Christmas has arrived early on Broadway this year with a revival of the beloved holiday musical Elf, set to begin previews November 9 at the Marquis Theatre. Elf The Musical is based on the hit 2003 film starring Will Ferrell as Buddy, an elf who travels to New York City from the North Pole in search of his father. Tony-nominated actor Grey Henson, known for his work on stage in Mean Girls and Shucked, takes on the role of Buddy. Entertainment journalist for Spectrum News NY1 Frank DiLella recently caught up with Henson to chat about bringing Buddy to Broadway and dedicating his performance to his friend and mentor, the late Gavin Creel.
Grey, you’re Buddy the Elf! It doesn’t get more iconic at Christmas than that!
Someone planted the idea of playing the role 10 years ago, and for a while I thought it would be a great fit for me. And of course I’m a massive fan of the movie. But when you look the way I do and have the schtick that I have, there are few parts that feel tailor-made for a guy like me, and this part is one of those. It’s a dream role.
Who is your Buddy? Are you pulling from Will Ferrell and the movie?
I’m trying not to think of Will during this process. He’s so unique and singular, and what he did with Buddy was so special, it’s impossible to emulate. I’ve been trying to pull from a real deep place of honesty because that’s what Buddy is. He’s pure and honest and naive and he just wants to have a good time. I’m trying to stay away from the genius that is Will Ferrell.
You’re known on Broadway for your comedy. Who inspires you?
Bob Martin, who wrote the book for Elf, he’s also the original Man in Chair from the Broadway musical The Drowsy Chaperone. He’s a genius comedian. And to be working with him on the show has been a dream. Also working with Tina Fey on Mean Girls was a massive dream for me. She’s a huge inspiration. I can quote every single episode of 30 Rock.
What I love about the musical version of Elf is that it’s its own thing. Yes, it’s based on the film, but it also stands alone as a musical-theater piece.
I had never seen the musical before booking this. The musical has so much heart. Not that the film lacks in that department, but I think when you musicalize anything, you have to dive deeper into characters’ psyches because you’re singing because words aren’t enough. With Elf, you get this deep musical that’s funny and silly, but it’s also deeply rooted in heart and family. This show is pure joy.
Your Santa is widely known to people who are fans of The Goonies, Lord of the Rings, and Rudy. What’s it like sharing the stage with Sean Astin?
Sean is the nicest person I have ever worked with. He’s painfully nice. This is his Broadway debut. It’s a very different world, working in the theatre, compared to working on a set and making movies. It’s been exciting and new for him, and he’s the warmest and most amazing presence. It’s wild sitting on his lap because I’m a huge fan of his work. I had never seen Rudy until a few days ago when I decided to watch it, and I came in the next day and told him I saw the movie and I told him I sobbed through the whole thing. And because I know him now, so much of that character is in Sean. He is genuine and is a team player.
Most of Elf is set in New York City, and in my opinion, New York City is one of the best places to be in for the holidays. Favorite New York City holiday tradition?
I like looking at all the window displays — that to me is special. Rockefeller Center to me represents Christmas.
At the end of your show bio, you wrote, “For Gavin.” You posted the most beautiful tribute to actor Gavin Creel, who passed away in September from a rare form of cancer at the age of 48. He was there for you at the very beginning of your career.
I’m going to try to not get emotional. He was such a presence in my life — he was a mentor to me. I did my first professional job with him; we did the national tour of The Book of Mormon together. He emulated everything I ever wanted to be in this industry and as a person. Getting this role — he was so excited for me, and he was excited to see me do it. There is a lot of him in the part. I just want to honor him because I carry a little bit of him with me every day.