I think my heart grew a few sizes larger the other night while watching Elf – the Musical at Broadway’s Marquis Theatre. And I’m not kidding. I walked into the theatre a big grouch. I’ve had a hard busy work day, all the while navigating a pulled muscle in my lower back and a sore shoulder muscle that never stopped aching all day. I was tired, cranky, and basically thinking I would be much better off in bed on painkillers drinking a hot toddy. Happy Holidays everyone, but within minutes of the most surprisingly sweet and festive two and a half hours on Broadway, my discomfort was gone. Just from watching this charmingly funny tale of a very tall elf who learns just days before Christmas that he isn’t actually an elf, but a human, who, a long time ago crawled into Santa’s sack when he was just a wee infant. And instead of Santa returning him to his momma (a question that never crossed my mind until now), Buddy the Elf was raised by the happiest of happy elves who dance and sing up a storm and make toys at record speed. Now that’s a wonderful life, I’m thinking.

Grey Hensen, Sean Astin Photo by Evan Zimmerman for Murphy Made

Now one might call me a Classic Christmas enthusiast, who can not make it through the holiday season without watching: “It’s a Wonderful Life“, “Love, Actually“, “A Christmas Story“, and the one and only original animated “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas“. Never ever the live-action film. I avoid films like that, and “Elf”, the 2003 film that starred Will Ferrell, and I really had no intention of watching it. Pretty much ever (I still believe that to be true). But I have to say, the musical version, brought to magical life by the talented team that delivered The Prom to Broadway, with music by Matthew Sklar, lyrics by Chad Beguelin, and a book by Thomas Meehan & Bob Martin, is just what the holiday doctor ordered, or should have, as I totally forgot about my aches and pains (and my hard day) for the entirety of the show.

Kalen Allen, Grey Henson, and The Cast of Broadway’s Elf the Musical. Photo by Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade.

Perfectly embodied and sung by the gem, Grey Henson (Broadway’s Mean Girls; Shucked), Buddy the Elf is, like his familial elves, “Happy All the Time“, until it slips out that he is not like all the other elves. He’s special, they tell him. And by special, they mean human, and not at all an elf. So with a little holiday push by Santa, played lovingly by Sean Astin (“Lord of the Rings” trilogy), Buddy is off to New York City to find his father and, in turn, help him, who Santa states is firmly stamped on the naughty list, rediscover his holiday spirit and reconnect with his family. His journey is long, assisted by the somewhat straightforward heavily projected set and costuming by Tim Goodchild (West End’s Strangers on a Train), with festive lighting by Patrick Woodroffe (Jim Steinman’s Bat Out of Hell), and sound design by Gareth Owen (Broadway’s Hell’s Kitchen) & Peter Fitzgerald (Broadway’s Purlie Victorious..), that feels somewhat more like a touring production, rather than a planted Broadway show, but it really doesn’t effect his “sparklyjollytwinklejingley” spirit that never fades, even when he finally comes face to face with his overworked and overwhelmed Daddy (Walter) Hobbs, played gloriously sour by Michael Hayden (Broadway’s Judgment at Nuremberg).

He tries to follow Santa’s sage advice, “ask first, then hug” but Buddy’s enthusiasm doesn’t do the festive family trick. It only engages and enlists boss Hobbs’ staff, led by the fabulously talented Jennifer Sánchez (Red Bull Theater’s The Alchemist) as office assistant Deb, who initially mistakes Buddy for a singing telegram entertainer. This mismatch doesn’t go well, as expected, and Buddy finds himself escorted out into the street, and pointed towards the ‘North Pole’ village at the nearby Macy’s Department Store. In some way, this is the Christmas match he needs, filling the standoffish employees there with his happy elfin spirit, promoted by the anxious store manager played hilariously well by Kalen Allen (Netflix’s “Meet Me Next Christmas“). Who also can sell you the greatest hotdogs in town, depending on your mood or taste buds.

Kayla Davion and Grey Henson in Broadway’s Elf the Musical. Photo by Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade.

But the main event of that short overnight stay is when Buddy the Elf falls quickly and hopelessly in love with the pretty Jovie, a determined-to-be practical store-elf-for-hire, who doesn’t believe in all that joyful, hopeful magic of Christmas, vowing to “Never Fall in Love (With and Elf)” or so she states. Powerhouse Kayla Davion (Off-Broadway’s White Girl in Danger) as Jovie knocks down that gingerbread house (not literally) with her killer vocals and sweet straightforward charm, pulling us in with ease to her wishful thinking and romantic ideals. We can’t help but fall for her as quickly as Buddy does, but his forgetfulness at crucial moments places a few obstacles for this sleigh ride to continue down its non-snowy path. But we are very forgiving for the lovable Buddy, and we hold onto our festive hearts hoping (and knowing) she will be forgiving too.

You see, Walter Hobbs, the unknown father of Buddy, works long hard hours as a publisher of children’s books in an Empire State Building office. He’s far too busy and stressed to go Christmas shopping with his wife, Emily, gloriously well-played by lovely-voiced Ashley Brown (Encores’ The Golden Apple), and their son, Michael, delightfully portrayed by Kai Edgar (Ahmanson’s A Christmas Story). But after an altercation with Macy’s fake Santa, Buddy is dropped off at the Hobbs’ door by a couple of jolly policemen, and a bond begins to form with his newfound family, one that we know will benefit them all, once they embrace his joyful soul.

Michael Hayden, Ashley Brown, Kai Edgar, Grey Henson, and Kayla Davion Photo by Evan Zimmerman for Murphy Made

His new stepmom can’t help herself but giggle along with all of us as we watch Henson’s Buddy drive the story forward as only he can, giving us “A Christmas Song” and energy that can’t be denied. With Buddy decked out in human work clothes whispering “Dad” until he can’t help but yell it out, Elf never stops for a second, completely captivating us all in its holiday cheer and goodwill. The songs, particularly the lyrics, are impossible not to love, especially “The Story of Buddy the Elf” sung with such cheer, and backed up by the effervescent choreography of Liam Steel (West End/Broadway’s Company) layered like icing on top of the orchestrations cake by music supervisor Alan Williams (Broadway’s Funny Girl). It could make anyone believe in Santa, even the grouchy Mr. Greenway (Astin) who demands everyone work through Christmas just so he can publish a new children’s Christmas storybook.

Naturally, everything comes together in the end, energizing the New York City Christmas spirit in ways that will make you smile stupidly from ear to ear and send a sleigh soaring. As directed with a heartful of joy and love by Philip Wm. McKinley (Broadway’s The Boy From Oz), Elf flies high into the Central Park sky, and I can’t begin to tell you just how much this production cured my rainy workday Thursday night blues, ushering me into Christmas, before sending me out into the difficult streets of New York City with the happiest of elvish steps, humming the music and singing “Buddy the Elf” as I made my way home. Hensen’s Buddy certainly knows how to play those Christmas bells in a way that lifted the weight off my shoulders, reducing my achy muscles, and giving me a little lump in my throat. And I’m sure it did the same to all those enthralled kids around me, including the adult-plus-one I brought with me that night. Don’t miss your chance to care about Santa once again with Broadway’s Elf the Musical.

Grey Henson and Jennifer Sanchez (center) with The Cast of Broadway’s Elf the Musical. Photo by Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade.

For more go to frontmezzjunkies.com

Her Excellency Ambassador Dr. Andrise Bass, Institute of Public Policy and Diplomacy Research (IPPDR), a leading organization in peacebuilding training and education, recently hosted a Platinum Humanitarian Leadership Award Ceremony at the United Nations Delegates Dining Room. This prestigious event, organized by Ambassador Dr. Andrise Bass, celebrated the appointment of new Global Peace Ambassadors.

Adding royal elegance to the occasion were Her Highness Dr. Princess Antonia zu Schaumburg-Lippe and her son, His Highness Dr. Prince Mario-Max zu Schaumburg-Lippe, who both actively champion peace-building efforts. Esteemed dignitaries, ambassadors, and government officials joined doctors, nurses, civil society leaders, and young innovators, all united in their commitment to a more peaceful world.

Her Highness Dr. Princess Antonia zu Schaumburg-Lippe eloquently expressed the significance of the Global Peace Program, stating, “It is a testament to our shared humanity. Through it, each of us becomes a steward of compassion, dialogue, and unity. Together, we can create a world where peace is an ideal and a lived reality for all.”

H.H. Dr. Prince Mario-Max Schaumburg-Lippe: “Her Excellency Dr. Andrise Bass is a Diamond of a Human Being, a true Diplomat that has care for people and world peace in her DNA. It was a historical day of significance getting appointed as Global Peace Ambassador and receiving the presidential Life Time Achievement Award at the UN Headquarters in NYC”.

The newly appointed Global Peace Ambassadors, including H.H. and Excellency Ambassador Dr. Prince Mario-Max zu Schaumburg-Lippe, represent a diverse range of backgrounds and expertise. They include Naomi Achu, Queen of Bamenda, Cameroon; Blanca Judith Mujica Acuna, LL.M; Dr. Jumai Ahmadu; Raquel Lorena Coronado Arce, LL.M; Pastor Emmanuel Asse; Prince Jean Louis Bingna of Bangu, Cameroon; Angel Montero Caceres; Nadine Charles; Former New York Detective Dr. Vanessa Vielka de Danzine; Barbara Derathe; Hans Garry Dorleans; Amb. Dr. Muawia Eltoum Elamin Elbukhari Former DPR Sudan Mission to the UN in New York; H.C. Dr. Dior Fall; Dr. Melinda Arnon Gills-Becks; Pastor Alfred Justin Joseph; Arsene Romaric Tatsazeu Kenfack; Kadiatou Ly; Dolores Murat-Etienne; Frederic Ordines; Carlos Manuel Perez Gonzalez, LL.M; Junior Saint Fleur; Elizabeth Wayak Pembe; NYC Detective Malik Stone; H.C. Dr. Maria Thomas Santiago; Indhira Elizabeth Elliot Valdez; and Koffi Wilson Brou.

These ambassadors will play crucial roles in conflict prevention, crisis management, global peace advocacy, human rights advocacy, mental health support and awareness, and nonviolent intervention. The IPPDR, under the guidance of Ambassador Dr. Andrise Bass, will continue to empower these leaders through programs like the upcoming leadership and diplomatic protocol training in March 2025. This training will focus on “Eloquent Leadership and Diplomatic Protocol,” essential skills for building strong international relationships and fostering peace.

The IPPDR’s commitment to peacebuilding and the appointment of these dedicated Global Peace Ambassadors mark a significant step towards a more harmonious and peaceful world.

BWR FOLDS — Prominent public relations firm Baker, Winokur, Ryder (started up in 1987) has reportedly shuttered with several of its senior publicists splitting off to launch their own entertainment and lifestyle-oriented PR firm (Imprint PR). According to The Hollywood Reporter, BWR’s parent company Burson Cohn & Wolfe, folded BWR into its own entertainment division, with some BWR personnel transitioning to BCW and others being let go.

“Due to a variety of considerations, and the tremendous impact COVID-19 has had on the entertainment industry, we are combining our BWR brand into BCW Entertainment, effective immediately,” a rep from BCW told THR in an emailed statement. “While several of our BWR colleagues remain with BCW in Los Angeles and New York to oversee key client business, sadly we have had to say goodbye to other members of the BWR team. We are incredibly grateful to them for all of their contributions to BWR and the BCW Group, and we will be providing support to them during their transition.”

However in recent years, BWR’s star began to fade with several high profile defections in recent years, including co-heads of talent Nicole Perna and Melissa Raubvogel, who left to start their own PR agency last summer, and taking several BWRstaffers with them.

As well, powerhouse publicist and agency co-founder Nanci Ryder revealed in 2014 that she’s battling ALS and elected to step down from her role at the agency in order to focus on her health.

Still, BWR’s client roster included the likes of Adam Sandler, Regina Hall, Luke Hemsworth, Matt LeBlanc, Zoe Saldana, Anna Kendrick, Padma Lakshmi, and Kyle Richards among others.

This is the first high-profile PR outfit to formally transition. Make no mistake, there will be more.

They were a stellar firm; I well remember when they started up, they began repping all the important VHS-companies. They held up well through the years. Nanci Ryder … a star for sure and I wish her all the best.

Think of the Broadway PR-firms (Keith Sherman; Boneau/Bryan & Brown) that rely on a monthly-retainer and an ongoing show to promote. Without a show on the boards, some things are just impossible to do.

Music-PR firm dis COMPANY’s owner David Salidor, who handles Monkee-Micky Dolenz; Robert Miller’s Project Grand Slam; and celebrity-scribe Mark Bego, among others, said, “Yes, there are no performances at the moment, but the volume of music that’s coming out right is approaching what it was in February. When you think about it, right now is a perfect time to introduce new music and new artists. Streaming has never before played such an integral part in the business. Regrettably, I believe the landscape of all PR-firms will change before the end of the year.”

SNYDER’S DARKSEID — Darkseid Is … going to be in Zack Snyder’s Justice League. Though it was previously revealed the classic DC Comics baddie would be appearing in the fabled Snyder Cut of the film due out sometime next year, we now know who’s playing the character.

Ray Porter, a veteran actor who had previously shot sequences for the film, will be filling the role in the final cut. The actor confirmed the news in a post on his Twitter feed over the weekend.

“That said, and because I’ve been given permission … Hi, I’m Ray,” the actor tweeted. “I played Darkseid in Zack Snyder’s Justice League. There. It’s out now.

Though the Fourth World villain has always been a part of Snyder’s take on project, the character was removed entirely from the initial theatrical release. Instead, Darkseid’s lieutenant Steppenwolf served as the movie’s big bad with only scant traces of Darkseid to be found. In fact, it’s Darkseid that initially killed Lois Lane (Amy Adams) in Snyder’s original DCEU plans, setting up the Knightmare sequence we saw during Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice.

“The truth is that the Knightmare Sequence in this movie, it was my idea that all of that would eventually be explained – is that a surprise? And that we would end up in the distant future where Darkseid has taken over Earth, and where Superman has succumbed to the Anti-Life [Equation],” Snyder said about the tease last year. “And there were a few members of the Justice League that survived to that world, and that they were fighting, Batman and a broken half of Cyborg – there’s only half of him because of whatever happened – they were working on an equation to jump back to tell Bruce… those were the things that we were dealing with. And the studio, they were still sort of into the big look, but the deep depth about how and why everyone was mad at each other…”

In the sequence, Barry Allen (Ezra Miller) travels back in time to warn Bruce Wayne (Ben Affleck) to do whatever in his power to save Lane. With Lane dead, Superman (Henry Cavill) breaks bad and serves as an agent for Darkseid. 

“Because Lois – and it’s in the Justice League teaser; it wasn’t in the movie apparently… it’s this line where Bruce says, ‘I was right here, and Barry Allen came to me and he said ‘Lois Lane is the key,'” the filmmaker added. “And then [Wonder Woman] goes, ‘She is to Superman; every heart has one.’ And he goes, ‘I think it’s something more, something darker.’ And what it means is that the thing that was darker was all about if Lois died, Superman would succumb to the Anti-Life, right? And Superman knew that somehow it was Bruce’s responsibility to protect Lois, he would’ve been mad at him in this movie, and that’s why he says, ‘She was my world, and you took her from me.”

Sounds a tad confusing, right … even for a fan-boy like me. I actually had to read that quote three times. 

Am I still interested? Sure. Bring it on.

HBO Max launches later this month and Zack Snyder’s Justice League is due out on the streamer sometime next year.

SHORT TAKES — Our photo of Rebecca Holden with Micky Dolenz (taken by Joel Diamond) somehow got bumped. Here it is; a good one for sure! …

Also, here’s the cover for Robert Miller’s new Project Grand Slam album, East Side Sessions … Great piece in Saturday’s New York Times on life in New York City without access to bars. Tremendous and true: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/21/nyregion/nyc-bars-coronavirus.html?smid=fb-share&fbclid=IwAR12zo2UDZgoeP5ZmdOdHZ6qj1n1J8FZWZMKjzt3aCgDEHeQ_JzBjF6RIL4 …. ABC announced the renewal of the graphic-novel, come to TV, Stumptown, starring the irresistible Cobie Smulders. For my money, the snazziest new show of last season. Inventive, colorful, great casting … it was a hit from the first viewing … Madonna’s weekend nipple-peek-a-boo via Instagram had one fanboy write: You’ve lost your marbles. Looking rather malnourished and unwell, I wonder what the problem is … Bradley Cooper has been approached to essay Barry Gibb in the forthcoming film on the Bee Gees. For my money: he’d be excellent … Throwback music-pick-of-the week: Sweet’s “Oxygen” (1978) … and, Happy B Day to Mark Berry!

NAMES IN THE NEWS — Rebecca Holden; Roger Friedman; Bruce Grakal; Tom & Lisa Cuddy; Scott Shannon; Steve Leeds; Bobby Rydell; Randy Alexander; Bill Boggs; Jeff Smith; Chuck Pulin; Ebet Roberts; Victor Kastel; and, BELLA! 

One of the songs Marilyn Maye sings in her current Thanksgiving Holiday Engagement at Feinstein’s/54 Below is “The Best Things In Life Are Free”…….well sometimes they’re not and “Count Your Blessings” (another song she sings) if you purchased a ticket to see her during this current “Marilyn Maye Gives Thanks Concert” in New York City.  It may cost you a few dollars to hear one of the best singers and entertainers of all times but it’s a musical memory that you will always recall at every future Thanksgiving.  Another song in her concert expresses the feeling everyone has for Marilyn everyday….Steve Allen’s “ I Love You Today”.

Marilyn comes with all the trimmings and sides (men) for this special concert.  The astounding pianistic genius of Tedd Firth, her arranger and music director, Tom Hubbard on bass and Daniel Glass on drums.  On this night audience member Jazz Trumpeter Benny Benack joined Marilyn for a number.

Marilyn Maye

Amanda Raymond, Head Audio, Marilyn Maye, Chef Lynn Bound

Marilyn Maye

Julie Gold & Eda Sorokoff

Feinstein’s/54 Below