A revival of “Elf” has set a Broadway bow. Tony Award nominee Grey Henson will star in the musical, set to begin previews on Nov. 9 and open on Nov. 17 at the Marquis Theatre. Produced by Temple Live Entertainment and Crossroads Live North America, “Elf” is scheduled for a limited run through Jan. 4, 2025. Henson will play Buddy the Elf in the Philip Wm. McKinley-helmed production which previously played London’s West End in 2022 and 2023.
The musical, which is based on the 2003 film of the same name, follows the New York City escapades of Buddy, Santa’s tallest elf, who embarks on a journey to find his birth father, helping others discover the true meaning of Christmas. “Elf” originally opened on Broadway in November 2010; a return engagement played in 2012.
Henson originated the role of Damian Hubbard in the 2018 stage adaptation of “Mean Girls,” a performance which earned him a featured actor Tony nod. He made his Main Stem debut in 2014, replacing as Elder McKinley in “The Book of Mormon.” He most recently appeared in the 2023 musical “Shucked.”
“I cannot wait to play Buddy the Elf eight times a week in this hilarious and joyful musical during the most magical time of the year on Broadway,” said Henson in a statement. “‘Elf’ has always been required yearly viewing for me, and I am so honored and excited to be fulfilling a lifelong dream of wearing tights on Broadway!”
“Elf” features a book by Tony Award winners Thomas Meehan and Bob Martin, music by Tony nominee Matthew Sklar and lyrics by Tony nominee Chad Beguelin. Sklar and Beguelin are frequent collaborators, having scored the “The Wedding Singer” and “The Prom” together, the latter of which also features a book by Martin.
London choreographer Liam Craig will reprise his duties for the Broadway staging. The production’s creative team will also include scenic and costume designer Tim Goodchild, lighting designer Patrick Woodroffe, Tony-winning sound designer Gareth Owen and video designer Ian William Galloway. Alan Williams will serve as music supervisor. Wagner Johnson Productions will provide general management.
Additional casting, by Rachel Hoffman and the Telsey Office, will be announced.
The Marquis is the recent home of “The Wiz.” After “Elf” completes its run, the venue will then host its first straight-play in over two decades, “Stranger Things: The First Shadow,” beginning in March 2025.
