Taking kids to sit on Santa’s lap is going out of style. Sorry if that’s a grinchy take, but if a man in an oversize suit is part of your holiday plans, it might as well be the Broadway take on the Grinch. The record-breaking productionDr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical is coming to Austin’s Bass Concert Hall on December 6.
If you’ve ever wished to see a Christmas version of Cats, this might be your Christmas miracle. It has it all: bizarre and fuzzy costumes, audience engagement, at least two iconic songs: “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” and “Welcome Christmas.” (Plus, you try explaining the Grinch to someone who somehow avoided the story into adulthood.)
Reviewers point out that the show does not match the movies entirely, so there is new material even for people who know the story back-to-front. Max the Dog takes on a new role as the narrator, and the Grinch’s heart is exactly its traditional size: “two sizes too small.”
The Whos appear to defend their favorite holiday in candy cane-striped costumes, and promotional videos show lots of physical stage antics like jump roping and lots of pantomiming. There is not much official information on what to expect onstage, but reviews agree that the 90-minute show is likely best suited for younger kids.
Adults will not see Matthew Morrison (Glee’s Will Schuester), as Broadway in Austin features special touring casts. The rest of the season gives Austinites a chance to see Broadway-level acting in Pretty Woman, Disney’s Aladdin, Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations, To Kill A Mockingbird, and Hairspray.
Tickets (starting at $30) are available at texasperformingarts.org, the theater box office, or by phone at 512-477-1444.
