As the holiday season approaches, there’s no better way to embrace the festive spirit than with the Walnut Street Theatre’s (WST) enchanting production of Elf The Broadway Musical. Continuing their remarkable 216th season, WST brings the beloved story of Buddy the elf from the North Pole to the bustling streets of New York City. This delightful musical, based on one of the most cherished holiday films, is a heartwarming and joyous experience for audiences of all ages.
A Beloved Holiday Tale
Elf The Broadway Musical follows the story of Buddy, a human who was raised as an elf after mistakenly crawling into Santa’s bag as a baby. Unaware of his true identity, Buddy’s large size and lack of toy-making skills lead him to discover the truth. With Santa’s blessing, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father and uncover his real identity. Along the way, he faces the challenge of bringing holiday cheer to his half-brother, who doesn’t believe in Santa Claus, and his father, who is on Santa’s naughty list.
A Stellar Production
Having seen the show on opening night, I can confidently say that this production thoroughly entertained me with its joyful and festive spirit. Directed by the talented Glenn Casale, known for his work on Disney’s Beauty and the Beast and Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella, this production captivates audiences with its charm and humor. Casale’s direction is complemented by Chris Burcheri’s musical direction and Robbie Roby’s choreography, creating a seamless and delightful musical experience.
An All-Star Cast
Broadway and West End star Nic Rouleau makes his Walnut debut as Buddy the Elf, bringing his infectious energy and charisma to the role. Rouleau is joined by Walnut veteran Kathryn Brunner as Jovie, the practical Macy’s elf, and Bill Van Horn as the jolly Santa Claus. The cast also features Fran Prisco as Walter Hobbs, Kristine Fraelich as Emily Hobbs, and a host of other talented performers who bring the story to life.
Holiday Cheer Through Song and Dance
The musical features original songs filled with holiday cheer, including “Happy All The Time,” “Sparklejollytwinklejingley,” and “Nobody Cares About Santa.” The catchy tunes and lively choreography ensure that the audience is engaged and entertained from start to finish. Numerous stand-out tracks in this production gave me chills and had me tapping my toes to the beat. The talented casts’ effortless execution of these songs is a sight to behold.
A Visual Delight
The production’s set design by Robert Andrew Kovach, lighting design by Matt DeMascolo, and costume design by Kate Bergh create a visually stunning experience. With cheerful colors, glistening snow, and iconic locations like the Empire State Building, the stage transforms into a magical winter wonderland.
Inclusive Performances
The Walnut Street Theatre is committed to making theatre accessible to all. Open captioning was available for the December 1 performance, and ASL translation will be provided for the December 26 show. Additionally, Kids Night at The Walnut on December 20 allows children to attend for free with a full-priced adult ticket. I love that WST is taking these steps to ensure everyone gets to enjoy this fabulous show.
Final Verdict
Elf The Broadway Musical at the Walnut Street Theatre is a delightful holiday treat that brings laughter, warmth, and joy to the stage. With its talented cast, captivating songs, and stunning visuals, this production is a must-see for anyone looking to get into the holiday spirit. Don’t miss the chance to join Buddy on his heartwarming journey and experience the magic of Christmas in the heart of Philadelphia.
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