The magic of Christmas with ‘Elf the Musical’

SYRACUSE, N.Y. » “Elf The Musical” brings the magic of Christmas to the Syracuse Stage Nov. 23 – Jan. 6.

Basedonthepopular 2003 movie“Elf,” starringWillFerrell, the musical recounts the story of Buddy, a human child raised at the North Pole bySanta’s elves, whojourneys to New York City to reunite with his family, including his father Walter Hobbs, a successful andcynical executive.

Adapted for the stage by Thomas Meehan and Bob Martin (book), Matthew Sklar (music) and Chad Beguelin (lyrics), the musical opened on Broadway in November 2010. It returned to Broadway the following year and launched anational tour in 2012.

The Syracuse Stage production features Donna Drake’s direction, musical direction by Brian Cimmet, and choreography by Brian J. Marcum. The production marks a return to Syracuse Stage forDrakewhodirected last season’s acclaimed “The Wizard of Oz.”

“I’mso happy to be back at Syracuse Stage,” Drake said. “I feel like I left a little piece of my heart here last year.”

Drake added that her job this year is easy because “Elf The Musical” is written with “such heart, such warmth and such hilarity.” Drake especially urged people to bring children to the show, “They are going to have a blast.” Like themovie, however, the show would be rated PG for mild language and sarcasm.

This production also represents a kind of homecoming for choreographer Marcum, who was the associate choreographer on the original Broadway production. Marcum started with the musical when it was still in workshop development in 2009. It was his job to help shape the look and feel of the dance numbers.

While Marcum’s experience will be valuable to the Syracuse Stage production, he does not to intend to sim- ply recreate the Broadway dances.

“Thiswillbe a fullyDonna Drake versionof themusical,” he said. “The idea is to pay homage totheBroadway choreography not to replicate it. That’s more fun.”

“Elf The Musical” marks the 18th holiday collaboration between Syracuse Stage and the Syracuse University Department of Drama. The annual show has become a tradition with many Central New York families and represents the value the 46-year partnership between Syracuse Stage andSyracuseUniversityDepartmentofDrama has for the students, the theater and the community.

“The holiday time is special at Syracuse Stage,” said Bob Hupp, artistic director of Syracuse Stage. “We look forward to welcoming thousands of Central New Yorkers toourtheatretocelebrate this most magical time of year with this most magical musical for thewhole family.”

Ticketsmaybeobtainedat www.SyracuseStage.org, by phone at 315-443-3275 and in person at the Box Office.