Run and Tell That: Dr. Seuss' The Grinch Musical!

Note: By now ya'll know that I'm a terrible editor. (Just ask my English professors) So be prepared for me to be editing this AFTER I upload it. Also, I'm not a professional reviewer nor do I try to be in these. I'm simply stating what I thought.

"Dr. Seuss' The Grinch Musical! is a perfect way for a family to spend a December evening."

The year of 2020 brought many depressing things

How many of us wish we could be back in the wings

We were filled with sadness, but never fear

NBC is here to give us some holiday cheer.

They chose The Grinch this year to televise,

But was that decision exactly wise?

Come along with me and you shall see

As I review this show and spill the tea.

And that's enough with rhyming. Did you really think I would do this entire review in rhymes? What are you crazy? It would be epic, but get annoying real quick. I was completely surprised when NBC announced they were doing another "live" production considering the last "live" production we got was Fox's Rent: Pre-Recorded and we all know how that turned out... What really shocked me though was how late they announced it, November 10th, less than a month

Denis O'Hare and Booboo Stewart

before it's airdate of December 9th. Also so many details were very hush hush. Even after the broadcast finished, I still had to go scavenging to find out who was in the cast. Anyway, I don't really have much to say on this show, which is very surprising I know. (That was an accidental rhyme.) I didn't go in with the mentality thinking it would be some life altering experience. My main thought was "Hey, it's gonna be cute" and I was right. Dr. Seuss' The Grinch Musical! is a perfect way for a family to spend a December evening it will keep the kids entertained and might have some eye rolls from the adults, but it's cute. Unlike NBC's previous productions it was not live, but I understand why because COVID plus it was shot in the UK (Where they have a slightly more competent government then us here in the US.) The script* and score by Tim Mason and Mel Marvin won't be winning a Pulitzer or Tony Award anytime soon. While the script had its cute moments and will no doubt bring laugh to its younger audience members, it had some convoluted moments to it that might leave the adults confused. The direction by Max Webster, for stage, and Julia Knowles, for film, was good and much better then the direction of the past several televised musical events. The choreography by

Amy Ellen Richardson

Lizzi Gee was cute and creative. The night featured some gorgeous black and white scenic design by the skillful Peter Bingemann. All of Bingemann's sets look like they popped right out of Dr. Seuss' book. Meanwhile, Soutra Gilmour designed the colorful, quirky costumes worn by the Who's and also did a nice job with the Max costumes. My only complaint is what was she thinking with that Grinch costume? The lighting design by the amazing Dave Davey was absolutely gorgeous and creative. His lighting really complimented and accented the black and white sets. The sound design was also good, but despite my research I don't know who the sound designers is. Throughout the night there were many great performances from both the kids and adults. The entire ensemble delivered strong vocals and great acting while the kids danced their little hearts out. Gary Wilmot and Claire Machin as Grandpa Who and Grandma Who were charming and worked well together. The same can be said for Ako Mitchell and Amy Ellen Richardson who portrayed Papa Who and Mama Who. Richardson specifically delivered a wonderful performance with great vocals and acting choices. It is of my opinion that the performance of the night goes to Amelia Minto who was sweet and sincere as Cindy-Lou Who, but was not annoying with those qualities. (You know what I'm talking about. Those kids at regional theatres who try way too hard and instead of the performance

Amelia Minto and Matthew Morrison

being natural it's obnoxious and cardboardy.) She had great vocals and delivered many great moments. The role of Max was split in two (Well four technically, but mainly two) a Young Max who was portrayed by Booboo Stewart and Old Max portrayed by Denis O'Hare. As Young Max Stewart tumbled, crawled, flipped and slid all over the stage delivering an energetic performance with strong acting. O'Hare as Old Max served as the narrator and he had some solid vocals. However, I definitely felt that having two Max' was unneeded. Now it is time to talk about the man of the hour Matthew Morrison as The Grinch. There are many things to say about this heavily miscast performance. The main thing is his Grinch was terrifying for all the wrong reasons. I give him credit because he tried, he certainly tried. I just did not find him grinchy. Whenever he spoke directly into the camera I just got extremely uncomfortable. I don't think that the absolutely awful costume and makeup helped him in the slightest; he looked like the Phillie Phanatic with Morrison's face. His comedic timing was all wrong for this role and what should be an extremely funny role was flatter than a pancake. I found myself rolling my eyes instead of laughing. When it comes to The Grinch (Musical or movie) you need a strong character actor at the core, someone who excels in comedy and that is not Morrison. In keeping with my weird metaphors in reviews, I'd call this show a donut it's good, but no center. In this metaphor the center would be Morrison's Grinch (and the iffy book and score), but the donut would be everything else. Alas, we have come to the end of this review, I told you it was short. Don't forget to keep an eye out for my podcast Dear Diary coming out in early 2021! Happy Holidays! Stay Safe!

*Featuring additional material by Simon Nye.

"Welcome, Christmas! Fah who rahmus! Welcome, Christmas! Dah who dahmus! Christmas Day will always be! Just as long as we have we!"