Chicago Tribune - Somewhat Recommended
"...I’m happy to admit that I love the original film as much as the next millennial who grew up on “Elf,” although these days I usually turn it off about two thirds of the way through, when the funniest parts of Buddy adjusting to life in New York are over. That’s why the musical version lost me early on — it’s simply not very funny. While I fault the adaptation rather than this particular cast or director, it’s still disappointing. I’m not the first and won’t be the last to write this, but some hit films just don’t translate into good musicals."
Chicago Sun Times - Somewhat Recommended
"...The movie is a 90-minute charmer. The musical (with a generic score by Matthew Skylar, a cheesier-than-a-pizzeria dumpster of a book by Thomas Meehan and Bob Martin, and lazy, banal lyrics by Chad Beguelin) is a bloated, two-and-a-half-hour slog that’s all sparkle and no substance."
Daily Herald - Somewhat Recommended
"...It's all exactly what you expect from feel-good, holiday fodder. Not all the jokes land where they should and the sentiment is strictly surface level, but Drury Lane's revival, directed and choreographed by Lynne Kurdziel Formato, has an abundance of enthusiasm that makes up for a paper-thin tale."
Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended
"...But most of the credit for creating a holiday show that actually entertains must go to the folks at Drury Lane. The whole production is imbued with a happy, playful spirit that, like a clever TV commercial, makes every familiar trope and cliche feel shiny and new. The pace of the show is live and quick. And whenever things slow down, Formato speeds things up with her inventive choreography. Ben Dow is delightful as the show’s protagonist Buddy the Elf; God bless him for playing a character made famous by Will Ferrell and making it his own."
Let's Play Theatrical Reviews - Highly Recommended
"...Elf, an adaption by Bob Martin and Thomas Meehan, with music and lyrics from Matthew Sylar and Chad Beguelin, has made its way to Drury Lane Theatre all the way from the north pole. Based on the 2003 film, the musical has broken box office records and become one of the top Christmas musicals touring in the theater world."
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...I have always felt that a musical needs a strong ensemble to be memorable and this production is superior to previous productions in and around the area as well as the movie version on which it is based . While Wil Farrel was wonderful, I believe that Dow is perfect. The ensemble that backs his story up truly makes this so-so play a magical production worthwhile to take the family to Oakbrook to see."
Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended
"...This terrific production sports excellent musical direction by Christopher Sargent, accompanied by his polished, seven-member pit orchestra. The show features a multitalented and seasoned ensemble of actor/singer/dancers who keep the production in constant motion. Set against a storybook scenic design by Kristen Martino, with colorful, cartoony projections by Anthony Churchill, the production displays beautifully vibrant costumes by Rachel Boylan and wigs by Emily Young. Drury Lane has a happy holiday hit on its hands, offering the perfect Christmas entertainment that’s suitable for the entire family."
BroadwayWorld - Highly Recommended
"...Drury Lane Theatre's holiday production is Elf. From the opening number until the final curtain, Elf will make you feel the joy of Christmas as a child again. That's the beauty of Buddy the Elf and in large part due to the talented Ben Dow, being moved from understudy to lead, in the title role. His wide eyed expressions and sheer joy of everything, especially maple syrup, is the heart of the story. Buddy wants everyone to be happy and feel joy. We are taken into the Buddy's story at the very beginning by Santa (expertly portrayed by the spellbinding A.D. Weaver). On Buddy's journey we meet all the characters from the movie."
NewCity Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...The start of the Christmas season means two things: we watch “Elf” and I listen to “Elf the Musical.” The show is everything you’d imagine for a staged version of Buddy the Elf’s coming-of-age story. You can taste the gooey gumdrop goodness from any seat in the house, even if you’re more Team Grinch than Team Buddy. As someone who has unashamedly memorized the entire cast recording, Drury Lane’s production is everything this Buddy Fangirl could’ve hoped for—even with superb understudy Ben Dow running the show as the big elf himself."
