Elf Jr

Elf JR is the stage adaptation of the beloved 2003 holiday film Elf, created for younger performers by Thomas Meehan and Bob Martin, with music by Matthew Sklar and lyrics by Chad Beguelin. It follows the story of Buddy, a human raised as an elf at the North Pole, as he journeys to New York City to find his biological father and spread Christmas cheer by singing loud for all to hear.

The preset consisted of Santa’s grotto down on the apron, then once the curtain opened, we saw the New York City Skyline, with a raised platform across the back, accessed by stairs and providing varying levels. The team of directors ensured the action moved quickly keeping the staging simple with mainly just a table and chairs brought on and off by either crew or cast to depict scene changes. There was a lovely touch of added choreography/business to mask the table movement between each scene which worked well. I also really liked the “Get Santa” whisper down the line in the first scene. 

The 6-piece band ably led by Musical Director Sue Juggins supported the cast excellently. There were some issues with sound in the performance I attended, particularly in the opening scene, and I did miss a lot of the dialogue. Also in the finale song, when the soloists moved to the elevated staging at the rear of the stage, I missed all their lines.

The lighting worked well with some colour variety in the back lights throughout and moving gobos for the snow effects in the final scene.

I always really enjoy the choreography and dancing in this group and this show was  no different, lots of different styles and some lovely Tapping in “SparkleJollyTwinkleJingley”   

The costumes, props and make up all worked well and were in keeping. 

In reviewing the principal performances:

Buddy. Well done an energetic performance, you captured Buddy’s childlike quality, with some great physicality.

Jovie. I loved your interpretation, “Never Fall In Love With An Elf” a highlight for me. 

Walter Hobbs. You did grumpy, and work obsessed very well.

Emily Hobbs. A mature performance with some lovely vocals. 

Michael Hobbs - a heartfelt portrayal with some lovely sincere acting.

Santa. Well done, not an easy job to play the “Big Man” as a young actor, but you managed well. 

Deb. You have a wonderful stage presence and had some great facial expressions and character work developing, I really liked your performance.

Manager. A lovely clear performance, bringing out the comedy lines very well.

Mrs Greenway. Suitably unpleasant and cold-hearted. Well done.

The Supporting cast of Elves, Employees and Security Guards all characterised their roles really well and the Ensemble performed with great enthusiasm, clearly enjoying themselves. The audience definitely loved this production as could be heard by the applause and so did I. Many thanks for the invitation and congratulations to all on another great show.

PLEASE NOTE:

Any observation made by the reviewer can only be based on what he sees at the performance in question.  The reviewer may have received information in advance of the performance, and it is inevitable that his assessment will be effected by that knowledge.

The N.O.D.A. Representative’s intention is to give an objective critique of the overall production and in particular the performance viewed.  It should be remembered that any review of this nature can only be objective as far as the techniques used during the performance observed.  Any criticisms expressed may not have been valid at other performances, and are only made to encourage higher standards in Amateur Theatre.

It is hoped that the audience’s appreciation of your efforts will have given everyone a lift and encouraged you to greater achievements in the future and that the observations made by the reviewer will prove helpful in improving future productions.

 

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