Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical, is bringing the infamous holiday tale to life on stage at the Sony Centre in Toronto. Audience members young and old are being warmly welcomed into Dr. Seuss’ wonderous world of Whos in Whoville and The Grinch for a limited holiday engagement from December 17 to January 2.

The beloved story is introduced through the eyes of The Grinch’s dog Max, now older, and ready to move on with his suitcase to a new town. His reflections on the past, introduce and bridge the story of The Grinch who tried to steal Christmas, and learned that the holidays mean more than just gifts.

The actors, assisted by wonderful set design, and costumes, bring characters true-to-the-story to life in magical ways.

The green, hairy costume of The Ginch is a perfect match to the fabulous facial expressions and entertaining portrayal by Stefan Karl. The comical character himself grimaces and complains, and is completely engaging. In fact, his misguided attempt to sabotage Christmas, makes his ultimate transformation to a feeling being, that much more enjoyable.

The young and old dog Max, and Whos of Whoville, suspend the audiences’ sense of disbelief, to sing and dance their way into their hearts. The scenes are lively and well choreographed, against sets out of the pages of Dr. Seuss’ book.

The performance of Little Cindy-Lou Who played by Carly Tamer (as well as by Brooke Boyd), won over the audience as well as the heart of The Grinch, through her sweet and spirited character and songs.

I am only a little saddened that the cartoon How the Grinch Stole Christmas that I have enjoyed since my own childhood, will no longer stand up to the live stage show. Sigh, smile!

First performed on Broadway in 2006, Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical broke box office attendance records for two consecutive years on Broadway and is clearly charming local and visiting families this holiday season in Toronto … my own family included.

* Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical is approximately an hour-and-a-half and perfomed without an intermission.

DR. SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! THE MUSICAL is playing at Sony Centre for the Performing Arts at 1 Front Street East, Toronto, from December 17, 2010 to January 2, 2011. Tickets:  $25 - $74 + HST. To purchase tickets call 416.872.2262 or online at www.sonycentre.ca (and discover Sony Centre family savings at http://www.sonycentre.ca/newsletter2). Official Tour Website: www.grinchmusical.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 17, 2010 – January 2, 2011

“100 times better than any bedside story!” – New York Times

DR. SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! THE MUSICAL arrives at Toronto’s Sony Centre for the Performing Arts December 17 as part of a North American tour.  The critically acclaimed, record-breaking Broadway production officially opens December 17, 7pm and will play the recently renovated venue through January 2, 2011.

Icelandic film and stage actor Stefán Karl — best known for playing Robbie Rotten on Nickelodeon’s “LazyTown” — stars as the Christmas-hating Grinch.  The Boston Globe said Stefán Karl  “delivers an all-out, energetic, crowd-pleasing performance!â€� and last year The Hollywood Reporter called his performance “A Grinch for the ages…inescapable good humor, mind-boggling antics, breathtaking make-up and great costume.â€�

Stefán Karl is joined onstage by Seth Bazacas as Young Max, Serena Brook as Mama Who, Brance Cornelius as Papa Who, Ryan Knowles as Grandpa Who, Bob Lauder as Old Max and Rebecca Prescott as Grandma Who.  Brooke Lynn Boyd and Carly Tamer share the role of Cindy-Lou Who and Ariana Gibb and Ginnie Lee House share the role of Annie Who.

The 25 member cast also includes Jenavene Bazacas, Andrew Boetcher, Matt David, Matt Densky, Lauren Devine, Katie Emerson, Kyle Garvin, Willow Grey, Emily Grosland, Jackie Nguyen, Domonique Paton, David Thornton, Lily Tobin, and Jennifer Wilcove as the Citizens of Whoville. 

Beloved Max the Dog narrates this charming and comical tale of the miserable Grinch, whose heart is “two sizes too small,� and his attempt to wreak havoc on the tiny town of Whoville by trying to steal Christmas.

First performed on Broadway in 2006, DR. SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! THE MUSICAL broke box office attendance records for two consecutive years on Broadway during its limited holiday engagements. 

With book and lyrics by Timothy Mason and music by Mel Marvin, DR. SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! THE MUSICAL retains the hit songs from the original 1966 animated television special “You’re A Mean One Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmasâ€� with lyrics by the legendary Theodor “Dr. Seuss” Geisel and music by Tony Award-winning composer Albert Hague (“Redheadâ€�) plus eight new songs written specifically for this production.

Featuring magnificent sets by John Lee Beatty and costumes by Robert Morgan inspired by Dr. Seuss’ original illustrations, this 2010 tour is under the supervision of three-time Tony Award-winning director Jack O’Brien with direction by Matt August and choreography by Bob Richard based on the original choreography by John DeLuca.

Support for this production comes from the Ministry Tourism and Culture. 

The musical is produced by Big League Productions, Inc. and the Toronto presentation is by special arrangement with Dancap Productions, Inc.

The Sony Centre embarks on its 50th Anniversary season ready to play a central role in the cultural experience of Torontonians as a nexus of arts, culture and technology. The 50th Anniversary Season reflects the diversity and sophistication of 21st century Toronto audiences with programming featuring the international stars of dance, theatre, music and popular culture that resonate with today’s audiences. For tickets and more information visit www.sonycentre.ca.

Sony Centre For The Performing Arts
presents
DR. SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! THE MUSICAL
December 17, 2010 – January 2, 2011
Sony Centre for the Performing Arts, 1 Front Street East, Toronto
Tickets:  $25 - $74 + HST
To purchase tickets call 416.872.2262 or online at www.sonycentre.ca

HOLIDAY PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE:
Fri December 17:  7PM
Sat December 18:  11AM, 2PM, 5PM & 8PM
Sun December 19:  2PM & 5:00PM
Mon December 20 - Thu December 23:  2PM & 7PM
No shows December 24 & 25

Sun December 26:  2PM & 5PM
Mon December 27:  11AM, 2PM & 5PM
Tue December 28 & Wed December 29:  2PM & 7PM
Thu December 30:  11AM, 2PM & 5PM
Sat January 1:  2PM & 5PM
Sun January 2:  11AM, 2PM & 5:00PM

Official Tour Website:  www.grinchmusical.com