'How the Grinch Stole Christmas' Arrives in Atlanta

My 8-year-old son, Brock, and I had a date last night at the Fox Theater to see How the Grinch Stole Christmas, which is playing NOW until Sunday, Dec. 4.

Everyone was at the Fox last night for opening night. There were plenty of children, but even more adults, who are kids at heart! The theater was decorated for Christmas and was a perfect setting to kick off the holiday season!

Lucky for me, my kids have been watching The Grinch movie on repeat for the last couple of weeks so Brock knew the story and was excited to see how they would make the sled scene come to life on stage. The show started a little late, but when Stefan Karl walked onto the stage in the full Grinch costume, the theater erupted with applause and my son was grinning from ear to ear.

The set and costumes brought Dr. Seuss's book to life and Stefan was the PERFECT rude, annoying, in-your-face, HILARIOUS Grinch. He had everyone laughing the entire show. The story was narrated by an older Max the Dog recalling his favorite Christmas story of all, which I thought was a very creative angle on the story. And the entire show was spoken in rhyme (as in true Dr. Seuss fashion) Also, Clara Young who played Cindy-Lou Who was incredible. From her voice to her walk, she was the perfect Cindy-Lou!

My favorite part had to be when the house lights came up mid-show and the entire audience joined Max in singing "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch." I also thought that The Grinch's audience interaction was hilarious. My son's favorite part however was when they made it snow inside the Fox Theater. I can remember seeing Peter Pan at The Fox as a child when Peter Pan flew over my head. It was truly magical and this was the same type of moment for my son.

Mom Review: I loved the show just as much as my son did,which is always a plus! I was worried the Grinch may be too scary, but he wasn't, and while he passed a lot of gas, that was the dirtiest of his humor. I appreciated that the show was based on the book, and not the movie, since we all know the book is always better! The show is 90 minutes long and there is NO INTERMISSION so be sure to go before you sit down, and perhaps get an aisle seat if possible. I wish the show started earlier, or there was a matinee but we were home in bed by 10:30 p.m., so it could have been worse.

Adult Review: I loved the set, and the story and the singing. I thought the show was hilarious and that The Grinch did a great job with audience interaction and slapstick comedy. This show is not only for kids, there were way more adults there then children and I promise you will not look silly going with a group of friends. I had gone in hoping to fall in love with the soundtrack, however, I just didn't. While the songs were great and went along with the story perfectly, they were just not something I will be adding to my iPod anytime soon.

While I wish the show started a little earlier (for the kids) and the soundtrack is not one I will be downloading on iTunes, How the Grinch Stole Christmas is without a doubt a MUST-SEE!

The classic, whimsical tale will enchant audiences for six days only in Atlanta, Tuesday, November 29 through Sunday, December 4 as part of the 2011-12 Fifth Third Bank Broadway in Atlanta season.

Ticket prices start at $23. Tickets are on sale now at Ticketmaster outlets, online at www.ticketmaster.com, or by phone at 1-800-982-2787. Orders for groups of 10 or more may be placed by calling 404-881-2000. The Fox Theatre is located at 660 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA, 30308.

I was given two tickets to see How the Grinch Stole Christmas, however all opinions and comments; as always; are my own.  

Editor's Note: This blog originally stated that Baily Ryon played Cindy Lou Who. However, Ryon did not play that role for the performance upon which this review is based.