Buddy, played by Ethan Shepherd, sings about the joys of making toys with the
elves at the North Pole in Loveland High School’s production of Elf- The Musical. Photo by Ella Kiel.
Review by Caroline Lovelace, Walnut Hills High School Critic Team
A fa-la-la-legendary feat of musical comedy—Loveland High School’s Elf- The Musical landed itself on the nice list.
Beyond the seven levels of the candy cane forest, past the sea of swirly twirly gumdrops, and through the Lincoln Tunnel, Buddy, everyone’s favorite human elf, fills the streets of New York with Christmas cheer while attempting to meet his naughty-listed dad, Walter. What follows is nothing short of a wintery wonderment featuring fake Santas, kicklining elves, and a story about little Palko, the one-legged asparagus boy. Based on the popular 2003 movie of the same name, Elf-The Musical captures the hilariously festive nature of its source material and adds a magical musical twist.
Loveland High School did not miss a beat in their sharp and well-rehearsed production of Elf. This show was truly heartwarming, delivering the meaning of Christmas and the importance of family from start to finish. With eye-catching stage pictures, a phenomenal orchestra, and wonder-filled technical elements, the cast and crew brought this iconic Christmas story to life.
Ethan Shepherd was miraculous. Rising above the Buddys that came before, his performance was not only joyfully contagious but skillfully jaw-dropping. His incredible tenor vocals consistently raised enough applause to be heard all the way to the North Pole. Though Buddy is a true marathon of a role, Shepherd’s energy and lovable comedic timing never ran out. He anchored the show with ease and filled the theater with Christmas spirit.
Chloe Castonguay made the most of the little moments with her compelling performance as Emily Hobbs. Demonstrating a beautifully rich vocal tone with a sparkling vibrato, Castonguay’s brilliant voice stole the show at times. Additionally, Sam Alarcon’s sardonic attitude as the manager provided the perfect comical contrast to Buddy’s incessant smile.
The magic of Elf would never be complete without astonishing technical elements, and the crew at Loveland High School did not disappoint. Isaac Endress, Zach Snyder, and Keira Kennedy-Conrad’s “Sparklejollytwinklejingley” lighting design was sweeter than gumdrops. The nuance in light shifts set the tone for each scene and differentiated between locations expertly. Also contributing to the wonder-filled atmosphere was Campbell Hooper’s versatile set. The level of creativity and intricacy in the design was evident, especially as Buddy gingerly drifted across the stage inside an iceberg.
While spreading Christmas cheer by singing loud for all to hear, Loveland High School’s Elf- The Musical embodied Buddy’s joyful spirit and the magic of Christmas with a truly adorable and undeniably charming musical spectacle.
The Santas of NYC, played by the Fake Santa Ensemble, gather to commiserate about
the hardships of being Santa during the holidays in the song Nobody Cares About Santa in Loveland High School’s production of Elf- The Musical. Photo by Ella Kiel.
Review by Mya Verticchio, Walnut Hills High School Critic Team
In a production nothing less than sparklejollytwinklejingley, Loveland High School taught their audience that the best way to spread Christmas cheer truly is singing loud for all to hear, with their stunning performance of Elf- The Musical, packed with Christmas spirit and contagious energy.
Adapted from David Berenbaum’s iconic movie Elf, the plot follows Buddy the Elf, a human boy raised to adulthood by Santa and his elves, as he ventures to New York City in hopes of finding his real father. Though both his father and the outside world are entirely divergent from his expectations, the joy he brings to those around him with his infectious Christmas spirit allows him to find family in the most unexpected of places. Elf - The Musical brings this heartwarming and classic film to the stage with hilarious comedy, jolly choreography, and songs that stick to eardrums like sweet maple syrup.
Loveland High School’s Elf- The Musical was impressive in all aspects – on and off stage. In a show that demands constant high energy, complex stage tech, and a diversely talented cast, Loveland certainly delivered, presenting an exuberant show overflowing with life and color.
Captivating the show from the moment he entered, Ethan Shepard performed the iconic role of Buddy the Elf, going to any measure to spread holly-jolly energy to a place devoid of Christmas spirit: New York City. The smiley, inexhaustible excitement he brought to his character was more than contagious, with energy overflowing into his physicality, dance, and incredible vocals through songs like “Sparklejollytwinklejingley.” Beautifully contrasting Shepard’s infectious elation, Camdyn Drohan plays the serious, seemingly disinterested Jovie. The growth of her character from dismissive to caring as Buddy is introduced into her life is beautifully displayed in all aspects of Drohan’s performance.
Impossible to ignore, Chloe Castonguay tackled the role of Emily Hobbs, a mother balancing time between her workaholic husband, her son, and her own profession. Her visual relationship with her son, maternal physicality, and her powerhouse vocals in songs like “There is a Santa” demonstrated her incredible skill as an actor. And with unwavering dedication to their roles, the ensemble of Elves performed skillfully the choreography, songs, and scenes, all while scooting on their knees, beginning with the moment the curtain drew with the opening number: “Christmastown.”
The production was only amplified by the skillful work of the crew and pit. Adorned with Christmas caps and tinseled elf hats, the orchestra added overwhelming depth to the performance, engulfing the audience in live music through the show’s entirety. With impressive talent, a number of students played multiple instruments throughout songs, and Sawyer Blackledge’s beautiful bell solo, synchronized with Buddy’s sleigh bell scene, was both impressive and utterly hilarious in context. The show’s set, masterfully designed by Campbell Hooper, added an extra atmosphere of Christmas joy, utilizing tinsel, ornaments, snowflakes, and wrapping paper in its production. The crew showed additional innovativeness in redressing a series of wheeled carts frequently throughout the show, able to quickly change an elf’s colorful workstation to a wooden office desk with Velcro attachments.
A spectacle of skill in both cast and crew, Loveland High School’s Elf- The Musical was both a dazzling production and a pleasure to watch.
Buddy, played by Ethan Shepherd, helps his new manager, played by Sam Alarcon, and the Macy’s workers get into the Christmas spirit in Loveland High School’s production of Elf- The Musical. Photo by Ella Kiel.
Review by Ella Adams, Mercy McAuley High School Critic Team
From the bustling streets of New York City to the magical North Pole, Loveland High School took Elf – The Musical to the stage in their vivacious and glittery production. This take on the renowned film was holly jolly and joyful!
Based on the iconic Christmas movie, Elf – The Musical follows the hilarious tale of Buddy, a boy who has lived his whole life being raised by elves. Upon discovering that he is a human, Buddy travels to New York City to search for his father, a mean businessman named Walter Hobbs. While making new friends, falling in love, and spreading some Christmas cheer along the way, Buddy begins to wonder if he has a place where he truly belongs.
The cast and crew of Elf – The Musical brought a vibrant story to life on the stage. The actors portrayed their characters with boundless energy, which is vital for this musical. Everyone who worked behind the scenes came together to craft a colorful environment for their show to take place in.
Ethan Shepherd portrayed Buddy astonishingly, keeping true to his character’s origin. Shepherd’s take on the classic character contained the perfect amount of whimsicality. Ethan took on his role with endless spirit and enthusiasm in every moment, from his hysterically attacking the Fake Santa to bringing Christmas cheer back to the people of New York City. The role of Jovie, Buddy’s polar-opposite love interest, was performed by Camdyn Drohan. Camdyn’s talents particularly shone in her solo number, “Never Fall in Love (With an Elf).” Together, they formed Jovie and Buddy’s hilarious relationship dynamic beautifully.
One vocal performance that truly sparkled was Chloe Castonguay as Emily Hobbs. In songs such as “I’ll Believe in You” and “There Is a Santa Claus,” Castonguay’s singing was truly captivating. Walter Hobbs, the cold workaholic and father, was depicted by Liam McCracken. Emily and Walter’s son, Michael, was played by Jackson Cocco. The heart of Elf – The Musical lies with the idea of how important having love and family is to find your identity. These three performers gave the audience a heartwarming presentation of that message in all of their moments together and as individuals.
The lighting, done by Isaac Endress , Zach Snyder , and Keira Kennedy-Conrad , made the bright story onstage even more colorful and added appropriate depth to the mood and setting of each scene. Additionally, Luke Jacobs and Aidan Jody skillfully crafted the show’s soundscape. Their work ensured that each actor could be heard clearly and that the voices of those onstage blended well with the music played by the amazing Naughty List Loveland Orchestra.
This production of Elf – The Musical brought the staple holiday story to life brilliantly, living up to the legacy of its source. Loveland High School’s cast and crew truly spread Christmas cheer by singing loud for all to hear.
Greenway, played by Jesse Lynch, is overjoyed with the new Christmas book
pitch about Buddy’s story from Buddy, played by Ethan Shepherd, Walter, played by Liam McCracken and the office team in Loveland High School’s production of Elf- The Musical. Photo by Steve Kovacs.
Excerpts From Other Top Reviews
"The sound design (Luke Jacobs and Aidan Jody) was particularly impressive, handling over 30 microphones between actors and the pit orchestra. A cue was rarely missed, and the vocal gifts of the actors were heard clearly and beautifully. The live orchestra (The Naughty List Loveland Orchestra) also helped elevate the music, overall creating a joyful and immersive experience for the audience."
-Nyla Shahanavaz, Walnut Hills High School Critic Team
"Loveland High School’s production perfectly captured the energy of Elf. The sets felt cozy, the music was peppy and bright, and the actors effectively carried the mood in both the upbeat scenes and the more serious, somber ones. All of this together made for not only an entertaining production, but also a show that could be surprisingly emotional."
-Ravyn Jones, William Mason High School
"The intense chemistry and passionate performances of Buddy, expertly portrayed by Ethan Shepherd, Jovie, played by Camdyn Drohan, and Deb, performed by Liv Bast, significantly contributed to the overall plot. These actors, in particular, were not afraid to take up space on the stage, both choreographically and vocally, and to breathe life into their performances."
-Brooke Spurlock, William Mason High School
"Stage manager Izzy Bisogni was also a crucial part of this production. All set changes were seamless, and you never felt pulled out of the show. Bisogni also controlled the snow confetti throughout the show, making for a beautiful winter landscape."
-Gwynevere Hill, William Henry Harrison High School
"The props crew, led by Audrey Smith, Madelyn George, and Khloe Chambliss, took even the simplest scenes to the next level; most notably the scene where they are eating spaghetti at breakfast time. Upon close examination, it was clear to the audience that the crew used real spaghetti to create this “prop,” and the actors were truly enjoying their spaghetti onstage!"
-Elaina Ward, Mercy McAuley High School Critic Team
"Liv Bast’s imitation of Deb’s eccentric personality added a wonderfully charming flair in contrast to the gloomy pile of cubicles where Deb works. Bast brought the lovable secretary to the table through her impressive accent and her well-delivered optimism. Apart from the delightful Deb, comes the side-splitting Manager (Sam Alarcon). Alarcon’s exaggerated reactions, in response to Buddy’s foolishness, fabricated a pricelessly hysterical character that brought tears to several audience members’ eyes."
-Grace Siener, Mercy McAuley High School Critic Team
"In all, Elf- The Musical was an absolutely enchanting holiday production that captured the heart and joy of the season. The talented cast, delightful choreography, and stunning set design brought this beloved Christmas tale to life in a way that left the audience smiling, laughing, and filled with holiday cheer. Whether you’re a fan of the movie or new to Buddy’s journey, this production was a perfect way to get into the holiday spirit."
-Jack Langlinais, Highlands High School Critic Team
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