Snow may not fall in Phoenix this year, but the Phoenix Theatre’s got the next best thing: paper snow flying through the hands of a joyful, dancing elf named Buddy.
The beloved Christmas classic “Elf” is made larger than life in a beautiful, complex production by director D. Scott Withers. The play follows a young man who crawled into Santa’s bag as a baby and grew up in the North Pole, believing himself to be one of Santa’s elves until Santa reveals that he’s got a father in New York City.
Toby Yatso stars as the whimsical and erratic Buddy, whose passion for Christmas can only be outmatched by his excitement at finally meeting his dad Walter (Chris Eriksen) or falling in love with girlfriend Jovie (Jenny Hintze).
Yatso is a force to be witnessed: for over two hours, he’s bursting with energy, singing and jumping around the stage in dazzling dance numbers or putting his facial muscles through the workout of a lifetime, whether he’s grinning with glee or gasping with horror. Yatso perfectly captures the childish, enthusiastic, borderline-manic enthusiasm of Will Ferrell in the original movie, and his nonstop joy keeps the play lighthearted and fun, even when the story’s conflicts erupt.
According to “Elf”’s press release, this play is “the largest show produced by Phoenix Theatre in its nearly 100 years in the Valley. It has the largest number of actors as well as the greatest number of scene changes and set pieces the arts organization has ever attempted.”
The risk pays off in spades: “Elf” is a feast for the eyes, with gorgeous set designs by Scenic Designer Robert Kovach and festive, eye-catching props by Resident Properties Designer Margot Glaser.
From the very first musical number, “Christmastown,” Costume Designer Cari Smith’s talents are on full display through adorable elf costumes and bright yellow shoes on the actors’ knees, which, as they crawl around on the stage, help to sell their status as short elves. The visual humor makes the audience burst out laughing from the get-go, setting the tone for a light-hearted romp through Buddy’s hilarious Christmas adventure.
Although the stage was often full, it was never cluttered. Precise and fluid staging by Stage Manager Samantha Monson ensured every role, no matter how small, fit into each scene like a puzzle piece.
One of the greatest pleasures of watching “Elf” is witnessing the remarkable versatility of each actor.
Typically in a cast of this size—16 actors are credited in the program—it’s easy for some actors to outshine the others, but not so with this play: the ensemble actors are each given multiple supporting roles, from elves in Santa’s workshops or workers in Hobbes’ office to various colorful characters around New York. The different roles allowed each talent to showcase their skill and make their mark in small yet noteworthy moments throughout the play, elevating the story by keeping it fresh and exciting.
A jovial performance comes from Walter’s secretary Deb (Anne Lise Koyabe), who embraces Buddy’s enthusiasm and has a laugh loud enough to fill the whole theater. Deb and Buddy play perfectly off of each other, whether they’re dancing, singing, or making snow through shredded paper. Whimsical, expressive, and full of joy, Koyabe’s Deb brings extra humor into every scene she’s a part of.
“Elf” is full of phenomenal dance numbers, many of which utilize the enormous cast to the fullest. Choreographer Sam Hay creates constantly moving dances in which actors and set pieces flow together to carry the story along and maintain captivating energy.
“Sparklejollytwinklekingley” sticks out as one of the most lively and festive numbers. It’s preceded by Buddy wandering into Macy’s in his elf costume, which leads the Store Manager (Matravius Avent) to confuse Buddy for one of his workers at the North Pole section.
“This isn’t the North Pole,” Buddy insists, and when the Manager asks him where he’s from, Buddy says, “Up North.” In a hilarious misconception, Manager interprets this to mean something entirely different.
Believing Buddy was sent by corporate, the grumpy Manager tells his workers to do whatever Buddy says, which leads to a fast-paced dance sequence in which Buddy teaches the workers how to decorate the store.
It’s a colorful, spirited treat, full of eye-catching props that fly through the stage and fun dance moves, including a moment in which two workers use a string of lights as a jump rope.
The Manager’s transformation from frustrated worker to upbeat dancer sweetens the sequence. Avent is hilarious as the Manager; even though it’s a small role, his charisma makes the character both funny and memorable, especially once he warms up to Buddy.
Whether he’s working or playing, Buddy lifts up those around him, including his neglected half-brother Michael (Corban Adams) and stepmother Emily (Debby Rosenthal).
In the tender and soulful song, “I’ll Believe In You,” Michael and Emily sing about their desire to spend more time with Walter, who is always away in his busy job. Adams sings with a clear, pure voice that perfectly expresses Michael’s sadness, while Rosenthal plays the concerned mom with such sweetness that the bond between mother and son becomes one of the most compelling relationships in the play. It’s so refreshing to see a loving, healthy dynamic between mother and son that it’s hard not to smile whenever the two are on stage together.
“Nobody Cares About Santa Claus,” sung by an ensemble of workers dressed as Santa lamenting the disrespect they get on the job, sits as one of the strongest songs in the play. The impressive number takes place a Chinese restaurant manned by a tough and captivating waitress played by Jenny Wao, who prowls around the stage with catlike grace and infuses the bombastic number with smoldering looks that fascinate even when she isn’t speaking or singing. Dynamic, jazzy and full of humor, “Nobody Cares About Santa Claus” ended to a chorus of thunderous applause and a few whoops.
Brimming with holiday spirit and unadulterated cheer, Phoenix Theatre’s “Elf” is a triumphant celebration of all things related to Christmas. Full of humor, excitement, and music, it’s a perfect play for the whole family.
Contact the reporter at sosulli2@asu.edu.
