PHOTO: Quinn VanAntwerp as “Buddy” and the cast of the Theatre Under The Stars production of Elf - The Musical. Photo by Melissa Taylor, courtesy of TUTS.

REVIEW: Like Buddy, ‘Elf: The Musical’ is seasonally appropriate

By Emily Nichelle Wolfe Last updated Dec 18, 2019 420 0

From Dec. 7 to Dec. 22, Houstonians are able to transport themselves to New York City via the Theater Under the Stars’ (TUTS) production of “Elf: The Musical” at The Hobby Center’s Sarofim Hall.

The musical stars Quinn VanAntwerp as “Buddy the Elf,” Michael Halling as “Walter Hobbs,” Raven Justine Troup as “Jovie,” Julia Krohn as “Emily Hobbs,” Carlos Garza as “Michael Hobbs,” Simone Gundy as “Deb” and Steven Bogard as the beloved “Santa Claus.” The musical was written by Thomas Meehan and Bob Martin, music and lyrics by Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin and the production was directed and choreographed by Dan Knechtges.

PHOTO: Quinn VanAntwerp as “Buddy” and Steven Bogard as “Santa” in the Theatre Under The Stars production of Elf - The Musical. Photo by Melissa Taylor; courtesy of TUTS. — The story of Buddy the Elf starts when Quinn VanAntwerp’s “Buddy” overhears that he is a human and Steven Bogard’s “Santa” breaks the news that Buddy has a father in the far away and almost mythic New York City. Photo courtesy of Melissa Taylor/TUTS.

Based on Jon Favreau’s 2003 Christmas classic, “Elf,” starring Will Ferrell and Zooey Deschanel, “Elf: The Musical” aims to retell Buddy’s story with added song and dance. However, this production also took away the magic and charm the original possessed. While there are some major issues with this production, the show has an innate likability and that strictly stems from the performances from the actors.

One of the main issues with the production is the treatment of its female characters, notably “Emily” and “Jovie.” While Krohn and Troup were stunning in their own performances, their interactions with the male leads were awkward and uncomfortable because of the weird dialogue and even stranger staging.

PHOTO: Michael Halling as “Walter Hobbs,” Simone Gundy as “Deb,” and the cast of the Theatre Under The Stars production of Elf - The Musical. Photo by Melissa Taylor; courtesy of TUTS. — The comedic chemistry between Michael Halling’s “Walter Hobbs” and Simone Gundy’s “Deb” is one of the highlights of the show. Photo courtesy of Melissa Taylor/TUTS.

Male characters were always conversing or interacting with each other at a normal distance, while the female characters were not allowed that same courtesy. Additionally, the female characters usually had their back to the audience and rarely cheated out (or faced the audience when having a conversation with another character), which severely cut the relationship between the actresses and the audience.

The music in the show is good and the actors give solid performances throughout the musical. However, there are few exceptions, such as when the actors are singing alongside each other, there is a slightly unpleasant cacophonous sound. The show knows this, because every time it happens, there is a large dance number happening alongside the song.

There is also a huge difference in quality between Act I and Act II. The majority of the storyline happens in the second act, but with one exception, the acting and sound aspects of the second act, pale drastically in comparison. The group numbers, the comedic moments and even Santa seem to be at a much lower vibrancy than in Act I.

PHOTO: Quinn VanAntwerp as “Buddy" and Raven Justine Troup as “Jovie” in the Theatre Under The Stars production of Elf - The Musical. Photo by Melissa Taylor; courtesy of TUTS. — The only part of Buddy’s story that felt forced was the relationship between himself (Quinn VanAntwerp) and Jovie (Raven Justine Troup). While both performers shined on their own, the lack of chemistry between the two leads made it feel more like a friendship than romance. Photo courtesy of Melissa Taylor/TUTS.

However, Troup’s solo, “Never Fall in Love” is absolutely stunning and much needed, both for the character and for the audience. It seems like the writers did not know what to do or how to develop the character in the first half of the show. “Jovie” in Act I is boring, and that is not at the fault of Troup, who when given a moment to shine steals the show completely.

Moreover, the acting in the show is very good and makes up for the show’s otherwise blandness. VanAntwerp is a fantastic “Buddy” with a large and sweet presence who lights up the stage. His performance of “World’s Greatest Dad” is surprisingly strong and his delivery of iconic lines like “Buddy the Elf, what’s your favorite color?” is so natural and adds to the show’s innate likability.

Gundy’s portrayal of “Deb,” “Walter’s” secretary is one of the two performances that starts off strong and ends stronger. Gundy is hilarious and a complete scene-stealer. The scenes at Greenway Press are the show’s best parts because of how Gundy controls them. Not only is her stage presence wonderful, but her performance in numbers like, “In the Way” and “Just Like Him” are flawless.

PHOTO: Julia Krohn as “Emily Hobbs” and Carlos Garza as “Michael Hobbs” in the Theatre Under The Stars production of Elf - The Musical. Photo by Melissa Taylor; courtesy of TUTS. — The “b-plot” of the production focuses on Julia Krohn, “Emily Hobbs,” and Carlos Garza, “Michael Hobbs,” as they try to keep their family together amidst one member becoming a workaholic and a new face claiming to be part of their family. Photo courtesy of Melissa Taylor/TUTS.

Two of the best performances are shocking. Garza’s vocal performance of “Michael” is mind-blowing, especially in “I’ll Believe in You.” The single best moment of the show came from Labraska Washington who played the unnamed Macy’s manager. His comedic timing was impeccable, but his part in “Sparklejollytwinklejingley” was so perfect that it received the loudest applause from the audience.

A really subtle, but strong element was the staging of backdrops. The set was made to look like the snow globe that Buddy cherishes, it is a nice nod to the overall arc of the main character. Another cool aspect was that the scenes, generally, would be assembled/ disassembled in front of the audience. It is a very classic move that really helped drive home the timeless feel of the musical.

One of the odd moves was the costuming of the characters. While “Buddy,” “Santa” and the elves were clothed in traditional Christmas garb, the New Yorkers were perplexing. Male characters like “Walter” and “Michael” had non-descript outfits, which would have worked if it were not for the female cast. “Emily” had a very modern 2019 style, but the costume for “Deb” was very much early 2000s inspired and “Jovie” wore something that looked like a reject from “Rent.”

Is this the best production of the musical? No; absolutely not. However, if one wants a family-friendly Christmas outing, this is perfect. It is fun and hilarious, but it feels like a high school production with an insanely talented cast.

For more information on “Elf: The Musical” visit www.tuts.com/shows/elf-the-musical-2. For tickets, visit my.tuts.com/single/PSDetail.aspx?psn=3285.