Elf is one of my favorite movies, one of my go-to classics for putting me in a good mood and in the holiday spirit. I've watched it so many times my kids like to tease me about it. However, we all have fun piping in each others conversations with some of the best lines from this movie. I can't even begin to list them all but any Elf maniac knows what they are. But..here are some of my favorites:
SANTA ! I know him.
You're not Santa - you smell like beef and cheese
Christmas Gram. What's That? I want one!
I am also an Elf purist. I can tell when certain parts are edited out of the TV versions. However, even being a purist, I enjoyed seeing the musical/play version of it. I saw it Off-broadway many years ago and most recently I saw it at the Surflight Theater in beautiful and cozy Long Beach Island NJ.
I have never seen a show at this theater that did not wow me. Even with a small budget, and being in a rather out-of-the way spot on a small island, the production quality is always phenomenal, better than many off Broadway and even Broadway shows I have been to over the years. And the acting is always on par. Once is a while the Surflight gets a big star (I remember seeing Cindy Williams there once) but most of the time it's local actors and touring actors from NYC and across the country.
ELF WOWED ME. The theater lobby was decorated in it's very vintage, Victorian way and upon walking into the theater (not a bad seat in the house) it oozed Christmas.
Like any movie as well, the opening scenes always set the stage and a first impression is very important. The first scene was a delight, and I knew I would be in for more. I am a very visual person, so when there is time, creativity and money and effort put into the sets I know I am in for a treat. The first set was Santa's Workshop, bursting with color and Christmas and which supported a bevy of elves in bright colors prancing around.
Overall throughout the production there had to be over half a dozen set changes. All of them complemented the dialogue, music and choreography without distraction.
The play itself deviated in several ways from the movie. However, the characters remained true. Walter Hobbs had a larger part, Jovie a smaller one. The overall theme remained the same, a human "raised as an elf" goes to New York City to find the dad who didn't know he existed. I won't give away the ending but it's a happy one just like in the movie.
Most of the favorite lines were in the play version (though one of the lines I mentioned above is NOT in it). I think fans of he show will be happy to hear these iconic lines delivered on a stage.
I don't like to single out actors, as they were all good and had fantastic voices. However I must note that Dustin Ceithamer was the perfect Elf, tall and lanky and goofy delivering the most-favored and recognizable lines exactly as they should be said. Elf fans want to hear things they way they like them. (Note: I did walk away having conversations as to whether this actor was truly was 6'8!)
Walter Hobbs, played by Mike Brennan had a larger role in this version. He did a great job as the businessman who slowly accepts having an "elf" as a son.
A special shout out to Chase Mailhiot who played the son Michael. He was very convincing and I know this boy has a huge career ahead of him. He could have easily slipped into the role in the movie.
Also, I loved that the supervisor at Macy's (not Bloomingdales) was played by a female. I was astounded when I heard her powerful voice.
Shout out also to Jordan Polefka as Jovie. She played the part well, though his storyline is less prominent in they play version.
And kudos to the ensemble for singing, dancing, walking like elves and playing multiple roles.
The performance, I would not even say was PG it was G. And that's hard to find. Though there was a line or two that was "grown up" it would have gone over most kids' heads. I think any child even aged 2 and up would sit through this and be bedazzled. There was so much going on. And that's what it's all about, enjoying a play with a family without hesitation or worry.
Elf runs from November 29 - December 21, 1015. I would recommend travelling through the Candy Cane Forest, taking a journey through the Lincoln Tunnel or using whatever means necessary to see it.
Visit https://surflight.org/ for more info and for their 2026 schedule.