Buddy system

The first week of November may be a bit early for Santa Claus, but what the heck? Elf: The Musical, a Broadway musical based on the movie of the same name, opened earlier this month and plays through Sunday at the Community Center Theater. It has that feel-good spirit of all fun holiday shows—belief in Santa, the importance of family and the triumph of good over bad. Its songs (by Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin) aren't in the least memorable, but “Nobody Cares About Santa,” which opens the second act, is actually pretty catchy. The bubbly Daniel Patrick Smith stars as Buddy the elf. 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Thursday, 6:30 p.m. Friday, 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Saturday, 1 pm Sunday; $19-$88. Broadway Sacramento, Community Center Theater, 1301 L Street; (916) 808-5181; www.broadwaysacramento.com. Through November 15.