'Elf the Musical': Like the Will Ferrell hit, but noisier and faster

The main thing to know about "Elf the Musical" is that it makes the 2003 Will Ferrell movie look nuanced. This hyperactive version of the popular film is as over-sugared as Ferrell's syrup-guzzling character was, only with new songs played at breakneck pace. It's like watching brightly colored exclamation points hop around the stage for 21 / 2 hours.