Minnesota has seen its first frost, Pumpkin Spice Lattes have given way to Ho Ho Mochas, and now it's time for the #TCTheater holiday season to begin* (even if it is 60 degrees outside). First up is what has become
Children's Theatre Company's annual production of How the Grinch Stole Christmas! I missed it last year, so I was happy to return to Whoville and experience the festive joy and celebration of the true meaning of any holiday - kindness, generosity, and being together with friends and family. The shine has not dulled on this CTC original gem; there are always new cast members and surprise moments to keep things interesting. And this year, a nice pairing with this big, bright, and colorful show is the sweet and lovely two-person musical
Twelve Kinds of Ice, playing downstairs from the Grinch through November 22. It's a beautiful celebration of winter and the nostalgia of childhood past, that kids are sure to enjoy, but I suspect is secretly for grownups. Get a double dose of winter at CTC this year, with
the Grinch continuing through early January.
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| Dean Holt as Max (photo by Kaitlin Randolph) |
In this musical adaptation, the Grinch's story is told by his dog Max, who is now an old dog ready to move on from the cave in the mountain above Whoville. But first, he shares with the audience the remarkable transformation he witnessed. No mention is made of what has happened since that pivotal Christmas long ago, or where the Grinch is now, but it's a clever device that allows much of the original descriptive rhyming language to be used. Old Max remembers how disagreeable Grinch was when he was an eager young pup, and how he forced him to help steal Christmas from the Whos. The plan failed when the Whos woke up on Christmas day to find all their presents, decorations, and food gone, but still sang and made merry, filled with the joy of togetherness and the spirit of the holiday. The Grinch realized that perhaps Christmas is more than presents and roast beast, his heart grew three sizes, and the rest is history.
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the Grinch (Reed Sigmund) and Cindy Lou
(Matea Córdova Stuart, photo by Glen Stubbe) |
CTC company member Reed Sigmund returns to the title role for his 9th production, in what has become his signature role. He puts on the role as easily as the costume, to the point where he's totally natural. After so much time with the role, he has figured out how to milk every word, every moment, every movement of everyone's favorite meanie. If anything he gets better every year, with such a specific physicality and voice, and choices that feel new and surprising every time. It's such a treat to hear him spit out Dr. Seuss' words, or whisper them, or scream them in an audience member's face. Because watch out, the Grinch walks through the audience at his most mean (and most fun). But I'm pretty sure being yelled at by the Grinch has got to be the best Christmas present of all. Reed Sigmund as the Grinch is an example of an actor who knows his role inside and out and gives it everything he's got, to the most entertaining effect.
Reed is surrounded by a super talented cast of adults and kids alike, all bright-eyed and filled with joy. You can't go wrong following any of them in the ensemble numbers; everyone, from the littlest to the biggest Who, is always present and engaged and earnest. CTC company member Dean Holt once again plays Old Max, oozing cozy nostalgia and aged wisdom. As young Max, I saw understudy Angela Steele perform, and she was adorable as the eager young puppy. And Matea Córdova Stuart as the heart of the story, Cindy Lou Who, has a voice as clear and pure as her soul that shines through the performance.
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| photo by Glen Stubbe Photography |
The original songs are fun and well performed by the cast and live pit orchestra, conducted by co-Music Director (along with Jason Hansen) Victor Zupanc (who hangs out at intermission to chat with the kids). The CTC stage looks like something right out of a Dr. Suess book, with cartoonish and playful set pieces (by Tom Butsch). We see the Who family home or the Whoville shopping district on stage, with the Grinch's snowy lair off to the side. There are some thrilling moments of flying sleighs, and some fun animation (projection design by Craig Gottshalk). The Whos are dressed in bright and colorful costumes that are somehow cute despite being the most unflattering shape - a bit wide at the hips and high in the forehead, each a little different to express individual Whovian personalities (by David Kay Mickelsen).
Whether it's your first time seeing How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, or you've seen all 14 productions at CTC (it's the 6th time for me), it's always a true joy. It's short (under two hours including intermission) and sweet, but with plenty of salty Grinch to balance it out. While it's created for children, and they will surely love it, particularly the parts where the Grinch actively engages them individually and as a group, it's also a treat for grownups. Even, or maybe especially, if you may be a bit Grinchy about the holidays and all the work and stress that comes with it. We can cathartically release all of that holiday stress through the Grinch, and have our hearts warmed by his transformation.
