Elf
A perfect holiday feel-good show, Elf will turn even the grumpiest of grinches into a happy-go-lucky bearer of Christmas cheer, singing loud for all to hear.
Opening Night
Behind the Scenes
Liam Quealy *
previously in The Who’s Tommy, Cats, A Chorus Line, My Fair Lady, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Annie and West Side Story
Peyton Shaffer
previously in Mary Poppins, The Music Man & Annie
Don Richard *
previously in Annie
Aaron Conklin *
previously in Annie, Oklahoma, Miss Saigon & Rent
Holly Stauder *
previously in Annie, Cats & Mary Poppins
Critic Reviews
“elaborately tricked out and exuberantly performed” Hedy Weiss, Chicago Sun-Times
“spectacular seasonal entertainment” Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune
“Yuletide treat for the whole family” Dean Richards, WGN TV & Radio
“This is a top-notch production of a musical” Alan Bresloff, Around the Town Chicago
“‘Elf’ delivers a Santa-size load of holiday entertainment” 3.5/4 stars Scott C. Morgan, Daily Herald
“the Paramount Theatre’s staging of the musical version of the movie is just as delightful – if not more so.” Elizabeth Diffin, Chicago Parent
“this show is sheer entertainment from start to finish” Dramagirl, Chicago on Stage
“a joyful production that leaves audience members full of good cheer” Eric Schelkopf, Kane County Chronicle
“the perfect family holiday entertainment” Colin Douglas, Chicago Theatre Review
“worth the drive” Kiera Allen, Kankakee Daily Journal
“first-rate production oozing Yuletide joy” Barry Reszel, Chicagoland Musical Theatre
“most definitely a feel-good holiday musical for the whole family” Downtown Auroran
“A holiday MUST SEE for your family!” Danielle Tufano, 95.9 The River
“a wonderful holiday show” Jennifer Evers, Me, Myself and Jen
“I’ve never seen anything like that on stage.” Annie Tandy, My Kidlist
Patron Reviews
“Awesome job by all! Highly entertaining!” -Pamela K., Facebook
“Excellent as usual! Never disappointed!” –Patron, Survey
“There are not enough stars to adequately describe Elf. We had 10 family members there from 4 to 65. Everyone loved Elf. It was a great theater experience!” -Matthew H., Facebook
“Unlimited energy and color — brilliant. Love it.” –Patron, Survey
“We are season ticket holders from the beginning of the broadway series and these shows just get better and better. So glad we continue to renew our tickets. The whole family looks forward to each and every show.” -Kerrie L., Facebook
“Fantastic! From start to finish, spectacular show! Our whole group truly enjoyed it!” –Patron, Survey
“It was such a great show, I cried tears of joy! I’m truly touched by this show!” –Patron at performance
“Wonderful show, puts you in the holiday mood!” -Joan W., Facebook
“It was such a great show, I cried tears of joy! I’m truly touched by this show!” –Patron at performance
“Such a fun show – loved every minute of this winter wonderland! Buddy – keep on spreading the cheer! <3” -Peggy B., Facebook
“This is one of my favorite performances in the past 3 years. I enjoyed everything, from the sets to the acting to the dancing all the way to the singing.” –Patron, Survey
“Totally amazing show!” -Sharon M., Facebook
“paramount does it again” -Gayle K., Facebook
“There were 10 in our family from 4 to 65. Everybody loved the performance.” –Patron, Survey
“Kyle Adams was stupendous. I think this guy is a major talent who could head to the top! The show was very good, too. Love the Paramount!” -Rick M., Facebook
“Such a fun cast and show! Definitely kick-started our Christmas season with the right frame of heart!” -Tracy B., Facebook
“Great theater, awesome staff, wonderful show…definitely going back!” -Jameson B., Facebook
“Very funny with an excellent cast! Beautiful set and costumes.” -Laura D., Facebook
“So Good!!!!! Make sure you see it!” -Deanna P., Facebook
ELF THE MUSICAL DIRECTOR’S NOTES
Written by Director Amber Mak
Holidays, in my family, are filled with traditions, from decorating the Christmas tree and making cookies to watching holiday films together. Elf has become one of those beloved traditions, and this year, Tim Rater and Jim Corti have once again bestowed on me the honor and challenge of bringing another favorite family film to life on stage at Paramount Theatre. I say “challenge” because, as with any well-loved film, the audience’s expectations are great.
I feel a huge responsibility to not only deliver on what people expect, but to try and find ways to surprise, delight and make the story fresh and new, as if seeing it all for the first time.
While creating the Paramount version of this story, I remembered my first viewing of the film and the pure joy and genuine laughter I shared with my family as we watched Buddy the Elf discover New York City for the first time. There is such a wonderful innocence and simple perspective that Buddy brings to a world of chaos and bitterness. He is such a great symbol and a reminder for all of us to enjoy the world around us with child-like wonderment, joy and hope. There is often so much going on in our lives that it seems impossible to live in the present without stressing about the future.
It certainly feels like the world could use a bit more of Buddy the Elf’s perspective to spread some good cheer all year round and believe in the unbelievable.
My hope, as you watch the show, is that you can share some laughs and live in the moment with your loved ones, creating some holiday memories as this incredible cast spreads some cheer by singing loud for all to hear. Happy Holidays!
