photo by Paul Andrews
This review was written by a TeenTix KC teen who is learning about arts journalism through the Press Corps, which provides teens with training and tools to respond to their arts experiences. TeenTix KC seeks to engage teens in the arts and amplify their voices. This may be the first time this teen has publicly expressed their opinion about an arts experience. Thank you for reading and supporting this teen’s development as an arts journalist.
This whimsical movie has been perfectly directed for the stage by Derek Trautwein. The classic tale, interwoven with the Coterie Theatre’s style, shines a new light on ELF. All the songs flowed well with the plot and gave it a magical vibe. It really gave some of the characters a good way to show some emotion.
The classic story of ELF recounts Buddy through his adventures in New York City as a human who was raised by elves. He tries to find his birth dad and ends up at Macy’s and meets “the most beautiful girl he’s ever seen.” Determined to get her attention he breaks into a cheery song. On a less happy note, when he finally gets to meet his dad, Buddy discovers something shocking; his dad is on the naughty list and has lost his Christmas spirit. I loved watching Buddy sing loud for all to hear and restore some Christmas cheer and I think you will too.
I always love the way the Coterie can set the entirety of the play’s background with a few gorgeous pieces that require no change through the whole performance while still feeling complete. This set was no different. Mark Exline did a wonderful job of setting both the North Pole and the big apple. The Coterie proves that you don’t have to have intricate background and props to make it feel like a professional show.
I went in thinking that ELF is written for Will Ferrell and doubting if any actor could even attempt to live up to his acting career. But Spencer Greenwood took the role and ran with it. He didn’t try to be Ferrell, he tried to be Buddy and gave his own take on the character. In addition to working well with Santa (Bradley Thomas) who gave his own clever take on his character, Greenwood was the perfect choice for the role.
Speaking of perfect choices, Lauren Taylor did an AMAZING job as Jovie. Her song was so good, and I loved every second of it. She gave so much emotion that it was such an upgrade from the movie.
The main characters did awesome but, in the Coterie’s signature style, the ensemble really carried the show. The way they can do such quick costume changes to play all of the characters that are needed to fill this play; they really breathed life into New York and the North Pole.
This musical was one of the Coterie Theatre’s best shows I have seen in a while. I went to the first performance in front of an audience and it was superb. The cast hadn’t even had an experience yet and they already knew how to work the crowd. I am 100% going again this year and I hope you will too!
Reviewed by TeenTix KC Press Corps member Brighton Brame
TeenTix KC is a KC Studio initiative building a brighter future for our region by empowering young people to take an active role in shaping their arts community as audience members, critics, influencers, advocates, patrons and leaders. Any 13-19 year-old can become a TeenTix KC member by downloading a free pass which enables them to buy $5 tickets to participating arts venues across metro KC. Teens are encouraged to become critics and influencers by writing reviews and creating reels about the arts they experience using their TeenTix KC passes.
