Strong leads level out a sometimes-uneven production in the Springs
Elf the Musical is a whimsical spin on the classic Will Ferrell holiday film playing at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center through Dec. 31. While the second act drags and there are some weaker performers, strong vocals and charismatic leads carry this holiday classic as the naïve overgrown elf, aptly named Buddy, glows with unstoppable holiday spirit.
Opening night brought a full house to the FAC including children and even adult patrons in full holiday regalia. Narrated by Santa at the onset, Colin Alexander delivers on jolly St. Nick with great authenticity as he weaves Buddy’s story into a tale of innocence, hardship and redemption.
Raised by elves at the North Pole, Buddy learns he is not really an elf but an orphan who crawled into Santa’s bag on Christmas Eve 30 years ago. Now a childlike man, he returns to New York City where he finds his Grinch-like birth father and a hardened world badly in need of holiday spirit.
Ty-Gabriel Jones sparkles as cheery Buddy, nailing the agility and nuances of a child. He comically sports his cheesy elf garb in Santa’s workshop and, eventually on the streets of New York City to a less receptive crowd. An East Coast actor and teaching artist, Jones embraces his inner elf leaving the audience awe-struck at his literal interpretation of adult language tickling our collective funny bone.
Jones is equal parts actor, singer and dancer carrying every scene on a stage that seems too small for the ensemble’s big numbers. The set seems needlessly cluttered and amateurish in its design. However, the sparkly scenes can also be viewed purposeful in its simplicity. Fewer dancers or a cleaner stage would minimize the distractions in my mind.
Buddy’s journey to find his identity and accept his human self is fraught with challenge and disappointment. His father is Scrooge personified while his younger half-brother is so disillusioned that he does not even believe in Santa anymore. Buddy’s mission is clear, and the rocky path ahead filled with potholes and nefarious characters as he strives to show non-believers the true meaning of Christmas.
Mark Rubald returns to the FAC stage as Walter Hobbs, Buddy’s despicable father strutting and spewing as the story’s greedy Scrooge. A FAC veteran and powerhouse performer, Rubald plays Hobbs with a snarky edge that synthesizes perfectly with Buddy’s relentlessly joyous persona. The duo builds a credible connection as the story unfolds.
Emily Hobbs, Buddy’s stepmother, is played by BDT Stage veteran Joanie Brosseau-Rubald who displays her amazing pipes. Haley Ballard enchants as Buddy’s little half-brother Michael Hobbs. A local high school freshman, Ballard has amazing confidence and stage presence in her musical contributions and smooth dance moves.
Elf’s diversely talented ensemble moves fluidly between their characters and the dancing backdrop of the show. As with any well-written musical, these seasoned performers sing, dance and act with individual and collective talent.
The show’s lighting and sound synch well with the production, owed to both the actors and creative team behind the scenes. Direction and pacing work, however there is some drag come Act Two when the conclusion is apparent, but the storyline stalls to a slow finish. The final scene makes up for any missteps as the leads and ensemble take the stage for a big finish.
A must-see seasonal offering, Elf is a great choice for the FAC’s fine stable of performers and a tasty treat for everyone to enjoy. Indulge!
Leave A Comment