We all have our holiday to-do lists: make cookies, crochet scarves, watch “Miracle on 34th Street.” For this year’s schedule, what is sure to be an annual Christmas tradition is to see live theater with friends and family. The Argyle Theatre’s production of “Elf The Musical” will perfectly fit the bill, all wrapped up with a big red bow on top!

Magical, colorful with a festive air, and delivering all the excitement and anticipation of the holiday season, “Elf The Musical,” based on New Line Cinema’s film of the same name, is a delightful jaunt featuring the journey of Buddy the elf, who though a human, was raised in the North Pole by Santa and his elves. Having always felt out of place being too tall, falling behind on his toy production skills, and general elf lifestyle, Santa thought it time to tell Buddy the reason. His real family actually lives in New York City. Buddy gleefully sets out to meet his father, but finds him less than enthusiastic about the meeting and is a Christmas curmudgeon. Fortunately, his dad’s wife and son embrace the new addition to the family, endearing in his childlike exuberance and naturally sweet and positive spirit. Everything brightens thanks to Buddy lifting their spirits, and the second act prevails in erasing all those names on the naughty list as being nice, with help from “A Christmas Song”: “Just spread some Christmas cheer by singing loud for all to hear.”

Under the superb direction of Evan Pappas, the choreography of Valerie Wright accompanied by the musical direction of Emma Weiss, the audience takes a creatively staged spin on the ice at Rockefeller Center, laughs along to a hysterical number by the department store “fake” Santas, as Buddy calls them, and are dazzled by the sparkling “winter white” scene with costumes by Jolene Richardson up at Santa’s (Robert Anthony Jones) Christmas party. Buddy (Timothy Fraser)—who bears a comforting resemblance to Will Ferrell, who starred in the movie version—is portrayed as delightfully carefree and innocent in his characterization, inviting all to revisit their own guileless childhood where the wonders of the season were around every corner.

This Broadway-quality production of “Elf The Musical” truly kicks off the holiday season filled with joy, hope and bursting with Christmas spirit. Great entertainment for kids and for adults, it will bring out the child in all who see it. As the closing number says, “Remember who you were back then... let those moments live again... sing a Christmas song and keep singing all season long.” A lovely sentiment.

“Elf The Musical” runs now through Jan. 2, 2022, the entire holiday season at: The Argyle Theatre, 34 W. Main Street, Babylon, NY 11702. Don’t miss it! Get your tickets today! 631-230-3500. argyletheatre.com. Receive $10 off with code: BULLETIN.