Displaying items by tag: Jeff Brooks

Christmas cheer is here. Or rather... CHRISTMAS CHEER IS HERE!!!

Based on the 2003 blockbuster hit movie Elf with Will Ferrell and Zooey Deschanel, Elf the Musical is a glittering holiday stage confection that mixes slapstick comedy, heartfelt family drama, and a score full of catchy tunes like “Nobody Cares About Santa,” and “Never Fall in Love with an Elf” (one of the musical’s best song and dance numbers). It’s a show designed to leave audiences laughing, humming, and perhaps even believing in Christmas magic again. The stage adaptation of Elf transforms the beloved film into a glittering Broadway spectacle, guided by the comic touch of Bob Martin and Thomas Meehan’s book.

Buddy the Elf is anything but ordinary - mainly because he isn’t an elf at all. Accidentally tucked into Santa’s sack as a baby and raised among the North Pole’s toy-making crew, Buddy grows up brimming with candy-cane energy and a grin as bright as the Rockefeller Center tree (after all, smiling is his favorite). When the truth of his human identity comes to light, he heads to New York City in search of his real father, Walter Hobbs - a cranky children’s book publisher whose name sits squarely on Santa’s naughty list. What follows is a merry storm of comic misadventures, from Buddy’s chaotic debut at Walter’s office to his glitter-drenched takeover of Macy’s, capped by the showstopping ensemble number “Sparklejollytwinklejingley.”

Buddy’s relentless cheer doesn’t always hit its mark - especially with Jovie, the world-weary Macy’s employee who slowly softens to his quirky charm. At home, Walter’s wife Emily and son Michael yearn for connection, their longing beautifully voiced in the ballad “I’ll Believe in You.” As Buddy’s antics spiral from comic chaos to heartfelt desperation, Walter’s patience frays, setting the stage for a holiday crisis that peaks when Santa’s sleigh sputters to a halt in Central Park.

In true Christmas fashion, it’s Buddy’s infectious joy - and the collective power of a crowd singing together - that rekindles belief in magic. By the final curtain, Walter has embraced Buddy as his son, Jovie has discovered love, and the city itself has been swept up in a wave of rediscovered holiday spirit. The message is simple yet enduring: sometimes it only takes one elf to remind us of the wonder we’ve forgotten.

Currently lighting up Auditorium Theatre in a limited engagement through December 14^th, this zany holiday romp delivers a burst of festive cheer guaranteed to lift spirits high enough to send Santa’s sleigh soaring once more.

Jack Ducat slips seamlessly into Buddy the Elf’s candy-cane-striped shoes, radiating a charm that feels tailor-made for the role. His wide-eyed innocence glows like twinkle lights across the stage, a pure embodiment of childlike wonder that never dims. With boundless energy and an infectious grin, Ducat magnifies Buddy’s relentless optimism until it fills the entire theatre, wrapping the audience in holiday warmth. His comedic instincts are razor-sharp, turning even the smallest quip or physical gag into a laugh-out-loud moment, while his musical bursts sparkle with joy. In every scene, Ducat channels the essence of Christmas spirit - reminding us that Buddy isn’t just a character, but a cultural touchstone of holiday cheer, beloved for the way he makes us believe in magic all over again.

The production’s heart is amplified by its supporting cast, each bringing dimension and warmth to Buddy’s journey. Felicia Martis crafts a Jovie with delightful complexity - her initial cynicism and guarded demeanor provide a sharp contrast to Buddy’s boundless optimism, making her eventual embrace of Christmas cheer all the more rewarding. As Walter Hobbs, Buddy’s beleaguered father, Jeff Brooks anchors the story with a commanding presence, capturing both the stern pragmatism of a businessman and the gradual softening of a man rediscovering family and faith. Yara Martin, as stepmother Emily Hobbs, is nothing short of luminous; her nurturing spirit radiates throughout, and she truly dazzles in her duet with son Michael. Camden Kwok, in turn, delivers a wonderfully earnest Michael, whose youthful sincerity makes “There is a Santa Claus” a standout moment along with Martin - an anthem of belief that sparkles with joy and reminds audiences of the magic at the core of the season. (*Ryan Duck alternates performances with Camden Kwok as Michael).

Darius J. Manuel proves to be a dynamic force onstage, stealing scenes with not one but two memorable turns. As the exuberant hotdog vendor, he serves up laughs alongside “The World’s Greatest Hotdog,” infusing the moment with infectious energy. Later, he reappears as the genial store manager whose good intentions lead to comic gold when he assumes Buddy’s elf costume marks him as a holiday department employee. Manuel’s sharp comedic instincts shine in both roles, blending physical humor with a warmth that keeps audiences leaning in. The highlight comes when Buddy nudges him into song, unlocking Manuel’s impressive vocal range.

Katelyn Lauria lights up the stage as Hobb’s office assistant Deb, delivering a performance brimming with comic zest. Her sharp timing and playful wit turn every moment into a laugh, while her buoyant presence injects a spark into the office scenes, ensuring Deb stands out as one of the production’s most memorable delights. Equally compelling is Andrew Kendrick, who demonstrates remarkable versatility in two sharply contrasting roles. As Santa Claus, he radiates warmth and joviality, embodying the very essence of holiday cheer with a twinkle in his eye and a booming laugh that instantly charms the audience. Then, in a striking shift, Kendrick inhabits the stern, impatient Mr. Greenway - Walter Hobbs’ demanding boss - capturing the character’s rigid authority with crisp precision. The contrast between these extremes not only highlights Kendick’s impressive range but also deepens the production’s narrative, balancing the magic of Christmas spirit against the hard edges of corporate life.

Director Philip Wm. McKinley orchestrates this holiday jewel with remarkable finesse, shaping each moment to shimmer with the warmth and sparkle of Christmas spirit. His vision transforms the stage into a living snow globe, where sweeping scenic designs unfold into breathtaking tableaux and glittering special effects ignite a sense of wonder that keeps audiences spellbound. The humor is delivered with impeccable timing, sending waves of laughter through the theatre, while the dance numbers dazzle with precision and exuberance, bursting forth like fireworks of festive joy. At the center of it all is a radiant ensemble whose collective energy and talent elevate the production beyond mere entertainment, crafting instead a jubilant celebration of the season - one that leaves audiences glowing with holiday cheer long after the curtain falls.

Overflowing with laughter and festive cheer, Elf the Musical is the perfect gift to unwrap this season. A joyous addition to any holiday wish list, the production delivers sure-fire fun for audiences of all ages, blending heartwarming spirit with playful humor that keeps the Christmas magic alive from start to finish.

Highly recommended.

Elf the Musical is being preformed at Auditorium Theatre through December 14^th. For tickets and/or more show information, visit https://elfmusicaltour.com/.  

Bullets Over Broadway, written by Woody Allen, tells the story of a struggling playwright who finally gets his big break when a producer sees the value of his art and agrees to produce the show. The catch is, they need money and the only source of money is from Mob Boss Nick Valenti. Not only is it dirty money but is comes with the stipulation that Nick’s talentless girlfriend gets the leading role.

Set in the 1920s and using standards of the time including “Let’s Misbehave”, “I’m Sitting on Top of the World”, “Up a Lazy River” and oddly enough “We Have No Bananas Today”, the musical follows a zany cast through fast paced action, hilarious dialog and stellar dancing as they attempt to bring their show to the big stage - with a few big twists along the way!

The show is a non-stop production. The costumes and dancing are reminiscent of shows like “42nd Street” while the over the top characters and sometimes raunchy jokes will bring to mind shows such as “The Producers”.  Tony award winner Susan Stroman did the original direction and choreography for the show. For this touring production direction is taken on by Jeff Whiting and Clare Cook choreographs, together creating a successful full package musical.

The dance ensemble fantastically executes Cook’s choreography which was big and bold, highlighting a talented cast of dancers. The standout piece that elicited almost a solid minute of applause from the audience was “Tain’t Nobody’s Bizness If I Do” performed by Cheech (Jeff Brooks) and his gang of mobsters. It was a full out tap routine with creative and intricate choreography on a clean and open stage that allows you to truly appreciate the performance. 

The original Broadway costumes by William Ivey Long were nothing short of exceptional helping to transport the audience to the roaring 20’s. The scenic design by Jason Ardizzone-West complemented the costumes greatly and brought us from scene to scene to scene effortlessly. When we finally see the play within the musical make its debut, the set design allows the audience to watch from backstage and then from the front as they enjoy the play within a play.

Brooks was perfect in the role of Cheech throughout the show, exuding tough guy confidence even as he got more and more involved in the production of the play showing his softer side in small bits and pieces. Although at times painfully annoying, Jemma Jane did a great job in the role of the no-talent mob-gal Olive Neal. She made Olive a character you can’t help but roll your eyes at and laugh along with especially in her first big number “The Hot Dog Song”. Emma Stratton as Helen Sinclair equally embraced her character with her every movement, from a grand arm gesture to the slight lift of her chin, ooze with grace and dignity befitting a thespian icon.

Overall, Bullets Over Broadway is a non-stop, visually stunning show that will have audiences laughing, cheering and on their feet. Get your tickets and check it out at The Private Bank Theatre through May 1st.