7 / 10
When it first appeared a couple of years ago, “Elf — The Musical” fit that pattern. The sluggish, saccharine-sweet adaptation of the 2003 Will Ferrell movie wasn’t bad enough to qualify as a lump of coal, but it didn’t make you wish for a return ticket in your stocking. But there’s been a Christmas miracle on Broadway, because the retooled “Elf” that reopened last night is a startling improvement. Zippier and funnier, the show is now a bona fide treat.
7 / 10
New to the role of a disillusioned Macy’s employee who brightens up in Buddy’s presence, Leslie Kritzer delivers the funny “Never Fall in Love (With an Elf”) with wry pizzazz. Other high points in the musical include “Nobody Cares About Santa,” a jazzy, foot-stomping lament for Buddy and crew of disgruntled out of work department store Saint Nicks; “There is a Santa Claus,” a joyous realization of the holiday spirit exuberantly voiced by Leavel with youngster Mitchell Sink; and “The Story of Buddy the Elf,” a punchy number with a catchy chorus that, as performed by most of the company, nearly brings down the house. Rolling along agreeably for its earlier stretches, the musical really takes off in the second act.
| 2010 | Broadway |
Original Broadway Production Broadway |
| 2012 | US Tour |
NETworks National Tour US Tour |
| 2013 | US Tour |
NETworks National Tour US Tour |
| West End |
West End West End |
|
| 2015 | US Tour |
2015 Holiday Tour US Tour |
| 2017 | Off-Broadway |
Madison Square Garden Return Engagement Off-Broadway |
| 2022 | US Tour |
US Holiday Tour US Tour |
| 2024 | Broadway |
Broadway Revival Production Broadway |
| 2025 | West End |
West End |
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