Elf - The Musical

Elf The Musical
Date: 05/12/24
Produced: Bridgwater Operatic Society
Written: Thomas Meehan and Bob Martin
Music: Matthew Sklar
Lyrics: Chad Beguelin
Directed: Danielle Tucker
Choreography: Claire Stokes
Musical Director: Jessica Gardener
Noda Rep: Mike Purnell

Well if ever a show was going to get you into the festive mood Elf is the one to do
it. From the moment we took our seats you couldn’t help take in the beautifully
decorated trees either side of the stage with Santas chair sat there waiting for the
great man himself, the crystal clear projection screens and the warm lights hitting
the red drapes. Add to that some great classic Christmas songs being played front
of house, and a choir singing in the bar area and I just knew so much detail (even
before the curtain went up) had been thought about and just knew we were in for a
good night. From the moment we met Father Christmas with his clear precise
diction to the splendour of the opening scenes in Santas workshop this scene was
genius and I must say one of the highlights for me. The elves were just amazing.
So, so funny. Their individual characters all coming through. The projections
certainly worked well for this show. The opening one in particularly added so much
colour and splendour, my face was already beginning to ache from smiling so
much.
The mics felt a little bit quiet during the opening few scenes I noticed only
principals with mics near their mouth were coming through fine but if the mics
were further back they were much quieter. I had a word in the interval and I must
say this was rectified so maybe it should have been made clearer to the cast about
where to make sure the mic stayed. I must say the casting was excellent. I doubt
you could have got a better Buddy. He really held the show and was the lynch pin
to all the characters. The focus throughout the scenes was excellent. I felt
everyone was so well drilled and executed their purpose throughout.
It was a shame it dropped pace due to some of the scene changes. There were
places I felt it could have been tightened up, one being when we transitioned to
Macy’s store the store manager could have come on during the scene change to
direct people setting the scene and continued his dialogue much sooner. I felt the
cast could have been used for this and maybe have been choreographed to
change the set. This will then always be much tidier and slicker, but in saying that,
the pace was certainly picked up quickly once we were back up and running.
I enjoyed the choreography by Claire too. We saw some nice shaping and good
pictures created. I particularly like the Twinkljingle number - some really good
energy coming through and the singing was of a very high standard. Well done
Jess some good harmonies coming through there.

I must say you could hear a pin drop throughout and if the kids, of which there
seemed plenty that night, were transfixed you’ve certainly done something right
and were definitely onto a winner. I for one loved it. My favourite Christmas show.
Costume/makeup/wigs
I must say this was a great team effort, costumes I see were headed by Sarah and
what a good job done. Everyone looked so good, well fitted, suited and booted.
The Elves were exceptional as was the end scene. I just didn’t know where to look.
I must give a shout out to the dressers who do a sterling job. Joyous was my word
of the night!
Sound/lighting
I mostly covered my issues with sound earlier. I know time is of the essence when
doing sound checks etc you don’t get given much time but a few minutes
explaining if the mics not in the right place you won’t be heard would be useful.
Lighting was terrific, no shadowing and although atmosphere was created we also
had clear vision of everyone. Felt like lots of stills of Christmas cards. Beautiful.
The set
This was well thought out. Simple but worked. Loved the levels always makes for
interesting pictures and gave a good variety for setting.

Buddy
Well if ever a part could have been written for someone this was the one for you.
Your energy and focus throughout was exceptional. You maintained character
throughout the action even if not included in the dialogue and kept your character
from beginning to end. I felt you lived that part. Your voice came over very well and
again always in character and were spot on with those top notes. Absolute winner
congratulations.
Jovie
This was a great role for you. Not a huge part but you certainly made her your own
and bought her to life. I loved the singing range you have it really gave justice to
the songs. I particularly liked “Never Fall In Love (with an Elf). You and Buddy
worked really well along side each other and you were always able to display your
feelings to us. Nice use of your eyes, tells us everything. Hope to see more of your
work in the future.
Walter
Perfect casting. It’s great to play the baddy (much more fun) but we also always
knew there was a good side to you that was going to show through in the end.
Good strong actor and I felt a good team player too. Nice interactions with Emily
and Michael I really believed in this family unit. Good work.
Emily
This is an actress that knows her stage craft. Great stage presence and totally
focused throughout. I particularly liked your work with Michael. You totally
mothered him - this was a very good relationship. Good timing throughout with some nice little one liners delivered with panache. It was a shame your mic was too far back in act one but good old stage craft kicked in, and you belted those lines and we never missed a thing. Good work.

Michael
Here is a future leading man if ever there was one. I enjoyed your performance very
much. You were always part of the action and really showed your concern over
your brother Buddy. A good strong singing voice beginning to emerge, this will
stand you in good stead for the future. Great facial expressions.
Deb
I do enjoy seeing your work, Mother Superior I remember very fondly from Sister
Act and you certainly didn’t disappoint in this role. You have a wonderful energy
about you on stage and are certainly a good skilled actress. Your comedy timing
was spot on. You have a great versatility and range. I noted you also headed up
the wardrobe team, I feel dizzy just thinking about how you juggled all that. Well
done.

Santa/ Mr Greenway
I really felt at ease with you as Santa. Anyone would think you’d done it before!
Nice diction and opened the show brilliantly, I heard someone say is that the real
Santa? Good job done. It was nice to see a contrast in Mr. Greenway. Great
character actor. Good work.
Store manager
First I must say how good it is to see you back on stage. you just come in get on
with the job. Bish, bash bosh. This was just right for the store manager, you really
took charge. That strong singing voice was terrific and really boosted the company
numbers. So good to have you back.
Director
I really hope you are feeling very proud of what you’ve achieved for your directorial
debut. The whole show looked stunning. The projections were superb (I know they
come with the show). I suppose you don’t have to use them, but they really were
an added bonus. You cast it extremely well, which is half the battle, and you gave
the show a good pace. I’ve spoken to a few people who saw the show since
starting to write this review and they were all knocked out by it and the kids
absolutely loved it.
I’ve mentioned the scene changes, I’m sure you were aware they were just a little
rough around the edges and just stopped the pace slightly. It’s always good to get
these rehearsed in the rehearsal room so always best to use cast and just try your
darndest for the show not to stop and keep a flow going. Your amazing cast
certainly got the pace flowing again though so full marks to that. All in all, I’d say
you had a great success on your hands. You have a good eye for detail and I
thought the scenes were directed extremely well. The blocking was very good and
I felt the whole cast were well drilled and very relaxed.

I came away definitely in the mood to start the festive season.
This was a fabulous night out enjoyed by every age group. Thank you Bridgwater
for your very kind hospitality.
Best wishes
Mike. X

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.