‘Grinch’ at Fort Worth’s Bass Hall reminds us what makes holiday season special
Almost 70 years ago Dr. Seuss gave us what is now a holiday classic with his children’s tale “How Grinch Stole Christmas!” Growing up and even well into adulthood so many of us have read the story countless times to our children and grandchildren.
And, if we’re being totally transparent, with each reading comes a fresh trip back into our own childhood.
Even though we know the outcome of the story — it’s not a spoiler alert to say it’s a feel-good ending — it’s always the most wonderful of feelings to see goodness prevail amidst the true meaning of Christmas.
What could be better? Well, a little music — actually, a lot of music, along with some pretty cool dancing — that enhances it all.
That enhancement is at Bass Hall now through Nov. 24 with “How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical.” It’s the final show of 2024 for the Performing Arts Fort Worth Broadway at the Bass Series presented by PNC Bank (but don’t worry, there’s plenty more coming in 2025).
The musical, like the book, has become renowned in its own right. It has played at numerous venues throughout the United States and the United Kingdom, including a short stint on Broadway that broke box office records for two consecutive years during its holiday engagements at the St. James and Hilton Theatres. In all, well over 2 million folks have been delighted by this heart-warming holiday musical that combines just the right amount of whimsy and snarky to make even the grumpiest, well, Grinch, break into a smile.
The stage story stays true to Seuss. Grinch (Joshua Woodie in a superbly hammy performance), whose heart is “two sizes too small,” hatches a plan to steal Christmas from the Whos, nearby villagers who can’t get enough holiday cheer. The Whos, of course, were made famous by Seuss in an earlier 1954 children’s book, “Horton Hears a Who!” published three years before “Grinch.”
In the process of carrying out his plan, however, it is the Grinch who is taught a lesson, one that should not only apply during the holiday season but also year-round.
Narrating the story is the Grinch’s old dog, Max (W. Scott Stewart) in flashback style as he recalls his days as young Max (Xavier McKnight). Their contrasting styles, one in his twilight years and the other young and bouncy, play well off of each other as, yes, they are sometimes in the same scene.
Never mind that science tells us that a person cannot exist as two different individuals in the same space. Remember, it’s Dr. Seuss, and if you don’t suspend disbelief you’ll miss the joy of the entire experience. This is, after all, the guy who thought of combining “Green Eggs and Ham.”
The list of songs is highlighted by the ever-popular “You’re a Mean One Mr. Grinch,” sung in a marvelously gravely voice by Stewart, and the bouncy “Welcome Christmas,” performed by the citizens of Whoville. Both are holdovers from the original animated special that first aired in December 1966, featuring lyrics by Dr. Seuss himself and music by Albert Hague.
There’s also a host of songs added for the stage musical by Mel Marvin and Timothy Mason that add plenty of their own charm. For example, again, the Whoville citizens grab the spotlight with “Who Likes Christmas.”
Woodie delivers a delightfully self parody (without realizing it) with “One of a Kind,” a song that also helps explain the Grinch’s outlook on life and why he hates Christmas to the point he even has trouble saying the word. In fact, that is one of the show/s funniest moments when he stutters to finally get it out, even resorting to help from the audience, one of several times Grinch breaks the fourth wall and interacts with the audience.
A line that played well with a Texas audience is when Grinch first meets the folks from Whoville and responds, “I’m from Who-ston.”
Adults will get the subtle messages more than the kiddos, of course, such as in the song “It’s the Thought That Counts,” when Grandpa Who (Brian Rooney) responds with “Why don’t we just think then?”
Little Cindy-Lou Who (played this night by Myla Jaymes, with alternating performances with Vivian Atencio) steals her share of scenes. Good luck stopping your heart from melting when she first meets Grinch, disguised as Santa, coming to take presents instead of bring them.
The story benefits greatly from the colorful sets and costumes that help bring it to life. The works of John Lee Beatty with the former and Robert Morgan with the latter transport the audience into the whimsical world of arguably the greatest children’s (of all ages) storyteller ever.
Take your children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, their friends and cousins to see this production. Their laughter and astonishment only makes the night more enchanting.
And, at around 90 minutes it’s the perfect length. The time will whizz by as the kids — and you as well — will be mesmerized by the performances and some dazzling special effects.
There’s a little Grinch in each of us and it behooves us to be reminded that love is what makes the holiday season special — or, truly, every day.
This story was originally published November 20, 2024 at 12:39 PM.