“The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear,” Buddy (Will Ferrell, The Boys) tells Jovie (Zooey Deschanel, Physical) in end-of-year staple Elf. The musical version of the hit festive flick takes that idea to heart. Debuting on Broadway in 2010, it brings the beloved movie to the stage with a swag of merry songs. Fourteen years later — and 21 years since cinemas first discovered Elf's seasonal fun — Elf: The Musical has finally locked in its Australian premiere.

Sydney Opera House's Concert Hall will stand in for both the North Pole and New York City across Thursday, December 19–Sunday, December 29, 2024, as Buddy goes on a journey of self-discovery. If you've seen the film, as almost everyone has, you'll know the storyline already; however, unless you've caught Elf: The Musical overseas, including a West End season in 2015–16, you haven't seen it like this before.

Buddy isn't an elf, but he was raised by them — and he doesn't realise that he isn't like Santa's other helpers until he grows up. Cue his trip to the Big Apple to discover who he is, and also who he wants to be, as first told in a movie directed by actor-turned-filmmaker Jon Favreau before he helmed Iron Man, The Jungle Book and the photorealistic version of The Lion King.

The stage adaptation's Aussie debut comes courtesy of Sydney's most-famous venue and John Frost for Crossroads Live, with the pair serving up the ideal way to get jolly in the Harbour City this festive season (as well as a gift of an excuse to take a festive-season trip to the New South Wales capital if you reside elsewhere across Australia).

Elf: The Musical boasts a book by Tony Award-winners Thomas Meehan (who also helped bring The Producers, Hairspray, Cry-Baby and Young Frankenstein from picture palaces to theatres) and Bob Martin (The Drowsy Chaperone), plus songs by Tony Award-nominees Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin (more film-to-stage veterans courtesy of The Wedding Singer).

The Australian run is being staged as a concert production, in a presentation designed for Sydney Opera House's Concert Hall.

If it's been a while since you watched Elf, the film, check out the trailer for it below:

Elf: The Musical plays Sydney Opera House's Concert Hall from Thursday, December 19–Sunday, December 29, 2024, with presale tickets from 9am on Tuesday, August 20 and general ticket sales from 9am on Friday, August 23. Head to the Sydney Opera House website for more details.

The production will feature a dazzling cast of 16 and an on-stage band of 15, under the musical direction of Vanessa Scammell. The musical will be directed by Eric Giancola, with choreography by Mitchell Woodcock. This will be a magical production full of festive cheer for the whole family to enjoy.

What to Expect

The musical adaptation features beloved songs from the film including “Buddy the Elf,” “Nobody Cares About the Toys,” and “Santa’s Coming For You” alongside a selection of new tunes from Sklar and Beguelin. The show is packed with Christmas cheer, and is sure to be a fun and festive experience for audiences of all ages.

Elf: The Musical – A Timeless Tale of Family and Belonging

At its heart, Elf: The Musical is a timeless tale of family and belonging. Buddy is on a quest to find his true identity, and his journey takes him to the big city. Along the way, he encounters a cast of characters who help him to learn more about himself and the world around him. The show’s message of hope and joy is sure to resonate with audiences of all ages.

The Show is Full of Humor

Elf: The Musical is full of humor, and audiences are sure to be laughing along with Buddy’s misadventures. The show is a great way to get into the Christmas spirit, and is sure to be a hit with families and friends.

When and Where

Elf: The Musical will run from December 19 to December 29 at the Sydney Opera House's Concert Hall. Tickets are on sale now, and can be purchased online or through the Sydney Opera House box office.

This festive season, the Sydney Opera House is the perfect place to catch a show. Be sure to check out Elf: The Musical, and let yourself be swept away by the magic of the holiday season.

The production’s Aussie debut comes courtesy of Sydney's most-famous venue and John Frost for Crossroads Live, with the pair serving up the ideal way to get jolly in the Harbour City this festive season (as well as a gift of an excuse to take a festive-season trip to the New South Wales capital if you reside elsewhere across Australia).

The Concert Production

The Australian run is being staged as a concert production, in a presentation designed for Sydney Opera House's Concert Hall.

Tickets

Presale tickets for Elf: The Musical are available from 9am on Tuesday, August 20. General tickets go on sale from 9am on Friday, August 23. Head to the Sydney Opera House website for more details.

The Show is a Must-See

Elf: The Musical is a must-see for fans of the film and anyone looking for a festive treat. This is a show that is sure to leave you feeling happy, warm, and full of Christmas spirit.

The show’s message of hope and joy is sure to resonate with audiences of all ages. The musical is a great way to get into the Christmas spirit, and is sure to be a hit with families and friends.