THE 5TH AVENUE THEATRE "ELF THE MUSICAL" November 28 through December 28, 2025 Review
ELF THE MUSICAL
Book: Thomas Meehan and Bob Martin
Music: Matthew Sklar
Lyrics: Chad Beguelin
Music Director: Matthew Smedal
Directed and Choreographer: Denis Jones
The 5th Avenue Theatre
Seattle, WA
December 9, 2025 - Evening Performance
The holiday season is in full swing and the 5th Avenue Theatre has the perfect holiday show in Elf The Musical. Based on the hit film from 2003, the crowd in attendance last night was looking for a grand holiday time. With Mr. and Mrs. Claus in the lobby, along with the festive tree and other decor, the vibe was full on Christmas.
I will openly say this - if you’re a fan of the film, you’ll (most likely) enjoy this production.
Of course there are scenes that aren’t in the musical (such as the snowball fight with the bullies - I would have loved to have seen how the 5th would pull that off) but for the most part, you’ll recognize the story and the characters.
I have to say that Eric Ankrim as Buddy The Elf was extremely spot on with his portrayal of the now iconic character. At times he even sounded like Will Ferrell but he also infused his own style into the character which really worked well. He was the absolute highlight of the show for me.
I am also a sucker for a big ensemble number and director/choreographer Denis Jones delivered on that front more than once. Reminiscent of his work from last year’s Mary Poppins, the big ensemble and full company numbers were such a throwback to the classic days of musical theatre that I wanted more (which was a good thing).
The sets, transitions, and costumes were top notch as well. I loved the portrayal of the elves in the first act of the show (no spoilers).
While the entire cast performed both in acting and singing to the best of their abilities (that is to say they were stellar), a few voices weren’t to my liking but that’s merely just a preference, not an indication of talent.
If I had to pick at anything it would be the portrayal of Jovie (played by Tori Gresham). I had seen her in other 5th Avenue productions last season so this is not a reflection on her talent at all. She is a highly skilled artist. I just found her Jovie hard to like. She came across more Grinch-like than in the film version. Yes, I know I shouldn’t compare the movie Jovie to the musical version but it’s so hard not to.
Ditto the portrayal of Walter Hobbs (played by Tony Lawson). The character seemed almost out of place in the storyline. The late Jimmy Kahn seemed like an odd choice at the time for the movie Walter Hobbs until one saw his performance in the film. The musical version seemed like an old time grumpy father figure from the 1950's. Again, this is not a slight toward the ability or talent of Mr. Lawson at all. I just would have preferred a slightly different portrayal that was closer to the movie version.
Overall, Elf The Musical was a fun and light holiday musical experience, one that is sure to please most patrons.
Happy Holidays!
Best,
Mark Sugiyama
Eclectic Arts Media
Connect with Eclectic Arts Media: Social Media and Email Links
“Elf The Musical” runs through December 29th. Purchase tickets: HERE!
Book: Thomas Meehan and Bob Martin
Music: Matthew Sklar
Lyrics: Chad Beguelin
Music Director: Matthew Smedal
Directed and Choreographer: Denis Jones
The 5th Avenue Theatre
Seattle, WA
December 9, 2025 - Evening Performance
(Tori Gresham and Eric Ankrim in ELF-THE MUSICAL at The 5th Avenue Theatre.
Photo Credit: Photo by Michael B. Maine.)
The holiday season is in full swing and the 5th Avenue Theatre has the perfect holiday show in Elf The Musical. Based on the hit film from 2003, the crowd in attendance last night was looking for a grand holiday time. With Mr. and Mrs. Claus in the lobby, along with the festive tree and other decor, the vibe was full on Christmas.
I will openly say this - if you’re a fan of the film, you’ll (most likely) enjoy this production.
Of course there are scenes that aren’t in the musical (such as the snowball fight with the bullies - I would have loved to have seen how the 5th would pull that off) but for the most part, you’ll recognize the story and the characters.
I have to say that Eric Ankrim as Buddy The Elf was extremely spot on with his portrayal of the now iconic character. At times he even sounded like Will Ferrell but he also infused his own style into the character which really worked well. He was the absolute highlight of the show for me.
I am also a sucker for a big ensemble number and director/choreographer Denis Jones delivered on that front more than once. Reminiscent of his work from last year’s Mary Poppins, the big ensemble and full company numbers were such a throwback to the classic days of musical theatre that I wanted more (which was a good thing).
The sets, transitions, and costumes were top notch as well. I loved the portrayal of the elves in the first act of the show (no spoilers).
While the entire cast performed both in acting and singing to the best of their abilities (that is to say they were stellar), a few voices weren’t to my liking but that’s merely just a preference, not an indication of talent.
If I had to pick at anything it would be the portrayal of Jovie (played by Tori Gresham). I had seen her in other 5th Avenue productions last season so this is not a reflection on her talent at all. She is a highly skilled artist. I just found her Jovie hard to like. She came across more Grinch-like than in the film version. Yes, I know I shouldn’t compare the movie Jovie to the musical version but it’s so hard not to.
Ditto the portrayal of Walter Hobbs (played by Tony Lawson). The character seemed almost out of place in the storyline. The late Jimmy Kahn seemed like an odd choice at the time for the movie Walter Hobbs until one saw his performance in the film. The musical version seemed like an old time grumpy father figure from the 1950's. Again, this is not a slight toward the ability or talent of Mr. Lawson at all. I just would have preferred a slightly different portrayal that was closer to the movie version.
Overall, Elf The Musical was a fun and light holiday musical experience, one that is sure to please most patrons.
Happy Holidays!
Best,
Mark Sugiyama
Eclectic Arts Media
Connect with Eclectic Arts Media: Social Media and Email Links
“Elf The Musical” runs through December 29th. Purchase tickets: HERE!
(The cast of ELF-THE MUSICAL at The 5th Avenue Theatre.
Photo Credit: Photo by Michael B. Maine.)
(The cast of ELF-THE MUSICAL at The 5th Avenue Theatre.
Photo Credit: Photo by Michael B. Maine.)
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