Elf The Musical Reviews

Chicago Tribune - Somewhat Recommended

"...This production didn't change my mind about the key problem with this musical: it's not as funny as the movie, because Buddy's song-and-dance schtick doesn't seem as incongruous in a setting where all the characters, even the jaded New Yorkers, regularly break into song. Most of the tunes aren't particularly memorable, with the exception of a few unwelcome earworms. However, I'll concede one element that kind of works in musical form: it makes sense that Buddy is the one egging on the company in many of the major numbers, because this emphasizes his role in helping his newfound family and community rediscover their love for Christmas and each other."

Chicago Sun Times - Recommended

"...The show does have its high points. “Nobody Cares About Santa,” the opening song in act two was a delight. A group of department store Santas performed a song about rotten children and the disappearance of holiday cheer. It earned a chuckle from my seat and the accompanying dance number was fun. The closing number, “A Christmas Song,” included a tap dance routine from the ensemble that propelled the show to ending on a high note."

Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended

"...It is a pretty simple story, but as it is told, in this production (far better than the 2024 tour) it works. The tap dance number is spectacular and the opening Dance number "Happy All The Time" is a delight. The dancers truly prove how important a strong ensemble can be as they all become elves and do some amazing moves. (I am sure they are hurting in the morning)."

Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended

"...ELF, THE MUSICAL is a magical production that’s suitable for the entire family. It offers likable characters, hummable songs, eye-popping visuals and humor that both kids and adults will appreciate. Director Philip Wm. McKinley proves to be an expert in mining every moment of humor from a script, while also emphasizing moments of heartwarming love and charm. With a talented cast headed up by the winning and wonderful Jack Ducat, who’s joined by a gifted ensemble of supportive triple-threats, Chicago has been given a genuine, glittering gift that’s especially Sparklejollytwinklejingley."

Buzz Center Stage - Highly Recommended

"...Based on the 2003 blockbuster hit movie Elf with Will Ferrell and Zooey Deschanel, Elf the Musical is a glittering holiday stage confection that mixes slapstick comedy, heartfelt family drama, and a score full of catchy tunes like "Nobody Cares About Santa," and "Never Fall in Love with an Elf" (one of the musical's best song and dance numbers). It's a show designed to leave audiences laughing, humming, and perhaps even believing in Christmas magic again. The stage adaptation of Elf transforms the beloved film into a glittering Broadway spectacle, guided by the comic touch of Bob Martin and Thomas Meehan's book."

The Fourth Walsh - Highly Recommended

"...ELF THE MUSICAL is a guaranteed good time. It’s fun for the whole family. And it’s a timely reminder to be nice not naughty at this time of the year… and always."

BroadwayWorld - Recommended

"...Directed by Philip Wm. McKinley (and restaged for this tour by Dave Solomon), Ducat's boundless energy makes ELF extra cheery in this national tour. On the whole, I thought Thomas Meehan and Bob Martin's book was more distinctive than Matthew Skylar and Chad Beguelin's songs. Meehan and Martin capture the film's "sincere with a wink" energy in the spoken dialogue. Beguelin's lyrics are functional, but mainly forgettable."