On Theater: A delightful “Elf” for Christmas

Merry Christmas. If you haven’t done so already, a great present would be a trip to the Segerstrom Center for the Arts, where the holiday musical “Elf the Musical” will be charming audiences through New Year’s Day.

More than a decade after Will Farrell created the character of Buddy the Elf in the movie comedy “Elf,” the show has been set to music and reborn on stage. The tender story by Thomas Meehan and Bob Martin has been set to the music of Matthew Sklar and lyricist Chad Beguelin in a bountiful Christmas present for children of all ages.

“Elf” follows the character of Buddy, who as an orphan sneaked into Santa’s bag and accompanied him to the North Pole, where he became a toy-making elf, somewhat larger than his companions. The story begins when Buddy learns he’s actually human and heads to New York to reconnect with his real father, a corporate executive with little time or inclination for frivolity.

In the touring production, Sam Hartley takes on the central role of Buddy with appropriate enthusiasm and naivete. He may be a pain in the posterior at first, but his holiday spirit is downright contagious, and Hartley plays it for all it’s worth.

As his earthbound father, tasked with creating a children’s book before the impending holiday, Mark Epperson delivers a solid interpretation. Particularly impressive is Marie Lemon as the exec’s wife (and Buddy’s new stepmother), who brings an effervescent spirit to the show.

A romantic entanglement for Buddy is virtually demanded, and Mia Weinberger is an acquired taste as his lady love. She’s a chilly character who gradually warms to Buddy’s awkward advances.

The show’s strongest performance is Ken Clement’s jolly depiction of Santa Claus, in the style of a vaudeville comic. Nicholas Canal is a precocious youngster as Buddy’s new-found stepbrother.

Splendid in support is Audra Qualley as an overenthusiastic secretary. Ryan Gregory Thurman also impresses as the store manager who matches Buddy step for step in their fleet-footed routine.

Director Sam Scalamoni and choreographer Connor Gallagher have created a lively, highly enjoyable show against the background of Christine Peters’ scenic designs. Gregg Barnes’ holiday-flavored costumes are a particular delight.

“Elf” is a unique movie idea set to an upbeat tempo for the musical theater and offered during the Christmas season in a brightly colored package at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts.

TOM TITUS reviews local theater.

*

IF YOU GO

What: “Elf the Musical”

Where: Segerstom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa

When: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sundays until Jan. 1

Cost: Tickets start at $29

Information: (714) 556-2787 or scfta.org