Sarah Toce
The 5th Avenue Theatre Company will celebrate the holidays with Elf – The Musical, a joyous stage adaptation of the beloved 2003 New Line Cinema film starring Will Ferrell, running November 28 to December 28, 2025.
With a book by Tony Award-winners Thomas Meehan (Annie, Hairspray) and Bob Martin (The Drowsy Chaperone), and an original score by Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin (The Prom), Elf – The Musical bring to life the hilarious and heartwarming story of Buddy the Elf, a human raised in the North Pole who embarks on a journey to find his family and spread Christmas Spirit.
The production will be directed and choreographed by Denis Jones (Broadway’s Tootsie and Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn). A two-time Tony Award nominee, Jones previously directed and choreographed Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins at The 5th during the 2024 holiday season.
“The story of Elf is ultimately about the power of optimism,” said Jones. “It is about one person’s deep belief in the goodness of others and the ripple effect it has in how we see one another in both our families and community. It is a joyful story that resonates across generations and our production captures both the humor and heart that have made it a modern classic.”
Bringing the role of Buddy to life is Seattle favorite, Eric Ankrim (Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins, Into the Woods). Ankrim previously directed Elf – The Musical when it was on The 5th’s stage during the 2012/13 season. Tori Gresham, who most recently was seen on The 5th’s stage as Gloria Rasputin in Bye Bye Birdie and as Dawn in Waitress, will play Buddy’s love interest Jovie.
Joining Ankrim and Gresham are Cayman Ilika (Irving Berlin’s White Christmas) as Emily Hobbs, Porscha Shaw (Disney’s Beauty and the Beast) as Deb, Richard O Ziman (Kiss Me Kate) as Santa, Shaunyce Omar (Disney’s The Little Mermaid) as Macy’s Manager, Tony Lawson (Disney’s Beauty and the Beast) as Walter Hobbs, and Yusef Seevers (Something’s Afoot) as Mr. Greenway. The role of Michael Hobbs will be shared by Conor Sullivan and Gavin Weston.
Also included in the cast are Connor Russell, Danny Kam, Greg Sim, Hannah Schuerman, Jimmy Shields, Julia Kuzmich, Keoni Dilay, Krystle Armstrong, Mackenzie Neusiok, Maya McQueen, Nalica Hennings, Nick McCarthy, Nik Hagen, Kenji Finkelstein, Noa Love Kim, Matthew Posner, Ben Dow, Chad Kelderman, Karin Terry, Sapphire Goetz, Annalisa Brinchmann, Nehemiah Hooks, and Christopher Sweet.
Joining Jones on the artistic team are music director Matthew Smedal, associate director Charlie Johnson, associate choreographer Pamela Yasutake, associate music director Rebecca Smith, scenic designer Matthew Smucker, costume designer David C. Woolard, costume coordinator Heidi Zamora, costume design assistant Olivia Curry, lighting designer Connie Yun, associate lighting designer Thorn Michaels, sound designer Justin Stasiw, and hair & make-up designer Juliette Lewis. The stage management team is led by production stage manager JR Welden, assistant stage managers Erin B. Zatloka and Shaina Pierce, swing stage manager Jamie J. Kranz, production assistants Larcyn Burnett and Bayla Jaffe, and child actor guardian Amy Jurkiewicz.
A festive treat you don’t want to miss, this stunning production is live on stage with big, Broadway-caliber musical numbers and offers an unforgettable holiday experience for theatre-goers whether they’re young, or young at heart.
Elf – The Musical runs from November 28 to December 28 at The 5th Avenue Theatre, located at 1308 5th Avenue, Seattle, WA. Tickets are available now at 5thavenue.org, by calling 206.625.1900, or by visiting the box office.
Content Advisory: Elf – The Musical is generally considered family-friendly. The musical is based on the PG-rated film and includes similar content and is fun for ages 4-104! Children under 4, including babes in arms, will not be admitted. Sensory Guides are available after the first performance here. Santa and Mrs. Claus appearances in the lobby for all performances from November 28, 2025 through December 24, 2025.
