THE BEST HOLIDAY GIFT ISN’T UNDER THE TREE,
IT’S ELF AT THE MARQUIS
Elf, the charming story of Buddy, the orphan who crawled into Santa’s sack one Christmas Eve and was raised at the North Pole, surrounded by Santa and his elves, has been delighting young and old since 2003, first as a film and later as a musical adaptation. And now the adorable Buddy is back again in a revival starring Grey Henson and featuring Sean Astin as Santa; Michael Hayden as his father, Walter Hobbs; Ashley Brown as his mother, Emily; Kai Edgar as his brother, Michael; and Kayla Davion as his love interest, Jovie.
Cast of ELF the Musical
Grey Henson and Kayla Davion
It is a lovely production. Matthew Sklar (music) and Chad Beguelin’s (lyrics) score sparkles, and Thomas Meehan and Bob Martin’s book glows in the hands of director Philip Wm. McKinley and his dedicated cast. Henson, who is alternately clumsy and determined, seems made for the part. His goofiness is so perfectly sincere even the most cynical in the audience end up routing for him to win over his father, get the girl and live happily ever after.
Grey Henson and Sean Astin
Grey Henson & Cast
Despite Henson’s endearing portrayal of Buddy, young lad Kai Edgar almost steals the show as his adoring brother. This is his Broadway debut, and it is impressive.
Sean Astin and Cast
Cast of ELF the Musical
For those who somehow don’t yet know the story, once Buddy realizes he is human, and not an elf, he ventures south to New York City. There he meets his real father, an overworked and harried book publisher who needs to come up with a great book idea to make up for a previous blunder.
Cast of ELF the Musical
Sean Astin
Although everyone in the office loves Buddy (who, dressed in his elf attire, is mistaken for a singing telegram), he has trouble convincing Walter that this big guy in a green suit is his son. So Walter brings Buddy to Macy’s, where he meets and quickly falls for Jovie, a Macy’s elf. Buddy has many more adventures, gets into lots of trouble and is often helped out by his sympathetic stepmother and brother. Eventually Buddy saves the day. And (to no one’s surprise) all ends well.
Michael Hayden, Ashley Brown, Kai Edgar, Grey Henson, and Kayla Davion
Kalen Allen, Grey Henson, & Cast
Liam Steel has created some very engaging ensemble numbers, including the 11 o’clock showstopper, “The Story of Buddy the Elf.” And Tim Goodchild has balanced extravagant costumes with the Hobbs’ very believable house and Walter’s very ordinary office. Santa’s aerial sleigh ride is a special attraction.
Kai Edgar and Grey Henson
Kalen Allen
If you want to get rid of your world-weary blues, forget your cares, and have fun with the kids (or without them) head on down to the Marquis Theatre where everyone believes in Santa Claus, love triumphs, families are reunited and sleighs fly.
Kayla Davion & Grey Henson
Michael Hayden and Cast
photos by Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade
Grey Henson and Jennifer Sanchez
The Cast of ELF the Musical
Elf
Marquis Theatre, 210 West 46 Street
running time 2 hours, 25 minutes, one intermission
ends on January 4, 2025
for tickets visit Elf on Broadway