By Vivien Latham Special to the Ojai Valley News
There is an old show business adage: “Never work with children or animals.” The cast members of Ojai Art Center Theater prove what an outmoded idea this is in their current production, “Elf The Musical.”
Having never seen the Will Ferrell movie, this reviewer walked in the theater without any preconceptions, except to settle in for a holiday treat.
Another show business adage is “The show must go on!” The cast proved this on opening weekend, due to some lighting issues. In spite of lights going on and off intermittently throughout the show, the cast was never distracted, but carried on like troupers. Even the youngest cast members sang and danced without batting an eye.
The story is a combination of several familiar Christmas tropes: the Scrooges who think the holiday is a humbug, the grinches who see it as a way to make money, the wide-eyed optimists who yearn to believe in the magic it promises, and the plucky protagonist who tries to convince everyone of the true meaning of Christmas. Add the North Pole, Santa Claus, elves, reindeer, some pop culture references (iPads, Dr. Drew, multi-tasking), and director Gai Laing Jones gifts audiences with a delightful musical comedy the whole family can enjoy.
Based on the beloved 2003 hit, “Elf” features songs by Tony Award® nominees Matthew Sklar (“The Prom,” “The Wedding Singer”) and Chad Beguelin (“Aladdin,” “The Wedding Singer”), with a book by Tony Award® winners Thomas Meehan (“Annie,” “Hairspray,” “The Producers”) and Bob Martin (“The Drowsy Chaperone”).
Gai Laing Jones has assembled a cast from “7 to 70” for this production. “Buddy the Elf” (Andrew Eiden) is a lovable-if-bumbling elf who discovers he is really human, left in Santa’s bag of toys as a baby. He leaves the North Pole to find his real father in New York City.
Walter Hobbs (James Baker), a publisher who neglects his wife and son Michael in favor of his career, isn’t overjoyed to meet his newfound son. He reluctantly takes him in, and offers him a job at his office. Buddy happily trades his elf costume for a suit and tie just like Dad. Buddy does his best to fit in the corporate world, and to reunite with his new family. He must also save the Christmas spirit so it can make Santa’s sleigh fly, since PETA put a stop to reindeer flying around the globe.
Andrew Eiden is marvelous as Buddy the Elf. His goofy charm, gleeful personality, and child-like naïveté is endearing without being annoying. He also possesses a fine singing voice, and his energy leads the cast in several musical numbers. Many of the musical numbers feature the child performers, and what they lack in polish they make up for with enthusiasm. Marisa Miculian, as Buddy’s love interest Jovie, belts out her solo, “Never Fall In Love With An Elf”, like a ’40s torch song.
Kelley Stone, as Buddy’s stepmother Emily Hobbs, in a duet with her son Michael (“There Is A Santa Claus”) is an equally accomplished singer. James Baker is appropriately cranky and irritable as Buddy’s workaholic father, slowly thawing out as he finally appreciates Buddy’s helpful optimism. Ultimately, Buddy prevails with help from the real Santa Claus, and everyone experiences the miracle in Central Park.
Tickets are on sale now. General admission is $25, $20 for students, seniors, and Art Center members, and $10 for children aged 12 and under. For ticket information and group sales, call 805-640-8797.