Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical

The Grinch Musical reminds us that Christmas still comes without ribbons, tags, boxes and bags

Stefán Karl as the Grinch. Photo Credit: PaparazziByAppointment.com.

Is this winter chill getting your stockings in a twist? Has anyone accused you of having a heart that’s two sizes too small, or said that you have a foul attitude because your shoes are too tight, while whispering that maybe your head is not screwed on just right? If hot chocolate and mistletoe are not working their usual magic this holiday season, take yourself down to the Sony Centre and visit the master of humbug himself, The Grinch. If he can’t sort you out, he will at least make you laugh and help you find some of the joy that is so easily misplaced this time of year amongst the overbooked schedules and maxed out credit cards.

The North American tour of Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical opened Friday on the newly renovated stage at the Sony Centre and had the audience on their feet, singing along with the cast and picking out bits of snow confetti from their hoods. Even if you’ve never been a fan of the Dr. Seuss books, the show-stealing performance by Stefán Karl as the Grinch will have you whistling a new tune. As the title character, Karl has big hairy green shoes to fill and he does so with ease and creativity, giving Jim Carrey’s film version of the character a run for its money. From the moment he steps on stage his full embodiment of the character – from physicality to vocals – is enthralling and you wonder what he will do next. Karl’s contagious energy, sarcastic wit and hilarious dance moves will make you think he’s not just playing a character. An unrehearsed five-minute improv interaction with some passionate children in the audience who couldn’t help but voice their opinions about his actions on stage left the audience in stitches and confirmed how much this actor was in his element.

A scene from Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical. Photo Credit: PaparazziByAppointment.com.

Of course, even if the Grinch thinks so, it’s not all about him. Such a performance wouldn’t have been possible without the support of a very strong ensemble. Each member of the cast owned their individual characters and contributed their own unique presence on stage. Their timing in choreography and vocals made even the most difficult musical numbers seem effortless. A beautiful set design by John Lee Beatty and costume design by Robert Morgan are so true to the illustrations of the book that the audience is immediately transported to the legendary Whoville, complete with all its colourful characters.

Musicals are not for everyone, especially ones based on children’s stories. But don’t allow these two factors deter you. This is a show that was written with everyone in mind. The script does stay true to the popular prose that Dr. Seuss fans are accustomed to, but it’s also littered with fast-paced, modern dialogue and musical numbers. Much like the popular Pixar or Disney movies, you get the sense that the script was written for adults while the message of the story is for children. Regardless of your age, the show, vocals and performances are larger than life and at the centre of it all is the big green man himself who will steal your heart when you least suspect it. Take it as an opportunity to participate in a childhood Christmas tradition once more. You won’t regret it.

Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical runs until January 2, 2011 at the Sony Centre for the Performing Arts. To purchase tickets call 416-872-2262 or visit sonycentre.ca.

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