The Craft & The Community: 'Elf the Musical'

The house was nearly sold out at Escondido’s Welk Resort Theatre today for the San Diego debut of ‘Elf the Musical.’

I had a chance to chat with a few audience members after the show to get their thoughts on the production. Have YOU seen this one, based on the Will Farrell movie?

My thoughts?

The production features a number of talented performers that we have seen around town over the last 12 months, including the two leads, Bryan Banville (The Mystery of Irma Vep) as Buddy and Emma Nossal (Singin' in the Rain, 42nd Street) as Jovie.
The show's costumes are bright and cheerful, thanks to designer Janet Pitcher.
The choice to do a Santa line at intermission was much appreciated by the many, many children around me in the house, and the candy canes probably kept everyone a bit quieter during a long second half.
Kudos to the cast for the energetic "Just Like Him" in the office. In the scene, when Buddy has just put on his business suit for the first time and is proudly trying to fit in, it's lovely to concurrently see Walter's employees falling for his energy and spirit! It's a great dynamic and the ensemble dancing in this scene really comes together.