Photograph by Joan Marcus
On November 7, 2003, the world fell in love with a Christmas movie about an elf, who isn’t very good at being an elf…probably because he is a human. Buddy the Elf discovers that as a baby at an orphanage, he crawled into Santa’s bag and was whisked off to the North Pole and raised as an elf. Santa reveals that Buddy’s father, Walter Hobbs, is alive in New York City, and Buddy sets off to find him, spreading whimsy and Christmas cheer wherever he goes. The popular movie starring Will Ferrell inspired a 2010 Broadway musical, which is now touring the country for the holidays.
Elf (the musical) is coming to the Fox Theatre (527 Grand) from Tuesday, December 17 through Sunday, December 29 and serves up a show filled with hilarity and plenty of holiday spirit. The tour began early in November, and will run until the middle of January, but one of the cast members, Jacqueline Grabois, who plays Deb, happily took some time out of her schedule to talk about her experiences in the musical version of such a popular movie, her favorite moments, and celebrating the holidays on tour.
SLM: What’s it like being in the musical version of Elf? I’m assuming you saw the movie with Will Ferrell.
JG: I am obsessed with the movie. I literally love that movie. I watched it like 700 times. And then when I saw that they were doing it, I jumped on it and the rest is history.
Did you go audition then?
Well, I had worked with Connor Gallagher, the choreographer, before. I worked with him last year, doing Peter Pan and it was probably one of the coolest experiences. So when I found out he was doing Elf, I wanted in and so I auditioned and I got it and beat out all the rest.
And you play Deb. Remind me, is she the secretary?
Yes. She’s the head secretary of Walter Hobbs, who Buddy goes to, who he leaves the North Pole for. Deb is vivacious and immediately loves Buddy. She’s so happy to have him in the office and his energy brings out her energy.
What do you think is the biggest difference between the movie and musical (aside from the singing)?
They had to change some [things to] make the musical work, not necessarily change the story, because that’s the same, but they left out some characters to be able to be truthful to the story, but I think they did a great job. I don’t think there’s anything missing. I mean, changing a movie into a musical is always…there’s always changes and things like that, but it still has the overall feeling that the movie brings about the holiday and family and accepting one another and bringing out your inner elf.
What’s your favorite part about the show?
My favorite part of the show is one of the songs called “Just Like Him.” It’s just a huge dance number and…extraordinary. I’m in that song, so it’s also super fun to perform every night. We create snow on stage and that’s fun, too.
Does the snow ever mess you guys up when you’re trying to dance? Or does it make it that much more fun?
It’s just a blast. Like 100 percent blast.
This just sounds like a really fun show to do.
It is. I’m lucky. My role is amazing…but Buddy, the actor who plays Buddy, works his tush off. It’s a big role, and an undertaking, and he fills it out so well and he carries the show. It’s just great to work with Matt Kopec.
So obviously, this is a Christmas musical, so you can’t do it for long. How long is the tour?
We’ve been on the road for over a month, and we have about a month to go.
Are you touring somewhere else after the Fox?
Yes, we’re going to Miami. I’m really excited because that’s my hometown.
I was going to ask about that because I know you’re performing at the Fox until December 29, so you won’t be home for Christmas, but if you’re going home after, that’s fantastic.
Well, yeah, but right now, being on the road, this is my family, and I’m excited to celebrate with them.
Did this show put you in the holiday spirit?
[Laughs] For sure, for sure. I feel like we’re getting there more so now, because it’s after Thanksgiving. So every city we go to, the Christmas lights are up now. Christmas is the best time of the year and I’m getting to live it for three months.
I’m sure this show puts audiences in the holiday spirit as well.
Oh, yes. I’d say it’s for ages 5 to 92. I think a 4-year-old could come, but I don’t know if he could sit still. There’s always so many kids in the audience, and I think that actually energizes us because you can hear them getting excited and it’s so cute. And after the show they’ll come to the stage door dressed up to the nines.
Anything you would like to add about the show?
I’m so blessed to be a part of this cast and this awesome show. I think the writing is wonderful and my role especially is just a blast and I’m so fortunate to have been involved.
For more information on Elf or to purchase tickets, visit fabulousfox.com.
