I have seen or read Dr. Suess’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas every year since I was a very young child, but as the curtain opened last night, I quickly began to realize that the older I get, the more understanding I have for the Grinch. When I was a bright-eyed child, like Cindy-Lou Who, I couldn’t understand why the Grinch was so mean. When you’re young, everything about Christmas is magical – the music, the lights, the presents and of course, Santa Claus. Now, as a responsible, grown-woman, I find the whole Holiday Season to be exhausting. The buying of the gifts, decorating, meal planning, sending out cards, parties, planning “magical” activities for the children...
Trimming the tree, Elf on the shelf, Zoo lights trains,
Mall photos with Santa and Candy canes,
All the shiny gifts with the bows and wrap,
Makes me want to lie down and take a nap!
...But who could resist kicking-off the season with this beloved show!
I also look forward to the annual Chase Family Night On Broadway! This fun-filled night only occurs once a year, usually on opening night of the most family-friendly FSCJ Artist Series show of the season. In years past, my daughter and I have enjoyed all the sponsored activities prior to shows like The Blue Man Group and Annie The Musical. This year, the kids enjoyed “green-themed” activities like taking selfies with the Grinch, making a Sweet Pete’s candy craft, exploring the mad science experience with MOSH, and the My Gym obstacle course, just to name a few. With the different stations open an hour prior to curtain call, the kids are then able to “shake the sillies out” and sit back, relax and enjoy the show!
Young children can be very wise,
Seeing the true meaning of Christmas through their eyes.
I, myself, should look more often,
Which would allow our grown-up hearts to soften.
Kick-off your Holiday Season right - Go see Dr. Suess’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas The Musical. Shows run through Sunday, December 6 – Get your tickets here.
Mall photos with Santa and Candy canes,
All the shiny gifts with the bows and wrap,
Makes me want to lie down and take a nap!
...But who could resist kicking-off the season with this beloved show!
I also look forward to the annual Chase Family Night On Broadway! This fun-filled night only occurs once a year, usually on opening night of the most family-friendly FSCJ Artist Series show of the season. In years past, my daughter and I have enjoyed all the sponsored activities prior to shows like The Blue Man Group and Annie The Musical. This year, the kids enjoyed “green-themed” activities like taking selfies with the Grinch, making a Sweet Pete’s candy craft, exploring the mad science experience with MOSH, and the My Gym obstacle course, just to name a few. With the different stations open an hour prior to curtain call, the kids are then able to “shake the sillies out” and sit back, relax and enjoy the show!
I loved this unique rendition of The Grinch, which featured narration from Max, the Grinch’s dog. This fun take on the show gave the audience a different perspective and further attachment to the beloved canine. Not to mention, Bob Lauder, who portrayed the main narrator, Older Max, had a wonderfully soothing Kelsey Grammer-like depiction of the character. While his younger self, played by Matt Weinstein, was adorably lovable and upbeat.
Last, the show-stopper, the one, the only, who could forget the Grinch! Stefan Karl was deliciously despicable and hilarious from his beginning scene to the end of the show! Everything from engaging the crowd with his mocking rants to his bathroom humor was a real crowd and kid-pleaser! I could hear my daughter squealing with delight when he entered the stage.
Last, the show-stopper, the one, the only, who could forget the Grinch! Stefan Karl was deliciously despicable and hilarious from his beginning scene to the end of the show! Everything from engaging the crowd with his mocking rants to his bathroom humor was a real crowd and kid-pleaser! I could hear my daughter squealing with delight when he entered the stage.
Overall, this musical was a must-see for the whole family!
The next morning, as I drove my 5-year-old daughter to school, she told me she loved the show, but asked why the Grinch was so mean. So I asked her, “why do you think the Grinch was so mean?” She then said something so intuitive, yet so simple…she said probably because he was sad. “Yes,” I said, “I suppose that’s true.” Then she said his heart grew and he was nice at the end of the show, because Cindy-Lou showed him love even though he was mean. So there it is - the philosophy and meaning of life from a 5-year-old. Sounds like another common theme we are all familiar with.
Young children can be very wise,
Seeing the true meaning of Christmas through their eyes.
I, myself, should look more often,
Which would allow our grown-up hearts to soften.
Kick-off your Holiday Season right - Go see Dr. Suess’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas The Musical. Shows run through Sunday, December 6 – Get your tickets here.
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| Dr. Suess' How The Grinch Stole Christmas The Musical |
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| Dr. Suess' How The Grinch Stole Christmas The Musical |
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Dr. Suess' How The Grinch Stole Christmas The Musical    |
