Review: National Theatre's HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS Brings Christmas Cheer to Whoville and DC
By: Benjamin Tomchik Dec. 15, 2016
In a town famous for devious characters, it is little surprise one of the season's most notorious is making the National Theatre their home for the holidays. With a sly smile and the tenderness of a seasick crocodile, the Grinch is in town with a musical that seeks to remind us, quite successfully, the real reason for the Christmas season.
It is easy as an adult to view the musical adaption of Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas! with some cynicism. And yet, when little Cindy-Lou Who (Julia Rose DiPiazza) appears onstage, even those with the driest wits and most sophisticated of tastes will find their hearts melting.
This production stays faithful to the original novel, taking some inspiration from the 1966 animated version but avoiding the path taken by the painful Jim Carrey version, which sought to expand on the Grinch's story. High above Whoville we learn of the Grinch's hatred for Christmas and the joy the holiday brings the Whos. Determined to ruin their holiday fun, he devises a plan to steal Christmas.
Timothy Mason's straightforward book and lyrics capture Dr. Seuss' rhymes and attempt to expand on his whit. His Grinch, played by Philip Bryan, is everything we come to expect: mischievous, grouchy and rueful. Where Mason has deviated in adapting the story for the stage is to make the Grinch a bit more playful, allowing him to relish in his mischievous side.
Bryan picks up upon that development. He thrives on the Grinch's devious behavior with the show stopper "One of a Kind". The challenge with this musical, and especially considering the amount of children in the audience, is to not make the Grinch so unlovable that he becomes scary. Luckily for us, Bryan never reaches that point and instead focuses on the joy and laughter the role brings.
He also has a heartwarming bond with DiPiazza, who's beyond precious as Cindy-Lou Who. They're heartwarming together with the ballad "Santa for a Day" and in the musical's climatic final scene where she delivers the show's message.
Bob Lauder is the show's narrator, Old Max, who in his younger years pulled the Grinch's sled. Telling the story through flashbacks, Lauder has a warm and commanding presence that not only comments on the action but seeks to serve as the Grinch's conscious. Lauder also has the honor of performing the classic "You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch" and does so with great heart and a deep voice. Mason, knowing full well that the audience has memorized the lyrics, has Lauder reprise the song as a sing-a-long later in the show.
Max's younger self is played with enthusiasm and heart by Andreas Wyder. His cheerfulness compared to Bryan's gloominess is a wonderful contrast. A nice directorial touch by August is ensuring that both Wyder and Lauder convey the same mannerisms, as they are the same character albeit at different ages.
The show has a brassy holiday sound thanks to the 19 piece orchestra and Michael Starobin's orchestrations. Musical Director and Conductor Adam McDonald perfectly ensures that the brass section doesn't get too burdensome that it overpowers the action onstage. John DeLuca's perky and spirited choreography channels the merriment of Whoville.
Another carryover from the novel is the musical's costume and scenic design by John Lee Beatty and Robert Morgan. Dr. Seuss' illustrations have been lovingly adapted to the set design, giving it a two-dimensional look. The production has the feeling that the book has suddenly come to life onstage. In fact, August has ensured that several of the most famous scenes have been incorporated into the show.
Morgan's costumes and Pat Collins' lighting design help break the monotony of the black and white. With a character as famous as the Grinch, there's not much leeway in the character's costume design. Nevertheless, Morgan's uses of neon green helps the Grinch standout against the pink, white and red pattern of the Who's costumes.
While the show may seem like a straight forward adaption, it does contain a few surprises that are as welcome as gifts under the tree. Washingtonians may loathe the snow outside, but inside the National Theatre it's a Christmas treat courtesy of the Grinch himself.
Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas! is at the National through the holidays. Families looking for the perfect holiday activity during the next few weeks would be hard pressed to find a better seasonal offering. And for those adults who are as cuddly as a cactus and as charming as an eel, stop by the National Theatre. Cindy-Lou Who and the Grinch have a message for you!
Runtime is 90 minutes with no intermission
Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas! runs thru December 31st at the National Theatre - 1321 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20004. For tickets please click here.
Photo: Santa for a Day Credit: Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
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