Quote of the Day:  Every Who down in Who-ville liked Christmas a lot. But, the Grinch who lived just north of Who-ville, did not. from Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas, on stage now at the Children’s Theatre Company in Minneapolis through December 30, 2012.

All photos provided by The Children’s Theatre Company in Minneapolis
 
Reed Sigmund who plays The Grinch with sinister delight has the look, the voice, the outfit, the evil plan, and the delightful dog.
 

Brandon Brooks rivals Snoopy as the most lovable dog on the block. He sings with the Whos, loves Christmas like the Whos, and tries to make his master happy, unlike the Whos, who are just a little bit afraid of him.

Even though shopping for the holidays is exhausting, the Whos still had enough energy to sing, sing, sing, sing! Which made the Grinch want to stop this whole Christmas thing!
 

Despite Max’s affections and little Cindy Lou Who’s sweet face and kind words, the Grinch still takes evil delight in stuffing all their gifts, decorations, and food up the chimney. Even the mouse squeaks her complaint that the crumb left behind was too small.


As the Grinch sits on top of Mt. Crumpit, balancing his loot, thinking that he’s ruined Christmas for all the Whos down in Whoville, he hears them singing. He hears joy coming up over the mountain and ringing in his ears. He hears them coming together and he remembers how little Cindy Lou Who invited him to join them. Max, the dog, leans towards the music, and the Grinch falls to his knees with the pain of a new feeling, love.

The Grinch turns around. His heart grows two sizes, and he comes back to the village where he tries to wish the Whos a Merry… but he can’t say it. “I wish you a Merry…” The kids in the audience are going crazy by this time. One little boys shouts out loud, “Merry Christmas!” I could hear them all squirming in their seats to hear the Grinch say it, to know that he feels it, and when he finally does, we get a little teary.

I attended this performance with my sister, my friend and her four kids, two boys age 13 & 11, and two girls age 5. They all said that they loved it. My sister thought the hair was hilarious. I couldn’t stop giggling at the costumes, especially of J.P Who (Dan Beckmann). He cracked me up. All their bodies wiggled and bobbed. They were a jiggling bundle of energy. The songs were delightful. Loved hearing The Holly and The Ivy, and I was thrilled that they did You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch. The little girls said that the best part was when they all sang at the end.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas is marvelous, filled with tenderness and giggles, wisdom and wit. It’s colorful, musical and fun. Go, if you can. It’s a Christmas present the whole family can enjoy. Thanks, Children’s Theatre Company. We loved unwrapping this gift and will enjoy it in our hearts all season long!

Go to The Children’s Theatre Company for more details about showtimes and ticket prices. Remember, the theatre sets aside a certain amount of $10 tickets for each performance. You can try to purchase these by stopping by the box office or calling at noon on Sundays for performances for the upcoming week, 612-874-0400.

Go. Create. Inspire!

Journaling Prompt:  What’s your favorite non-wrappable gift?