***** Bust out the ugly sweaters and grab a cup of cocoa because the holiday season is upon us. It’s a great time to get out of the cold and into the warmth of a theater, and there’s no better way to kick off the season than with the musical adaptation of a Christmas classic. So make your way to the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts in Milwaukee to see Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical, now through November 30.
Last night wasn’t a school night for my niece (or for me, for that matter – woohoo!), so we were ready for a fun night out. As we walked to the theater, she told me she’s “basically a Grinch expert,” and provided a detailed analysis between the animated movie and the live-action movie as proof. I can’t attest to the accuracy of any of it, but I was impressed with her passion. I was also glad she said she prefers the live-action version, figuring it meant she would enjoy the performance ahead.
She did. And I did, too! She liked that Max, The Grinch’s dog, narrates the story. And she really liked helping her new stuffie Max clap after all the musical numbers. (She also liked to nudge me to show me how her Max was applauding.) We both enjoyed all The Grinch’s antics, although we had different takes on his look. I liked his wild hair; she thought it was a bit much. It’s worth noting that, well after the show, she was still pondering how The Grinch climbed the sides of the stage, which is to say that she was amazed. She was also amazed that it snowed late in the show, and the highlight of my night was seeing her face when it did.
Because her third-grade class has been singing the tune, she was eager to hear “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch.” When it (she would say finally) came along, she silently mouthed along. When the audience was welcomed to sing along a bit later, she did so with gusto. (And she taught me the song – line-by-line – on the drive home.)
The show is comfortingly familiar with a few fun surprises like that. The set is a beautiful homage to the artistry of Dr. Seuss’ original text. The whimsical black and white drawings are enhanced with lively lighting design, and the playful costumes for all of Whoville add vibrant pops of color to the stage page.
’Tis the season of gratitude and thanks are definitely in order for the cast, orchestra, and crew who brought this holiday gift to Milwaukee.
★★★★
Performances are as follows:
Wednesday – 7:30 p.m.
Friday – 3 p.m., 7:30 p.m.
Saturday – 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Sunday – 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
The Grinch is 1 hour and 25 minutes, and there is no intermission.
Tickets start at $47 and can be purchased at MarcusCenter.org, by calling 414-273-7206, or by visiting the Marcus Center Box Office at 929 North Water Street, Milwaukee.
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