Review by Nic Conolly
“I like smiling, smiling’s my favourite!” and Elf certainly made that happen! Performed at the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall, this production by John Frost for Crossroads Live in association with Shake & Stir Theatre Company is a joyful celebration of the holiday season- family, friends, food (all four food groups), and frivolity. With something for everyone, the show spreads Christmas cheer in every moment.
The story follows Buddy (Gareth Isaac), an elf who discovers he is actually human. After Santa (Lara Mulcahy) reveals that Buddy arrived at the North Pole by crawling into his toy sack, he is encouraged to travel to New York City to find his birth father, Walter Hobbs (Simon Burke). Chaos and hilarity ensue as Buddy navigates a world at odds with his boundless Christmas spirit. Through friendship, family, and love, Buddy helps New York rediscover the magic of Christmas while learning valuable lessons along the way.
The cast brought their characters to life with infectious energy, each actor contributing something unique and memorable. Gareth Isaac was absolutely outstanding as Buddy. His boundless enthusiasm, bubbly spirit, and impeccable comic timing captured the essence of Buddy’s childlike innocence and unwavering optimism. Every movement, line, and expression exuded joy, making it impossible not to smile along with him. His physical comedy was spot-on, and his vibrant vocal delivery brought every musical number to life. Isaac’s performance truly embodied the magic and heart of Buddy’s journey, ensuring he commanded the stage from start to finish.
Simon Burke delivered a stellar performance as Walter Hobbs, the work-obsessed patriarch rediscovering his priorities. His portrayal struck the perfect balance between stubbornness and hidden kindness. Unlike the movie’s version, this Walter was more approachable, and Burke’s subtle tweaks in expression and tone made him genuinely likeable. His character arc was both believable and touching, and Burke’s command of the stage added weight to Walter’s journey of redemption.
Katrina Retallick was captivating as Emily Hobbs, the long-suffering yet fiercely loving wife and mother. She masterfully balanced warmth and humour, creating a character that felt both relatable and endearing. Retallick’s nuanced portrayal highlighted Emily’s struggles and quiet resilience, making her the emotional anchor of the Hobbs family. Her comedic timing and penchant for singing on furniture added levity, while her heartfelt moments had the audience rooting for her every step of the way.
Oscar Bridges, as Michael Hobbs, proved himself to be a rising star. Despite his age, Oscar demonstrated a maturity and energy that allowed him to shine alongside seasoned performers. His playful chemistry with Isaac’s Buddy added charm to their scenes together, particularly during the syrup-and-spaghetti moments. Oscar’s growth as a performer was evident, showing immense potential for future roles.
Brianna Bishop brought depth and warmth to the role of Jovie, Buddy’s love interest who struggles to find joy in Christmas. Brianna’s beautiful vocals added a heartfelt layer to her performance, especially in her solo moments. Her nuanced portrayal showed how Jovie’s world brightened through Buddy’s influence, while subtly revealing how she helped him grow in return.
Madeleine McKenzie was an absolute delight as Deb, the Hobbs family’s secretary. With her sharp wit, sassy humour, and undeniable charm, Madeleine brought a sense of fun and energy to every scene she appeared in. She was a scene-stealer in the best conceivable way, delivering her lines with perfect comedic timing.
Lara Mulcahy shone as Santa and the Macy’s store manager, radiating warmth and joy. Her Santa was brimming with puns and infectious cheer, making her a crowd favourite. She stole the spotlight with her rendition of the naughty list on an iPad, seamlessly blending modern humour with the magic of the character.
The elves deserve a special mention for their incredible tap-dancing and high-energy performances. They brought a sense of whimsy and fun to the show, dazzling the audience with their precision and infectious enthusiasm. The Macy’s perfume ladies were another comedic highlight, cracking up the audience with their exaggerated antics and playful energy. Their brief but memorable scenes added a layer of humour that kept the audience engaged. The ensemble tied the production together with their versatility and talent, transitioning seamlessly between roles and creating a vibrant backdrop for the main action. Their commitment to every moment, no matter how small, ensured that the world of Elf felt full of life and energy.
The production and design elements of Elf were nothing short of spectacular, immersing the audience in the holiday spirit from the very first scene. The set design seamlessly transitioned from the whimsical North Pole, complete with its candy-cane aesthetic and vibrant elf workshop, to the bustling streets of New York City. The Hobbs family home was detailed and charming, with subtle touches like a painting that lightened as Walter’s character softened, mirroring the storyline. Central Park, with its sparkling snow and twinkling lights, provided the perfect backdrop for the heartwarming finale. Macy’s bustled with life and colour, capturing the chaotic energy of the holiday season.
Clever details added depth and humour to the design, such as the clock that began at 7:00 pm (the show’s start time) and progressed throughout the performance, subtly marking the passage of time. The world map on the wall, missing New Zealand, became a recurring joke that had the audience chuckling each time it was referenced. These playful touches gave the set an added layer of personality and wit.
The costumes were another triumph. Santa’s classic red suit was both traditional and playful, with added modern flair. The Macy’s perfume ladies and tap-dancing elves added humour and vibrancy with their quirky, imaginative designs. David Ouch’s stunning and detailed hostess dress, with its intricate patterns and rich colours, stood out as a masterpiece of elegance, blending traditional craftsmanship with a contemporary twist. The carefully embroidered fabrics and flowing silhouette made it a true showstopper, adding an air of sophistication and uniqueness to the ensemble. Buddy’s iconic green-and-yellow elf attire stood out brilliantly, even as he donned a business suit with his unmistakable elf shoes, underscoring his unique character. His clown tie was a poignant detail, symbolising how he felt lost, like a circus clown without their circus, as he tried to find where he belonged.
Lighting and visual effects played a pivotal role in enhancing the magical feel of the show. The falling snow, shimmering skylines, and the aurora borealis created an enchanting atmosphere. The clever use of lighting shifts added depth and mood to key moments, making the scenes feel alive and immersive. From the gentle glow of Christmas lights to the swirling wind of the science fair project, the visual elements worked seamlessly to draw the audience into Buddy’s world.
The show’s emotional impact was undeniable, connecting deeply with the audience through laughter, warmth, and nostalgia. Moments of hilarity, like Buddy’s enthusiastic travelling to New York scene kept the crowd roaring with laughter. Meanwhile, tender moments, such as Buddy’s growing bond with his family and his heartfelt attempts to fit in, tugged at the heartstrings. The production balanced humour and sentiment effortlessly, making it as touching as it was entertaining.
Audience reactions were electric throughout the performance. Children giggled at the elves’ antics and Macy’s perfume ladies, while adults appreciated the clever jokes, heartfelt messages, and nods to family dynamics. The room buzzed with applause after every big number, and the collective cheer during the finale was a testament to how thoroughly the show captured the spirit of Christmas.
Elf exceeded every expectation, delivering pure holiday magic in every scene. From the intricate production design to the dynamic performances, every element worked in harmony to deliver a show that truly embodied the magic of Christmas.
I would wholeheartedly recommend Elf, it is a feel-good production that reminds us of the importance of family, connection, and spreading joy- everything the holiday season should be about.
You’d be a cotton-headed ninny muggins to miss this show!
Season details
Elf: The Musical
Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House
Currently playing until Sunday 29 December
Show run 2 hours 25 minutes, including a 20-minute interval.
Sydney Opera House and John Frost for Crossroads Live present Elf: The Musical
Presented in association with Shake & Stir Theatre Co.
Creative team:
Director: Eric Giancola
Musical Director: Vanessa Scammell
Choreographer: Mitchell Woodcock
Set & Costumes: Josh Mcintosh
Lighting Designer: Trent Suidgeest
Video Designer: David Bergman
Sound Designer: Deborah Dourneau
Cast:
Gareth Isaac as Buddy
Simon Burke as Walter Hobbs
Brianna Bishop as Jovie
Lara Mulcahy as Santa
Katrina Retallick as Emily Hobbs
Oscar Bridges as Michael Hobbs
Andrew Dunne as Mr Greenway
Madeleine Mackenzie as Deb
Ensemble:
Sarah Bakker
John Rex Berry
Olivia Carniato
Nakita Clarke
James MacAlpine
David Ouch
Rose Shannon-Duhigg
Lewis Shilvock
Nicole Vella
Book by Thomas Meehan and Bob Martin
Music by Matthew Sklar
Lyrics by Chad Beguelin
Based upon the New Line Cinema film written by David Berenbaum
Originally produced by Warner Bros. Theatre Venture, in association with Unique Features
Licensed exclusively by Music Theatre International (Australasia)
Photo credit: Daniel Boud
