A Review

Mean Green Christmas Machine

By R. J. Donovan

The Citi Performing Arts Center has welcomed a tall fuzzy green curmudgeon to town.

"Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical" has opened at The Wang Theatre, and judging by the reaction of the junior members of the crowd, the Big Green One may have a new holiday home.

The Grinch first came to life in 1957 from the pen of classic children's writer Dr. Seuss (Theodor Geisel). The character was subsequently elevated to the level of icon when an animated version of the story was made (with music added) for television in 1966. The Grinch finally made the jump to the big screen in 2000 with Jim Carrey in the title role.

In a nutshell, the story finds The Grinch living in isolation with his long-suffering pooch Max on the top of snowy Mount Crumpit, high above the town of Who-ville ( . . . which, if we follow Dr. Seuss' other stories, is a microscopic land that exists on a speck of dust).

The Whos are a happy bunch -- singing, dancing and primping the top-knots on top of their bouncing little heads. Among the things they especially love is Christmas.

The Grinch, who hates noise in general and Christmas in particular, is ticked off to the degree that he decides to steal Christmas and put an end to all that infuriating love and harmony. In the end, of course, he finds that Christmas is not about singing or presents or bows or tags, but about something much deeper. And even he caves in to its magic.

These days, most people who hold The Grinch near and dear do so based on the TV version. Narrated by Boris Karloff and featuring the ingenious animation of Chuck Jones (of Bugs Bunny and Road Runner fame), the half hour cartoon became an annual holiday event long before the advent of home video and DVD.

What many who love the cartoon may not remember is that the Grinch was originally a black and white character. It was the television version that blessed him with his bilious green tones.

The cartoon's two original songs "Welcome Christmas" and "You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch," were written by Albert Hague and Dr. Seuss. (While Karloff narrated, it was the rich voice of Thurl Ravenscroft, a.k.a. Tony The Tiger, who sang "You're A Mean One.").

While these two songs remain for the stage version, the show's new numbers are by Timothy Mason and Mel Marvin. Unfortunately, from a theatrical aspect, most of them don't come close to the charm of the originals. And in stretching the story, they tend to dither focus from the reason everyone's there in the first place. However, in fairness, it's awfully hard to compete with something that's so cherished in the public's collective heart.

Unlike the cartoon, the stage version is presented as a flashback. Max the Dog, now old and gray, is recalling what happened the fateful year his Master tried to ruin the holiday. Old Max is played by Walter Charles, with Andrew Keenan-Bolger as Young Max.

Fans devoted to the cartoon may become Grinch-like themselves when they find that the simplicity of their beloved treasure has been blown up to fill an hour and a half on stage. However, the kids in the audience love it and don't seem to mind the transformation. The little guy sitting across from me ooh-ed and ahh-ed at every scene change.

Which brings to mind the physical production itself. The cartoon-ish sets by John Lee Beatty faithfully recreate the look of Seuss' original pen and ink sketches. The scene with the kids tucked snuggly in their beds is of particular note, as is the image of The Grinch and Max sleigh-riding down the mountain. The costumes by Robert Morgan also strike a familiar, wide-hipped note. Further, the scenes where the Whos ring the town Christmas tree and sing will make an immediate connection.

The Grinch, in all his green glory, is played in Boston by Stefan Karl, who gives an exuberant, over the top performance that sets the kids shrieking at his meanness. (His slithering, furry green fingers are menacing all by themselves.) A native of Iceland, Karl is best known as the bad guy on Nickelodeon's live-action cartoon show "LazyTown." This show marks his American stage debut. His big number is "One of a Kind."

The other gift of the night was Maya Goldman as little Cindy Lou Who. When this tiny girl opens her mouth, out comes a huge, grown-up voice that carries to the upper balconies with ease. She practically pulls the show out from under the big Green Mean One, particularly in "Santa For A Day." (The role of Cindy is double cast with Lexie DeBlasio playing half the performances.)

In the end, The Grinch, having learned the true meaning of Christmas, joins the Whos for their happy holiday celebration. The villain is vindicated, the toys and presents are returned and as the merry band gathers together for the Seuss version of a Norman Rockwell snapshot, a giant holiday wreath comes sliding down to frame the scene.

And for one last time, the kid across the aisle gave out a satisfied, "Ohhhhh."

"How The Grinch Stole Christmas The Musical" is at The Citi Wang Theatre through December 28. For information, call 800-447-7400.

-- OnStage Boston

Production Photos: T. Charles Erickson