The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear. (Derby Dinner Playhouse)

Elf The Musical Book by Thomas Meehan and Bob Martin Music by Matthew Sklar Lyrics by Chad Beguelin Based upon the New Line Cinema film Written by David Berenbaum Directed by Tina Jo Wallace

Review by Brian Kennedy

Entire contents are copyright @2025 by Brian Kennedy. All rights reserved.

Looking for a fun-filled show with plenty of humor, tender moments and holiday cheer? Derby Dinner Playhouse has one with Elf the Musical.

The Tina Jo Wallace-directed Elf the Musical is based on the movie of the same name. Buddy the Elf (Dickie Baker) heads to New York City to find his father Walter (Michael Drury) after Santa (Clay Smith) told Buddy he is actually human. Along the way, he’ll meet a family he never knew, including Walter’s wife Emily (Jillian Prefach Baker) and son Michael (Jude Allen or Benjamin Thomas Swanson, depending on the show). Buddy will also meet love interest Jovie (Kasey Kraft) and, potentially, bring the holiday spirit to all of them and the city as well.

There was much to enjoy about this show, starting with Buddy himself. Baker infused Buddy appropriately with Will Ferrell-like mannerisms and a consistently hyperactive performance. Meanwhile, Drury, as the uptight children’s book publisher Walter, was the perfect serious counterpoint to Buddy’s energy. 

Chemistry was also apparent between Buddy and Kraft’s Jovie, starting with appropriate confusion and disdain from Kraft that eventually grew into genuine affection for each other. This pairing was a highlight of the show.

Then, there were the musical numbers, all of which were wonderful to see. The harmonies were tight, the dynamics were apparent and the joy was obvious. The opening "Happy All the Time" was hard to top in terms of that joy. On the other side of the upbeat energy, Kraft’s solo song "Never Fall in Love," performed after Buddy made Jovie wait for a date, provided a tender and poignant balance. 

The only issue with this play is Jovie’s statement that she hasn’t seen snow in the two years she’s been in New York City. Did the creators of this show realize New York City practically fills up with snow every year? Maybe global warming is occurring faster in the world of this musical. 

Besides that fact, Elf the Musical is an absolutely wonderful, family-friendly, season appropriate show that all ages can enjoy at Derby Dinner Playhouse. Elf The Musical Derby Dinner Playhouse

Nov 12 - Dec 31

525 Marriott Drive

Clarksville, IN 47129  

www.derbydinner.com