Let The Grinch steal your heart this Christmas

Dr. Suess’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical is a big, bold, colorful 90-minute adventure filled with songs you know and moments you’ll talk about long after the show ends. What’s great about  Dr. Suess’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical is that the parents enjoyed it as much -- if not more -- than the children.

There’s something dangerous about bringing a timeless and beloved holiday classic to life. People have firmly established their Grinch opinions by the time they purchased tickets to see the stage show. As soon as the curtain lifts, you know you’re in for a show filled with the same whimsy and heart as the book and TV special.

The stage is big, bold and colorful. There are strong colors to create the whimsical Whoville we all adore. The set features many of the images you’ll know from the book. The last scene is straight from the last page. The connection is important. When you are bringing a Dr. Suess story to life, it’s best not to mess with perfection.

The entire audience waits in anticipation for the big, green guy to show up. When Shular Hensley bounces on stage the crowd goes wild. His program biography touts his impressive background. From dramatic theater awards to television appearances to symphonic performances, Hensley clearly can step into any high profile role. What his bio doesn’t day it that he’s really funny. His comedic timing is wonderful. He makes you really understand the Grinch. Even though you know the ending, you’re cheering for the Grinch’s redemption from the moment he takes the stage.

The rest of the cast is equally impressive on paper and on stage. Whether it’s Ken Land as Old Max or Jamey Hood as Mother Who, they inhabit their characters like old friends. The audience particularly adored Stuart Zagnit as Grampa Who. His performance garnered a lot of laughs in a show filled with laughs.

Dr. Suess’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical is live on the Chicago Theatre stage until November 29. For more information, visit www.thechicagothreatre.com.

Disclosure:  I did receive media passes to review the show. My words and opinions are my own.