“Wearing his yellow tights and green tunic with pride, a gangling James Moye portrays Buddy as an endearing, mildly anxious man-child with an ingenuous personality and a wide smile.”
– The New York Times
“The cast is led by James Moye as Buddy who masters his role with the perfect measure of sincerity and humor.”
– BroadwayWorld.com
“Stepping into Will Ferrell’s role, Moye is every bit the big goof, with perhaps a little hint of the late Robin Williams’ manic energy.”
– Bergen Record
“Moye manages to find that sweet spot of innocent charm that wins over the crowd…”
– Theatremania.com
“Moye is genuinely moving as Buddy”
– Newark Star-Ledger
“James Moye is a totally delightful Buddy. Moye delightfully navigates the pitfalls inherent in an adult portraying a child’s persona (while in elf’s clothing, to boot). Moye smoothly and incrementally conveys Buddy’s growth into an adult human. Moye is also a pretty fine song and dance man.”
– Talkin Broadway.com