Theater Review: 'Elf The Musical' at Cabaret on Main Theater

Review by Nancy Sasso Janis

Santa, here? I know him!”

Broadway on Main Theatre Company in East Haven continues their sold-out run of “Elf The Musical” through Nov. 19. The Broadway on Main Theater production is directed by Neil Fuentes and produced by Billy DiCrosta, who also magnificently leads the cast in the role of Buddy The Elf.

The musical version is based on the beloved holiday New Line Cinema film by David Berenbaum, with a book by Thomas Meehan and Bob Martin and delightful music by Matthew Sklar and clever lyrics by Chad Beguilin. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the film.

The cast is composed of adults and students of the New Haven Academy of Performing Arts, who work together perfectly to bring the multi-generational story to life. The director notes that the simple goal of the production is to “spread joy and laughter to all who join us on this magical journey.” He also aimed to spark conversations about mental health and the experience of rejection, but this is never heavy-handed. “Through the character of Buddy, we explore the challenges of not fitting in and the importance of finding one’s place in the world.”

DiCrosta displays his wonderful singing voice in the title role that enhances his “Sparklejollytwinklejingley” and high energy performance that is delightfully comedic in its innocence.

Ronnie McLaren definitely can sing in her role of Jovie, Buddy’s love interest who claims that she cannot sing.

Craig Bottiger does well as the (not so) “World’s Greatest Dad.” I loved the New York accent of Lisa Costello in the role of Emily Hobbs and Paige Lawner and Aiden Masterbone share the role of their son NPR listener Michael. Mother and son (Masterbone at the performance that I attended) perform a great duet “I’ll Believe in You.”

Michelle Rocheford Johnston is wonderfully comedic in the role of Hobb’s office secretary Deb, wearing classic rhinestone eyeglasses. The manager at Macy’s is played by Marvin Jones.

My onstage husband for “Fiddler on the Roof” with Newbury, Rick Pegnataro, did well with the role of Mr. Greenway. He even gets to sing in “The Story of Buddy.”

George McTyre, who portrayed our Rabbi in “Fiddler,” is the perfect “real” Santa, who serves as the storyteller of Buddy’s tale. My seatmate called his performance “delicious” and I have to concur.

Shoutouts are required for some of the supporting players. Ava Palmer is a young triple threat in the role of Charlie the elf and a featured dancer. Avery Denecke is strong as both Tiara and Charlotte. Justin Wargo is cute as the Souvlaki Salesman. Susan Nuzzo is fabulous as Mrs. Claus and a pushy Macy’s saleswoman.

Gina Helland provided the charming choreography that is performed by the many dancers in the cast. T’Asia Newton worked as assistant choreographer. I loved the dancing in “A Christmas Song” and “Nobody Cares About Santa.” Musical director Joni Gage made sure that everyone sounded great as they sang with the musical tracks.

The wide range of colorful costumes were designed and constructed by Michelle Rocheford Johnston, with Glenette Vaughn-Bianchi serving as the “costume maven.” Every outfit hits the correct holiday notes and is flattering to the wearer, even as the elves perform on their knees. Kudos on a visually impressive stage full of beautiful costumes. Props designed by a small committee add to the charm.

Set designer/lead carpenter Dave Denecke adds some great pieces to enhance the exciting sound, video and lighting designed by the director. There is the suggestion of an iceberg, the interior of Macy’s, and more. There are projections that offer 280 degrees of stunning visions for the entire audience that convincingly bring our eyes to New York City and the middle of a snowfall. Listen for the reference to Bridgeport.

This marked my first visit to Cabaret on Main and I hope to return soon. If you missed out on getting tickets be sure to join the wait list here: https://www.cabaret-on-main.com/#/

Nancy Sasso Janis has been writing theater reviews since 2012 as a way to support local venues, and she posts well over 100 reviews each year. She became a member of the Connecticut Critics Circle in 2016. Her contributions of theatrical reviews, previews, and audition notices are posted in the Naugatuck Patch as well as the Patch sites closest to the venue. She is also a feature writer and theater reviewer for the Waterbury Republican-American newspaper. Her weekly column IN THE WINGS and theater reviews appear in the Thursday Weekend section of the paper.

Follow the reviewer on her Facebook pages Nancy Sasso Janis: Theatre Reviewer and Connecticut Theatre Previews and on Twitter @nancysjanis417 Check out the CCC Facebook page.