the beloved 2003 film returns to the Theater at Madison Square Garden for a seasonal run.

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Show-Score Member Reviews (147)

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26 Reviews | 6 Followers
75
Funny, Enchanting, Entertaining, Cliched, Dated

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

21 Reviews | 4 Followers
75
Quirky, Fluffy, Funny

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.

11 Reviews | 2 Followers
100
Must see, Hilarious, Great acting, Funny, Entertaining

See it if You love Christmas!

Don't see it if You don't want to see a show with kids in the audience.

16 Reviews | 2 Followers
90
Absorbing, Clever, Hilarious, Refreshing, Great writing

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

17 Reviews | 7 Followers
80
Delightful, Funny, Great singing

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.

20 Reviews | 12 Followers
78
Entertaining, Funny, Fluffy, Quirky

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.

12 Reviews | 3 Followers
77
Funny, Great staging, Delightful

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

13 Reviews | 1 Follower
34
Fluffy, Excruciating, Disappointing, Dizzying, Ambitious

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.

Critic Reviews (24)

Time Out Chicago
November 26th, 2013
For a previous production

"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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Around The Town Chicago
November 27th, 2013
For a previous production

"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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Chicago Theater Beat
December 1st, 2013
For a previous production

"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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Chicago Now
November 29th, 2013
For a previous production

"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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W
December 25th, 2013
For a previous production

"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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Daily Herald
December 12th, 2013
For a previous production

"'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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W
December 20th, 2013
For a previous production

"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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MD Theatre Guide
December 21st, 2013
For a previous production

"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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