ELF - The Musical

Christmas is coming – time for this popular musical for the whole family! The show premiered on Broadway in 2010 and in the West End in 2015. With excellent pedigree, it has its book by Thomas Meehan (writer of Annie, The Producers, Hairspray) and Bob Martin (The Drowsy Chaperone) and songs by Matthew Sklar & Chad Beguelin (The Wedding Singer). It had mixed receptions but was nominated for a Drama League Award and broke many Box Office records. Newry’s set was designed by Anne-Marie McAleenan and was moved swiftly and efficiently – having started as a film there were many scene changes!  Props (by a long list of people!) were also good - I was impressed with the Christmas tree which, although just a flat wooden shape, came to life with a myriad of coloured lights – while Lighting and Sound were also well executed. Costumes by ‘Sew Me Costumes’ were fresh and colourful.

No stranger to the role, Ruairi McAlinden was Buddy – the overgrown child figure full of anarchic glee! He certainly carried the show with his non-stop energy! Played by Jim McGuigan, Santa Claus was a slightly fed-up and cranky old man who just wanted people to regain their Christmas spirit so that his sleigh could become fuelled to fly! Jim was a good story-teller supported by Ciara Lavery as Mrs Claus. When they told Buddy that he was really a human and should look for his father Damien Lavery took that role (Walter Hobbs).  He began as a very stern and unemotional workaholic but gradually developed a softer side and accepted Buddy as his son. Helena Hughes was his wife and Matthew McKinney was Michael, his 12 year old son. Helena was a caring and devoted wife and she shared good rapport with Matthew, who shows promise for the future. Mr Hobbs’ secretary (Veronica Barr) was very busy keeping her boss happy and employed her usual comedic skills! Anna-Maria Boyle was a delightful Jovie – rather cynical to begin with when Buddy fell for her but softening in the second act and appearing in the finale with Tom, a real live baby!! Anna-Maria was convincing in her role and she had a strong singing voice.

The Manager of ‘Macys’ was a good role for young Conor Sands – doing everything he can to oversee the

Staff – with good comedic timing. Newry MS is lucky to have promising young talent for the future.

Ben Keenan (Fake Santa), Neil Heaney (Mr Greenway), Eoin Sands (Matthew), Robyn Cunningham (Tiara), and Paddy Heaney (Sam) and others fit that description! There were so many keen Santa’s Elves (70!) that they were divided into 2 Groups (Naughty & Nice!) to appear on alternate nights – as always their appearances captured the Audience’s heart!

With many differing roles in the cast the Director did a good job and moved the plot along at a good speed. Choreography was appropriate to whichever abilities were dancing and all were well rehearsed.

Under the baton of Fiona Flynn the cheerful and melodic score was well managed by the 12 piece orchestra who didn’t drown those on stage. I’ve never seen 5 keyboards in an orchestra before!

With many young children in the audience I thought it might be a noisy night! Not at all! As soon as it began they were all transfixed by this Christmas extravaganza! It’s a sparklejollytwinklejingley show and I enjoyed it much more than I expected to! My thanks for the invitation, the hospitality and to everyone who took part.

 

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