Quinn Vantantwerp in “Elf” at TUTS. Photo by Melissa Taylor 2019.
By: Harrison Lorenzen
Theater Under the Stars wows audiences again with this year’s holiday production of “Elf – The Musical”. As is tradition for most theater companies, their productions of family-favorite holiday shows always bring in full audiences of all ages and TUTS’ “Elf” is no different. On-stage through December 22nd, this show is a must-see. The crowd was buzzing from the moment the doors opened, and people continued to hum along to the songs on the way back to their cars.
Bob Martin and Thomas Meehan’s book sticks very close to the original “Elf” Movie, with many of the same jokes as Will Ferrell’s Buddy. Along with the dialogue, Quinn Vanantwerp plays Buddy with the same youthful, aloof innocence as Will Ferrell originated. Vanantwerp joyously bounded across the stage, exuding more happiness and energy than the children on stage at many times. He made the audience cringe with his oblivious attitude towards everything going on around him yet tug at their heartstrings as he yearns for the love of his father.
TUTS filled the ensemble and elves roles with students from their two youth acting programs, The River and Humphreys School of Musical Theater, of which the former is specifically for students with disabilities and their siblings. It was great to see children of all sizes and ages getting to take part in this main stage production, being featured in various scenes throughout the production.
With memorable songs and Christmas magic, the cast kept the audience engaged for the duration of the performance. Each twist and turn in Buddy’s story keeps the audience on the edge of their seat, anxiously awaiting the ending to see how he fixes everything he’s caused. As usual, with a bit of Christmas magic, Buddy can wrap up every loose end and then some to delight every member of the audience.
Don’t miss your chance to see this wonderful production of “Elf – The Musical”, on-stage at the Hobby Center for Performing Arts through December 22nd. For more information visit TUTS.com.