How the Grinch Stole Christmas | The Sleepless Critic

REVIEW: Boasting a heartwarming and zippy soundtrack, a marvelous ‘Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical’ revels in the wonders of the beloved book

Posted on December 18, 2024 by The Sleepless Critic

Whether you like the Grinch or not, be sure to witness this remarkable version of Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical. It is a humorous and dazzling way to spend 85 minutes taking in the holiday spirit with the family.

By sticking to Dr Seuss’ imaginative vision, the beloved book springs to life onstage in a vibrant and thrilling way. Past film adaptations have been overdone and bogged down with side stories and imagined history, but not this musical. As an avid fan of the book and the famous 1966 animated TV special, I was thrilled to see this musical firmly faithful to Seuss’ literary vision. Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical expands parts of Seuss’ vision that already exists in the book for a heartwarming and interactive experience about the value of love and camaraderie.

James Schultz as THE GRINCH and the Touring Company of Dr. Seuss’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! The Musical. Credit_ Jeremy Daniel

With steadfast direction by co-directors Matt August and Bob Richard while Richard also navigates the musical’s energetic choreography, Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical continues live and in person at Boch Center Wang Theatre in Boston, Massachusetts through Monday, December 23. Click here for more information and for tickets.

From the reflective perspective of Evan Blackwell as Old Max and Chamberlin Little as Young Max who both play their parts to perfection as Narrator and character respectively, Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas The Musical is a musical comedy about a Grinch who claims to hate Christmas and feels he must stop Christmas from coming…but how?

W. Scott Stewart as Old Max and Xavier McKnight as Young Max in the Touring Company of Dr. Seuss’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! The Musical. Credit_ Jeremy Daniel

Greeting the audience with a white wreath on a red Who populated backdrop, this cheerful and interactive musical is the perfect length at 85 minutes with no intermission and brings to life the book in a way the padded film adaptations never did. Featuring a number of catchy and heartfelt numbers weaved through its rhyming dialogue, enhancing this tale into a musical is hardly a stretch because the Whos love to sing.

Boasting three dimensional illustrated moving set pieces directly from the book, John Lee Beatty’s innovative set design include an enchanting illustrated three dimensional tree lit with glowing white and red bulbs, the Grinch’s illustrated snow covered cave and the drawn fireplace mantel with colored stockings. It also offers glimpses of the animated classic in red and gold bulbs hanging across the ceiling adding bursts of color.

Craig Stelzenmuller’s playful lighting often follows the action and brings sparkle to an already bright and cheerful set design. Blue and green lights flash, glitter and move along like its own character in this wonderful tale as it also creates brief and foreboding shadows as the Grinch makes his grand entrance.

The Touring Company of Dr. Seuss’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! The Musical. Credit_ Jeremy Daniel

Boasting piled high hairdos, Sarah Smith’s festive, textured and Seuss-centric costumes in red, pink, white and green form wild shapes accessorized with oversized bows, bowties and elf shoes. However, the Grinch’s vivid green and furry costume with exacting makeup is ideal right down to his long and slender fingers.

James Schultz as THE GRINCH in the Touring Company of Dr. Seuss’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! The Musical. Credit_ Jeremy Daniel

Occasionally frightful but more often comical with his deep and versatile baritone voice, Matt Forbes is excellent as the cool and temperamental Grinch sharing gripping and amusing scenes with Little as Max as well as endearing ones with Trinity Vittoria De Vito as angelic Cindy Lou Who. De Vito’s chiming vocals and captivating demeanor impressively deliver the gentle and touching ballad, Santa for a Day as she interacts with Forbes with blind adoration. Little as Young Max is devoted and lovable with an expectant grin to the Grinch’s perturbed scowl and dastardly smirk as they join together for I Hate Christmas Eve with the Whos and in a playful rendition of This Time of Year with Blackwell as Old Max.

James Schultz as THE GRINCH, Sofie Nesanelis as Cindy-Lou Who and the Touring Company of Dr. Seuss’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! The Musical. Credit_ Jeremy Daniel.

Delivering the famous tunes you already know like Blackwell’s amazing rendition of You’re a Mean One Mr. Grinch and Welcome Christmas, Mel Marvin also builds on famous excerpts from the book for original songs such as the warm Who Likes Christmas, thunderous I Hate Christmas Eve, and wild Whatamawho where the Grinch famously exclaims, ‘Oh, the noise, noise noise noise!’

With sing-along opportunities and thrilling special effects as Blackwell shares this classic children’s tale, Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical holds its own to the book and the famous 1966 animated TV special live onstage reflecting on all the themes of the book such as materialism, bullying, and greed with a beautiful message and holiday treat fitting for the entire family.

Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical continues live and in person at Boch Center Wang Theatre in Boston, Massachusetts through Monday, December 23. Click here for more information and for tickets.

REVIEW: The 52nd annual ‘Midwinter Revels: A Solstice Celebration Tales from Ellis Island’ shares solace and warmth into a tapestry of traditions from around the world

Posted on December 24, 2022 by The Sleepless Critic

After a half century, the Midwinter Revels can not only still create fresh and concise storytelling while weaving in various cultures and traditions with a balance of joy and poignancy, but this year recalls a miraculous event in history that is not shared enough during the holiday season.

Innovatively written and directed by Patrick Swanson and guided by Carolyn Saxon as the Immortal Spirit of Place, Midwinter Revels: A Solstice Celebration Tales from Ellis Island continues live and in person at the Sanders Theatre in Cambridge, MA through December 28 and then will be available virtually December 29 through January 15. Each performance pays tribute to Revels supporters and this particular performance was dedicated to the The Rioff Family in honor of WGBH’s Brian O’Donovan. This show is translated in ASL and is approximately two hours with one intermission. Click here for more information and tickets.

The Ensemble of The Christmas Revels Photo by Roger Ide

Veteran reveler David Coffin’s enthusiasm reflected the same from the audience as he vigorously prepared them pre-production for the Revels live and interactive sing-along that features a vast array of carols and cultural songs. Meticulously musically directed by Elijah Botkin and led by Keith Murphy of A Saint Patrick’s Day Celtic Sojourn, an intimate onstage band returns as the Liberty Band performing carols to folk to war songs from around the world right alongside the cast. The joy and gratitude in singing in front of an audience again is as uplifting as ever and the cast’s a cappella harmonies are a glorious treat.

Midwinter Revels: A Solstice Celebration Tales from Ellis Island does not just take place on Ellis Island, but provides the foundation for each of the tales shared during the production. The tales of hardship and strife seem so different, but are somehow tied into shared experiences as immigrants from all over the world find themselves stranded together on Christmas Eve in 1924. The spirit of the season is exemplified in several tales including a fiddle that needs mending featuring Maeve Leahy as Bridget and Ewan Swanson as Isaac.

From Left to Right Carolyn Saxon, Maeve Leahy and Ewan Swanson and the Revels Ensemble Photo by Paul Buckley

Adorned in a glimmering gown and gold wreathed crown, Carolyn Saxon makes a warm and welcome return to Revels this time as the Immortal Spirit of Place. Her subtle charm and light humor enhance each aspect of the production as she guides the audience through various tales and periods in history in Nikes. Saxon is clearly enjoying this enigmatic role becoming invisible when she wishes and popping up at felicitous and spontaneous moments.

While last year’s show focused on saving a bar by venturing into the past, family is much more prevalent as members of the cast tie in pieces of their own cultural holiday memories into the production. Irish and Jewish Dramaturg Nicole Galland contributed by drawing on her own experiences and upbringing. With frank and humorous inflections, Reveler Stephanie Clayman is an amiable and avid storyteller as she brings some of those tales to life such as two well staged pieces of morally centered Jewish folklore and several Chanukah traditions.

Stephanie Clayman, Ewan Swanson, The Ellis Island Children, and the Midwinter Revels Adult Chorus Photo by Paul Buckley

David Coffin as Conor Riley revealed a miraculous event during World War I that took place on Christmas Eve in 1914. For a brief time, soldiers showed camaraderie with their enemies as they joined together in song, games, and friendship. It is a historical event that needs to be shared with as much frequency as annual holiday traditions such How the Grinch Stole Christmas, A Christmas Carol, or It’s a Wonderful Life. That brief interlude of peace made such a significant impact on the world and Midwinter Revels depicts that moving period of time with Christmas in the Trenches, O Tannenbaum and Stile Nacht as the production spread itself beyond the Sanders Theatre stage.

The children are always a joy to watch and this year as the Ellis Island Children, they share upbeat, jumping rope rhythm for There’s a Big Ship Sailing and later with Las Posadas as Mary rides on a donkey. It is just one example of the many endearing appearances they make in song and tale.

A brilliant performance comes from Ricardo Holguin who passionately performs a wondrous rendition of Mexican love song La Malgeuna followed by striking number El Relampago featuring women in gorgeous floral headdresses and sun drenched gowns by Heidi Hermiller. Kelli Edwards’ multifaceted choreography is on full display throughout as well as for a tricky and intricate sword dance accompanied by an onstage accordion and drummer for The Straw Folk Mummers Play and Rogue’s Delight.

Maeve Leahy (left), Ewan Swanson (center), and dancers from Great Meadows Morris & Sword Photo by Paul Buckley

Though the show lulled a bit on occasion, Midwinter Revels: A Solstice Celebration Tales from Ellis Island’s engaging tales bring unity and light and depicts how sharing different traditions can bring a new understanding and warmth into the darkest of times.

Midwinter Revels: A Solstice Celebration Tales from Ellis Island continues live and in person at the Sanders Theatre in Cambridge, MA through December 28 and then will be available virtually December 29 through January 15. Click here for more information and tickets.

REVIEW: Greater Boston Stage Company’s ‘All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914’ moving and miraculous

Posted on December 15, 2021 by The Sleepless Critic

Witnessing a phenomenon is a rare and precious thing. It was nothing short of miraculous watching Greater Boston Company’s All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914 which details that short period in history where enemies united briefly during the depths of War War I on Christmas Eve 1914. Disillusioned and missing their loved ones, soldiers demonstrated compassion and the mercy of the human spirit as both sides sang carols, exchanged goods, and mutually wished for the war to end.

In the Greater Boston Stage Company’s lobby. Authentic combat uniform and gear from the Veteran Association of the First Corps of Cadets and Museum Photo courtesy of Greater Boston Stage Company

Directed poignantly by Ilyse Robbins and compellingly written by Peter Rothstein, Greater Boston Stage Company presents the award-winning documentary musical, All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914 through December 23 as a digital performance and live in person at Greater Boston Stage Company, 395 Main Street in Stoneham, Massachusetts. The show is approximately 70 minutes with no intermission. Click here for more information and tickets.

It is surprising that The Christmas Truce of 1914 is not more widely known. Joyeux Noel, The Christmas Truce, various documentaries, and this show are a few of the ways that this short historical period is recorded. It should be an annual tradition like How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Frosty, Rudolph or A Charlie Brown Christmas. It stands as a significant reminder of a Christmas Eve miracle that occurred only once during War World I’s long and grueling four year time span. Most soldiers first joined thinking the war would end by Christmas.

The cast of ‘All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914’ Photo credit to Nile Scott Studios/Greater Boston Stage Company

A dimly lit, bare stage is all that is revealed at the start of All is Calm, but what transpires as the show progresses is a rich landscape of moonlight, song, and memories. Though this show features musical interludes, it is not a traditional musical. It is more like a documentary that features stunning music and carols inviting the audience into the warmth, spirit, sacrifice, and the true meaning of the season.

Comprised of ten cast members who take on several identities during the production as they recollect that time period, All is Calm boasts powerful and silvery harmonies chiming into the wintry night sung a cappella without a band. Music Director Matthew Stern does a sensational job with Erick Lichte and Timothy Takach’s vocal arrangements which includes popular carols such as Silent Night, O Holy Night, We Wish You a Merry Christmas, Angels We Have Heard on High, and Auld Lang Syne.

Michael Jennings Mahoney and the cast of ‘All is Calm’ Photo credit to Nile Scott Studios/Greater Boston Stage Company

All is Calm is a beautiful ensemble piece and each cast member rises to the occasion, but when a renowned German tenor leads a stirring rendition of Franz Gruber’s Stille Nacht in No Man’s Land, it is difficult to pinpoint a more memorable moment.

Dressed in muted military uniforms and kilts faithful to the era’s period and culture by Bethany Mullins, the collaborative cast demonstrates heartwarming chemistry and yet simultaneously depicts each soldier’s growing isolation in sorrow, fear, turmoil, and anguish as they progressively experience war’s cruel reality. Integrating direct quotes from soldiers, narration, and uplifting carols such as Wassail as well as exceptional and heartrending songs such as I Want to Go Home, many times moved me beyond words.

Photo credit to Nile Scott Studios/Greater Boston Stage Company

Though the extraordinary harmonies are a large part of the production, the production’s real mastery also resides in its stillness. That brief interlude during a harrowing time where friendships were forged and sweet peace was nestled in the silence of enemies who joined together in the joy of the season and the sadness in their hearts for what was in store.

Greater Boston Stage Company presents the award-winning documentary musical, All is Calm: The Truce of 1914 through December 23 as a digital performance and live in person at Greater Boston Stage Company in Stoneham, Massachusetts. The show is approximately 70 minutes with no intermission. Click here for more information, tickets, and a look at their upcoming events.

REVIEW: Hingham Civic Music Theatre’s ‘Seussical the Musical’ is groovy, dazzling, and endlessly imaginative

Posted on October 24, 2019 by The Sleepless Critic

What a time to know Dr. Seuss. Not only was Dr. Seuss’s new book, Horse Museum, recently released from some of Seuss’s old manuscripts, but this month marked the Canadian debut of an immersive, interactive touring exhibition based on his legacy. “Dr. Seuss Experience” is expected to arrive in Boston later this year. After all this time, we are still celebrating Theodor Seuss Geisel who would have been 115 years old this year.

Hingham Civic Music Theatre (HCMT) found many reasons to celebrate Dr. Seuss with their family-friendly, brightly imaginative, and insightful Seussical the Musical continuing through Sunday, October 27 at Hingham Town Hall in Hingham, Massachusetts. Click here for more information and tickets.

The cast of Seussical Photo courtesy of Kerry Tondorf/Hingham Civic Music Theatre

From the introspective yearnings of Solla Sollew to the wise, multi-tiered significance of the number, How Lucky You Are, Seussical runs the gamut of silly, sorrowful, and thoughtful musical moments. The catchy, distinct, and clever soundtrack resonated through the live orchestra, newly situated onstage above all the action.

Directed by Victoria Kirichok-Pratt, Seussical is a musical adventure that strings together a few of Dr. Seuss’s most popular works while cleverly weaving in valuable life lessons along the way. What makes it such a wonderful musical is beneath its comical, brightly-lit fun lie universal truths for the young and old. Zany, imaginative tales unveil insights about vanity, war, sticking to one’s convictions, and just plain coping with life’s inevitable difficulties. Even the darker topics remain family-friendly as audiences delve deeper into Dr. Seuss’s vast and unique universe.

Paul Antico as Mayor, Jean Lyon as Mrs. Mayor and Marcus Myers as JoJo Photo courtesy of Kerry Tondorf/Hingham Civic Music Theatre

At the center of this universe is adorable, inquisitive, and charming JoJo Who, portrayed by Marcus Myers. With wide eyes and a sweet smile, JoJo is starting to learn that life is much more complicated and unpredictable than he ever thought possible.

Much like Dr. Seuss, this wildly dynamic cast is much more than meets the eye and with award-winning costume designer Kathryn Ridder, each character’s outward appearance certainly shines. The catchy opening number, Oh The Things You Can Think, reveals the brilliant and beautiful costumes which include some that look like they walked right off Seuss’s innovative books. Bursting with color, mismatched, madcap patterns and edgy, impossible hemlines deliver that peculiar Seuss quality. One character was even decked out as a Christmas tree. Bird girls shimmer, Wickershams strut in sunshades and fringe, and the Whos revel in vintage flair. There’s fine detail in each costume, like a hint of red glimmering under the tails of the Cat in the Hat’s black jacket.

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Wearing his signature top hat and “tails,” Michael Warner mischievously portrays The Cat and the Hat as part Master of Ceremonies, adviser, narrator, and occasional troublemaker. Warner bounces and glides along the stage, popping in to depict a variety of characters and reveling in the occasional chaos such as Egg, Nest and Tree and It’s Possible.

Justin Grankewicz delivers a sweet and sympathetic performance as ceaselessly faithful and compassionate Horton, who hears a mysterious sound from a speck of dust. Grankewicz’s earnest face and charming demeanor with JoJo, Gertrude, and the community make him easy to root for. Myers and JoJo deliver a heartfelt rendition of Alone in the Universe and Jessica DePalo brings unassuming, awkward charm to Gertrude who shines as an avid, amusing storyteller in All for You and Notice Me Horton.

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With a Cheshire grin, Carole Shannon struts and shimmers as self-involved Mayzie, showing great comic timing and chemistry among her girl birds and Gertrude. Sour Kangaroo, portrayed with a wealth of sass and quite the set of pipes by Katia Green, has plenty to say accompanied by her equally streetwise young sidekick Natalia Tsourides. They make quite the charismatic pair. In a robe and festive pajamas, Bruno Barbudo’s bearded Grinch is a creature of few words, but his priceless morose scowl makes a statement all its own.

Hingham Civic Music Theatre continues Seussical the Musical through Sunday, October 27 at Hingham Town Hall, 210 Central Street in Hingham, Massachusetts. Click here for more information and tickets and follow HCMT on Facebook for upcoming events and more.