He's green. He's grumpy. He's . . . the Grinch! The most beloved, cantankerous Christmas crank since Ebenezer Scrooge steps off of the page to charm audiences in Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical.
This production brings the world of Dr. Seuss' adored 1957 children's book vibrantly to life on stage, from the exuberant Christmastime preparations in Who-ville to the brooding Grinch's snowy lair. Old Max, the Grinch's one-time pet dog, narrates the celebrated Christmas tale of the great Grinch-y plot to keep Christmas from coming.
The Grinch boasts a truly first-rate cast. Each member of the company, "the tall and the small," performs with great enthusiasm and abundant talent. The tallest and smallest, however, undeniably steal the show.
Stefan Karl is a magnificent Grinch. He absolutely revels in his "grinchiness" and his comic crabbiness endears this Grinch to audience members of all ages. Karl maintains brilliant timing and control as the Grinch; though spirited and theatrical, never once does the character feel forced or overblown. In addition, Karl has a rich, lovely baritone voice with an impressive range, ably demonstrated in the first-act, solo show-stopper "One of a Kind."
Bailey Ryon plays Cindy-Lou Who, the littlest resident of Who-ville and the one member of the Who community to touch the Grinch's "two sizes too small" heart. Ryon is a truly impressive young actress with a remarkably sophisticated voice for her tender years. She shines during her musical numbers with Karl; in each of their scenes together, the tiniest of Who children is evenly matched with the long, looming form of the Grinch.
The musical showcases two favorite songs - "Welcome, Christmas" and "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch" - from the classic 1966 Chuck Jones animated version of How the Grinch Stole Christmas! Several new songs, including the Grinch's self-congratulatory "One of a Kind," were created for the stage production. Some of the new tunes are catchy, including the very sweet "Now's the Time" and "Santa for a Day." However, one new addition, "It's the Thought that Counts," feels out of place in established Who character. The familiar fancy-free and joyous Who-ville Christmas preparations take on a hectic and stressful air during this song, not to mention a decidedly materialistic tone. With their frenzied focus on lists, feasts and gifts, the Whos appear to need the Grinch to steal Christmas if only to remind them of the real spirit of the season.
From the Grinch's too-tight shoes to the Who ladies' dresses, superbly crafted, brightly-hued costumes paint the stage in shades of red and green, and Dr. Seuss' original illustrations are masterfully recreated as set pieces. Projection screens help speed the storytelling, especially during the Grinch's mad sleigh ride into Who-ville. With a heartwarming message conveyed by an outstanding company, How the Grinch Stole Christmas! is a delightful holiday tradition for the young and young at heart.
Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical plays the Providence Performing Arts Center through November 20, 2011. Tickets for The Grinch are available online at www.ppacri.org, by phone (401) 421-ARTS (2787), or by visiting the PPAC box office at 220 Weybosset Street, Providence, RI. Regular ticket prices range from $38-$65; group rates are available.
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