‘Elf ’ trods familiar holiday path — with a bit of bite

The opening moments of “Elf: The Musical” — a theatrical version of the comic Will Ferrell movie — gives you a clue that among the usual sugary goodness of holiday fare, this particular show has a little spice.

That bit of bite does help “Elf,” onstage at Orlando Repertory Theatre, stand out in the holiday crowd. Steve MacKinnon, the musical director, and choreographer Spencer Morrow share directing responsibilities, and that pays off in the way the big musical numbers come to life with snappy precision and sense of fun.

But show creators Thomas Meehan, Bob Martin, Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin have let this elf-out-of-water tale go on too long. Somewhere, an editor should have said, “Haven’t we made this point already?”

At least there is a lot to enjoy while the story hits the familiar notes: A family is suffering because of a workaholic father; Christmas is in danger because today’s sophisticates don’t believe in Santa; love blossoms between an unlikely pair; a bumbling but sincere protagonist holds the secret to Christmas in his heart.

Wes Jenkins’ elf costumes, in particular, are adorable. Alyx Jacobs’ lighting adds a candy-colored Christmas glow to proceedings, emphasizes moments of drama and adds a dollop of holiday magic throughout the audience.

Dave Sierra Jr. makes an auspicious Rep debut as Buddy, the elf who learns he’s human. He has the big grin, wideeyed naivete and dash of childish optimism just right. Another newcomer, Laurel Hatfield, nearly steals the show from him, though, as a Christmas skeptic. Hatfield is delightfully sardonic and then lets loose a powerhouse voice.

Ralph Prentice Daniel has become Central Florida’s go-to Scrooge. Here he brings his somber demeanor to the workaholic dad. Cat Claus and Cole Higginbotham sympathetically bring his beleaguered wife and son to life.

“Elf ” reminds us in its goofy, flip way that family is at the heart of the season.