Chris Lamb as Buddy in “Elf: the Musical” by Bavaria Performing Arts (Alia Carita Tompkins)
“Elf: The Musical” at Bavaria Performing Arts follows the charmingly naïve Buddy, a human raised among elves who travels from the North Pole to New York City to find his birth father.
A cross-section of the community, from kids to Santa-aged, makes up the cast of 33 that brings life to the comedy based on the popular Will Ferrell movie. Directed by Rachael Harper, the show is a testament to holding onto childlike wonder, even in the most unlikely of circumstances.
Buddy (Chris Lamb) is astounded by city life and the people he meets, including his workaholic dad Walter (Mike Smith), who has very deservingly ended up on Santa’s naughty list; his half-sister Michelle (Charley Zufelt or Charlotte Baker, depending on the performance), who doesn’t believe in Santa; and the beautiful, world-weary Jovie (Emily Lamb), whom he dates after accidentally getting a job as a department store elf. After Buddy inadvertently makes trouble for his father, he fights to maintain his cheery outlook on life.
Christopher Lamb is a hilarious Buddy, combining madcap energy, wide-eyed wonder and innocence. Everything from answering the phone (“Buddy the Elf. What’s your favorite color?”) to “singing loud for all to hear” merits maximum enthusiasm.
He and Emily Lamb -- the actors are married in real life --- have amazing chemistry and are very obviously having a blast together on stage. The scene where they go ice skating drew some audible aaaws from the audience. Each of them onstage individually is wonderful, together, they’re magic.
Chris and Emily Lamb as Buddy and Jovie in “Elf: the Musical” by Bavaria Performing Arts. (Alia Carita Tompkins)
The scene with a group of exhausted Santas opining the general lack of belief in the jolly old elf allowed the ensemble to shine and featured fun choreography by Kayleigh Vaughn, including a few cartwheels.
The costumes by Sydney Zufelt serve to show the contrast between the colorful, cute world of the North Pole and the everyday winter outfits in New York City. Santa’s iPad and the paper snow the Buddy tossed around with abandon made for funny props, adding to the general air of whimsy. The way the show handled Santa’s sleigh was a fun surprise from the set-design team.
The whole cast draws together to create a wacky, festive atmosphere, whether they’re cheerful elves, busy city-dwellers, tired Santas or hassled office workers.
The theater space is a former elementary school gym that’s near the USO and chapel. Drinks and cookies are available for purchase (the hot cocoa was particularly fitting, given the show).
“Elf” reminds us that it’s not presents or Santa that make Christmas special, it’s being with the people we love.
Bill Campsey as Santa in “Elf: the Musical” by Bavaria Performing Arts. (Alia Carita Tompkins)
