Elf: The Musical didn’t set a record for ticket sales at the Grand Theatre, but the holiday show that delighted more than 30,000 through December is its highest-grossing show ever.

It also helped raise $65,523 for the London Food Bank, the donations collected in the lobby after each show.

“For the Grand, the holiday season is about bringing people together, spreading joy and reminding us all of the goodness in humanity,” said Evan Klassen, the Grand’s executive director.

“Clearly, these themes have also been wholly embraced by our Grand community, who, for the sixth consecutive year, have come together to produce an incredible gift for the London Food Bank and for those most in need in our community.”

In 2013, then-artistic director Susan Ferley’s production of Elf: The Musical sold more than 38,000 tickets (with a few extra days included in the run), the most by any show in the Grand’s history. It previously held the high-grossing show title, but lost it to this year’s production, although the exact dollar value of ticket sales was not immediately available.

The hit show, starring Izad Etemadi as Buddy the Elf, drew rave reviews and was extended one week to Dec. 31 due to ticket demand. Ticket prices started at $35.

In a review published in November, The Free Press wrote: “The Grand has had some incredible holiday shows in recent years, including Ferley’s Elf starring Liam Tobin, Shrek starring Steve Ross in 2014 and Garnhum’s adaption of A Christmas Carol starring Jan Alexandra Smith in 2018, but none compare to this show’s energy, warmth and joyous spirit.”

By Joe Belanger for lfpress.com.

Photo: Izad Etemadi as Buddy (on table) in Elf. © 2022 Mike Hensen.