Chicago Tribune - Somewhat Recommended
"...The pleasures of a show seen with family are timeless of course. You’ll all get a giggle, the chance to hear a great young performer in 14-year-old Oliver Boomer (as Michael Hobbs), and a view of Santa cruising by on his sled, moving more rapidly than anything on the Eisenhower. Just don’t listen too closely to the bells."
Chicago Sun Times - Somewhat Recommended
"...The show, directed and choreographed with immense energy by Amber Mak, includes knee-high, Munchkin-like elves, projection trickery, tap dancing with electrified candy canes, and even a bit of ice skating. There are time-shifting references to both Etch-a-Sketch toys and iPads. There are a few sexual innuendos that will fly right over kids’ heads. Santa talks about how worried he is that his sleigh, once driven by reindeer (now “banned by PETA”), now depends on the waning power of the world’s Christmas spirit. And while this almost triggers a Tinkerbell moment, instead (spoiler alert here) we are treated to a Mary Poppins-style sleigh ride and a storm of white snow that function as the show’s deus ex machina moment."
Daily Herald - Highly Recommended
"...Aurora's Paramount Theatre has scored another crowd-pleasing hit for the holidays with "Elf the Musical," a magical Broadway-caliber production that bursts with silly slapstick humor and slick stage spectacle."
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...Once again, the Paramount Theatre has made a play an experience! Many people are familiar with the film “Elf” that was a smash hit for Will Ferrell (2003- is it really almost 15 years ago?). It was made into a musical that had a fairly solid run on Broadway and then toured. When it hit Chicago as part of the BIC ( Broadway In Chicago) season, it was fun, cute and lasted a short time. Marriott Lincolnshire did the show and did a splendid job, despite it being an in-the-round venue making it difficult to create some of the illusions, but now, Paramount, under the clever leadership of Artistic Director Jim Corti has taken this production to a new level."
Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended
"...This polished, professional musical story of Buddy the Elf is sure to become Chicagoland’s new favorite holiday show. Jim Corti might consider making it an annual event. It’s an optimistic, joyful musical that’s filled with color and spectacle, high-flying magic and even ice skating. The show features something for audiences of all ages and, at the Award-winning Paramount Theatre, it truly becomes a winter wonderland Broadway in the ‘burbs."
Chicagoland Musical Theatre - Highly Recommended
"...Mak’s first-rate production oozing Yuletide joy is led by the gangly, enthusiastic Kyle Adams as Buddy the Elf. With an omnipresent smile and terrific vocals, Adams makes the savant-like character his own with an infusion of childlike earnest obliviousness that makes every adult patron look back wistfully on days gone by. His co-star, Samantha Pauly as camp three Macy’s seasonal employee Jovie, does melancholy really well. And despite her character’s initial reluctance to sing, thank God she does, because Pauly’s voice is one that belongs in those “choirs of angels” we’ll be treated to on every radio station for the next month. Her “Never Fall in Love” solo in act two is an absolute understated theatrical and vocal highlight."
Chicago On Stage - Highly Recommended
"...There is so much more magic in this play that I can’t possibly mention it all, and I wouldn’t wish to spoil it anyway. And I know I’ve used that word a lot, but what other word describes a play in which there are Broadway quick-changes and ice skating on stage? And the set is a character? If you know a better one, let me know. Maybe “sparklejollytwinklejingley.” That just might do."
