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Overview

Synopsis

In this heart-warming musical, Santa narrates the story of Buddy, an apparently oversized elf who has been raised in the North Pole. During the lead up to Christmas, Buddy overhears the other elves discussing how he is really a human but hasn’t realized. He is devastated and Santa must reveal to his wannabe elf that baby Buddy mistakenly crawled into Santa's bag of gifts on Christmas Eve many years ago and was transported to the North Pole on Santa’s return home. With Santa's blessing, Buddy decides to travel to New York City to find his real father (who is on the naughty list). Shocked that that his own father could be on the naughty list, he is further astounded that his half-brother doesn't believe in Santa. How can this be? Buddy decides to change the outlook and behavior of his new family and bring the true meaning of Christmas back into New York City. Along the way, he discovers friendship, romance, and his true identity. Elf is a modern day holiday classic that aims to spread Christmas cheer for all to hear!

Editor’s Note: This guide refers to the full musical but there is also a junior version available for license through MTI.

Show Information

Based on the Play/Book/Film
Elf, 2003 film
Category
Musical
Age Guidance
Youth (Y)/General Audiences (G)
Number of Acts
2
First Produced
2010
Genres
Comedy, Romance, Fairy Tale/Fantasy
Settings
Contemporary, Multiple Settings
Time & Place
new york city, north pole, present day
Cast Size
medium
Orchestra Size
Medium
Dancing
Musical Staging
Ideal For
High School, Large Cast, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Star Vehicle Male, Mostly Male Cast, Includes Adult, Mature Adult, Early Teen, Young Adult Characters, Medium Cast

Lead Characters

Context

Plot

Characters

Name Part Size Gender Vocal Part

Buddy

Lead

Male

Tenor

Walter Hobbs

Supporting

Male

Tenor

Mr. Greenway

Supporting

Male

Tenor

Santa Claus

Supporting

Male

Baritone

Emily Hobbs

Supporting

Female

Alto

Michael Hobbs

Supporting

Male

Treble/Boy Soprano

Jovie

Supporting

Female

Mezzo-Soprano

Charlie

Featured

Male

Shawanda

Featured

Female

Deb

Featured

Female

Alto

Ensemble

Ensemble

Either Gender

Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Baritone, Bass

Songs

Act One

  • *Christmastown - Buddy, Ensemble
  • World's Greatest Dad - Buddy
  • In the Way - Deb, Walter, Emily, Michael, Ensemble
  • *Sparklejollytwinklejingley - Buddy, Store Manager, Ensemble
  • I'll Believe in You - Michael, Emily
  • In the Way [Reprise] - Emily, Walter
  • Just Like Him - Buddy, Deb, Ensemble
  • *A Christmas Song - Buddy, Jovie, Ensemble
  • World's Greatest Dad [Reprise] - Buddy

Act Two

  • Nobody Cares About Santa - Buddy, Store Manager, Ensemble
  • Never Fall in Love (With an Elf) - Jovie
  • There Is a Santa Claus - Michael, Emily
  • The Story of Buddy - Buddy, Michael, Walter, Ensemble
  • Nobody Cares About Santa [Reprise] - Santa
  • *A Christmas Song [Reprise] - Jovie, Buddy, Emily, Michael, Walter, Ensemble
  • *Finale - Ensemble

A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.

Monologues

All monologues are the property and copyright of their owners.. Monologues are presented on StageAgent for educational purposes only. If you would like to give a public performance of this monologue, please obtain authorization from the appropriate licensor.

Scenes

All scenes are the property and copyright of their owners. Scenes are presented on StageAgent for educational purposes only. If you would like to give a public performance of this scene, please obtain authorization from the appropriate licensor.

Key Terms

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Videos

Quizzes

Themes, Symbols & Motifs

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Guide Written By:

Alexandra Appleton

Alexandra Appleton

Writer, editor and theatre researcher