Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas is Perfect Way to Close Out Holiday Season!
By Shannon Mills
It was a cool, damp Friday night, but nothing would dampen the spirits of the audience who came to see “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas” at the Fabulous Fox Theatre in St. Louis. This Christmas classic brought a crowd of all ages to the Fox. Before the show began, little ones scampered about in their Christmas finery. I especially liked one little guy’s outfit; a full grinch suit complete with green fur from head to toe.
The show opened with a set that leapt from the pages of the original Dr. Seuss story; simple black and white drawings with accents of color like Seuss used for his illustrations. The show was narrated by a now old Max, (the dog). Old Max, (W. Scott Stewart) reflects on his life and brings us back to Who-ville and just North of Who-ville where he used to live with the Grinch.
He tells us about the Grinch, how the Grinch hated Christmas and how the Grinch schemed to steal it from the holiday loving Who’s.
Scott Stewart’s rich, deep voice harkens back to the nostalgic cartoon narration of this story that I grew up with as a child and was perfect for the fan favorite song “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch”. The Who’s of Who-ville brought all the color and quirkiness to the stage with their brightly colored outfits and whimsical hairdo’s and the Who Kids brought all the energy and excitement of the holiday. Then we met the Grinch!
The Grinch (Joshua Woodie) was Jim Carreyesque in his actions but a bit off putting for me in his physical presence. None the less, the audience loved his antics! Cindy-Lou Who (Vivian Atencio) warmed the Grinch’s heart in her convincing ballad “Santa for a Day”. This version of the story includes Papa Who (Nick Drivas), Mama Who (Marissa Parness), Grandpa Who (Brian Rooney), Grandma Who (Barbara Bayes) and an endearing Young Max, the dog (Xavier McKnight) in the cast.
Highlights of the show for me included the staging for the Grinch driving the sled down to Whoville, a flurry of snow for the audience during “Welcome Christmas” and a singalong complete with the lyrics for “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch.” All in all, it was a wonderful way of ending the holiday season before the new year begins!
Musicals return to The Fabulous Fox Theatre after the New Year on January 21 with Six, The Musical. Tickets for all of those shows can be found online here.