It actually makes perfect sense: adding rollicking song-and-dance numbers to “Elf,” piling joy on top of joy and just daring anyone not to smile.
“Elf The Musical,” the holiday feature at Seattle’s Fifth Avenue Theatre, is brightly colored, happy, silly, and sweet. It’s the perfect addition to any holiday agenda.
This is not simply “Elf” the movie transported to the stage. It is the same story, with a few plot tweaks to make it work (no jail scene, no Central Park snowball fight, no Miles Finch). Some of the best lines (or, at least, some of my personal favorites) are still there: “Francisco! That’s fun to say.” “I like smiling. Smiling’s my favorite.” “SANTA!!! I know him!”
Buddy (Eric Ankrim) learns his life story from Santa (Richard Ziman) in an early scene from “Elf The Musical.” (Photos by Michael B. Maine)
And … ice skating at Rockefeller Center? It’s there. I don’t know how they managed to stage that scene, but it’s beautiful.
Things you didn’t see in the movie: Festive numbers like “Sparklejollytwinklejingley” (this year’s Christmas catchphrase?), “Christmastown” and “A Christmas Song.” There’s also the poignant: “I’ll Believe in You” and “Never Fall In Love (With An Elf.)”
The second act opens with a bunch of tired and cranky Santas in a Chinese restaurant on Christmas Eve.
My daughter approved of at least one updated reference. Instead of apologizing for having “crammed 11 cookies into the VCR,” Buddy says he regrets “spilling hot cocoa on the Roomba.” There was also the obligatory and groan-worthy “six-seven” reference.
The closing scene from “Elf The Musical” at Seattle’s Fifth Avenue Theatre. (Michael B. Maine photo)
A couple of things to know, especially if bringing kids: if you’ve watched the movie, you know it addresses the existence of Santa Claus and whether people believe. And speaking of “believe,” believe it or not, there are a couple of instances of mild sexual innuendo, but they fly by pretty quickly. If your family is expecting to sit in the 5th Avenue and recite “Elf” as it plays out … that is not exactly going to happen. When we went, there was a boy, maybe around 6, seated in front of us and appearing not to really enjoy himself. (There was also a woman next to my daughter browsing Amazon. Seriously?!?!)
The theater is more gorgeous than usual, decked out for the holidays. Santa and Mrs. Claus are available for visits in the lobby beforehand ($10 donation suggested). There is a snack bar, complete with bar bar, but prices are high and lines are long.
There is so much to see and do this holiday season in Seattle! You’ll need to pace yourselves (and your budget). Make the choices that work for your family. “Elf the Musical” was a must for me.
Details: “Elf The Musical” runs through Dec. 28. Read the schedule carefully, because there’s some variation in showtimes. Ticket information here.
Some of the products, services, or experiences mentioned in this article may have been provided at no cost or at a discount. However, all opinions expressed are solely those of the author and/or the Seattle’s Child editorial team. Our coverage remains independent, and we only feature things we genuinely believe will be of interest to our readers.
