Brian Wheeler

It’s a Wonderful Life. A Christmas Story. These are timeless films which have become a rite of viewing during the holiday season. In 2003, a new Christmas tradition emerged. Elf, starring Will Ferrell, instantly secured the title of a modern-day classic with its iconic humor and cheer.

Sam Hartley, 30, admits that this has been his favorite holiday film from the age of 15, when Elf was first released.

“Never in a million years did I think I would one day play Buddy,” Hartley said. “Will Ferrell was a hero of mine – I would watch SNL every Saturday as a child.”

Hartley, now 30, stars in the lead role of Elf The Musical, which has toured the country for the past three years, and beginning on Nov. 29, will make its way to The Hanover Theatre in Worcester.

“It combines the heart of It’s a Wonderful Life, the humor and tradition of A Christmas Story and the classic jokes of Elf,” Hartley said. “It’s a good, fun show that brings out the best in everybody. Regardless of what your Christmas tradition is, we hit it all.”

Though Hartley regards his performance as a respectful nod to Will Ferrell’s Buddy, he insists that the musical imparts his own take on the beloved character.

“No one can touch Will Ferrell’s performance of Buddy, and it would be foolish to try,” he said. “We are the movie, with all of its famous bits and lines, but with our own take.”
The show incorporates song, dance and a full orchestra with the classic storyline of Buddy, the 30-year-old human, who believes he is one of Santa’s elves.

Hartley said the movie lends itself to a musical production: storytelling through song and dance.
“In the movie, the first words out of Buddy’s mouth are ‘I am singing,’” Hartley said.

Through the production, Buddy stands by his credo: “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear!”

Hartley considers his role as Buddy multifaceted. While, on one hand, it remains light-hearted and, at times, downright silly, Act 2 keeps the lessons and heart of the original work, which touch on the reality of human nature.

Furthermore, through the stage production, relationships are explored in depth.

“While a movie can tell a story more succinctly, there is a more literal representation of the story to be gained from the stage,” Hartley said.

As a literal interpretation of the story, Elf The Musical highlights the emotional aspects. Hartley portrays the same Buddy – in all his blissful ignorance and innocence. When Buddy leaves a cold North Pole for the colder streets of New York City, he remains untainted by cynicism, and as a result, we fall in love with his character’s authenticity. Ultimately, Buddy’s spirit triumphs, and he brings Christmas cheer to New York City.

Hartley, while spreading the tradition of Elf through his role as Buddy, notes that he shares in this tradition of Christmas joy with the audience.

Traditionally on Christmas Eve, Hartley spent the day with his father’s side of the family and spent Christmas Day with his mother’s side of the family in his home of Lincoln, Neb. There was always an impressive dinner, plenty of presents and the observance of prayer.

“I loved that I got to see them each year in such a specific way,” Hartley said.

Having been on the road for the past four years, Hartley has deviated from previous family traditions, but still maintains his affinity for the season.

“We don’t get to experience that family tradition of being home, but we create new traditions each year,” Hartley said.

Elf The Musical is sure to bring with it the nostalgia of the first time we saw this movie and will make us fall in love with the characters all over again. It provides entertainment for all ages to enjoy and prepares us for the holiday season in all its merriment.

“As soon as the overture hits you, you can feel the energy of gearing up for Christmas,” Hartley said.

Elf the Musical will be at the Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts, 2 Southbridge St., Worcester, from Nov. 29-Dec. 2. Tickets are $43-$76. For more information, visit hanovertheatre.org.