Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): Elf: The Musical at The 5th Avenue Theatre is pure holiday cheer. A swinging live orchestra (led by Matthew Smedal) delivering that classic big-band Broadway showbiz sound and all the sparkle of an NYC Christmas. A joyful, festive escape starring Eric Ankrim.
See it if you want to get into the Christmas spirit.
Was This the First Time I Attended a Production of this Show? No, I saw the national tour and a community production.
Would I See It Again 3 Years from Now? Probably not, twice is enough for me
Mainstream Appeal: Medium to high
If A Random Stranger Asked What Show They Should See This Weekend, Would I Mention This Production? Yes
My Synopsis (No Spoilers): Inspired by the film, this light Christmas musical follows Buddy who realizes he’s a human and not a North Pole elf. He journeys to New York City to find his biological father.
Synopsis from the Licensor or Theatre Company: Son of a Nutcracker! Buddy’s back! Buddy the Elf has spent his life fulfilling his elf-ly duties in the North Pole helping Santa get ready for Christmas. The only problem is, he’s always been a little different. He stands feet above everyone else, is slower at making toys, and can’t quite fit in a standard elf-sized bed. After finding out he’s actually a human, Buddy embarks on a journey to the big city to discover his true identity—while also bringing a little Christmas spirit to everyone he meets. Based on the beloved 2003 New Line Cinema film starring Will Ferrell, this musical adaptation is a hilarious, fish-out-of-water comedy that’s full of heart, adventure, and holiday cheer. Whether you’re young, or just young at heart, make sure you’re on the nice list, because this show is a festive treat you don’t want to miss.
Type: Musical
World Premiere: No
Several or Few Scenes: Several
Several or Few Settings/Locations: Several
Static (Stationary) or Dynamic Set: Dynamic
Prior Exposure/Knowledge Required: You’ll likely appreciate this more if you saw the movie, but it’s not required. I’ve never seen it.
Defined Plot/Storyline: Yes
Live Band/Orchestra: Yes
Union Actor(s): All
Total Actor(s): Too many to count
Perceived Pace of the Show: Medium speed
Was there an intermission? Yes
Length (Including Any Intermission): 2.5 hours
Other Rave(s)
- Music: The true stars of the evening were the orchestra (led by Matthew Smedal) and the score (by Matthew Skylar). The 5th Avenue Theatre once again proved why it boasts the finest musical theatre orchestra in town, opening the show with a glorious, swinging overture. From there, the big-band, showbiz Broadway sound soared in numbers like “Sparklejollytwinklejingley,” “Nobody Cares About Santa,” and “The Story of Buddy,” before arriving at a standout moment in Jovie’s (played by Tori Gresham) beautifully delivered solo, “Never Fall in Love (With an Elf).” Together, the music and performances effortlessly conjured that cozy, classic New York City Christmas feeling.
- “There Is a Santa Claus”: Echoing her memorable role in White Christmas at The 5th Avenue Theatre, Cayman Ilika (as mother Emily Hobbs) showcased her gorgeous voice in the duet “There Is a Santa Claus,” joined by the promising young Conor Sullivan (as son Michael Hobbs).
Other Musing(s) and Observation(s)
- Tap Dance: Throughout the performance, I kept wondering when the quintessential grand tap dance number would appear. It finally surfaced in the final number, which was an oddly placed choice. Usually, it would be somewhere in the middle of the 1st act. However, the dancing itself (choreographed by director Denis Jones) was obviously strong quality like any tap dance number from The 5th Avenue Theatre.
- Snow: It’s unclear whether this was intentional, but in one scene the actors gazed at the “snow,” which appeared only as a projection. Several minutes later, actual snow finally drifted down from the ceiling, raising the question of whether the delayed snowfall was a deliberate choice or simply a technical malfunction.
- Plot Holes: The story contained major practical and professional inconsistencies. For instance, a Christmas book commissioned by Christmas would realistically miss the publishing window until the following holiday season. Likewise, the plot glosses over legal concerns, such as the apparent reuse of material from a previous employer without addressing intellectual property rights or non-compete agreements.
- Holiday Formula: This production openly panders into the Christmas spirit, as many seasonal live theatre shows do. It isn’t especially deep or substantial, but unlike much of the Christmas-themed filler drivel and slop (can we please stop producing A Christmas Carol?!) that floods the stage each year, this show was enjoyable. Its primary aim is simply to put the audience in a festive mood. And in that, it succeeds.
Theatre Company: The 5th Avenue Theatre
Venue: The 5th Avenue Theatre
Venue Physical Address: 1308 5th Ave, Seattle, WA 98101
Price Range: $60-198
Ticket Affordability Options: The 5th Avenue Theatre often partners with organizations you’re affiliated with for discount tickets. For example, they sometimes offer a discount for my employer affiliation and my apartment complex. Rush tickets are typically also available the day of the performance at the box office.
Dates: 11/28/25 to 12/28/25
Seating: Assigned Seating
Parking: When I don’t walk to the theatre or park on the street, I park in the paid garage at the Motif Hotel northwest of the theatre. The entrance is on 5th Ave. Do NOT park in the APA Coast Seattle Downtown Hotel garage (entrance on 6th Ave). That’s where most of the audience (and I think the subscribers) parks, so it’s a nightmare to leave. However, the APA Coast Seattle Downtown Hotel garage is the closest garage to the theatre and you can access the theatre through a tunnel if you want to avoid the elements. But, in my opinion, this benefit is not worth the time wasted leaving the garage.
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Photos: See production photos below by Michael B. Maine.
Cast and Production Team: See after photos below.
