Grinch takes the stage in musical
The Grinch has been part of holiday lore since the Dr. Seuss book “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” was first published in 1957.
A musical theater version of the story, including the familiar songs “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas,” will be making a run at Philadelphia’s Merriam Theater, as part of the Kimmel Center’s Broadway Philadelphia season.
In honor of “Dr. Seuss’ ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas!’ The Musical” being in town, we connected by telephone with the green, furry, scheming, anti-Christmas curmudgeon himself (personified by actor Philip Huffman). He insisted that when he tells people to “have a terrible Christmas,” it’s intended to make them want to become “the best possible version of themselves.”
Here are some edited highlights from the conversation:
Actor Benedict Cumberbatch is the voice and personality of a new animated version of you on the big screen. What’s your reaction?
It’s so adorable. I love it when they try to emulate me.
There are rumors that your head isn’t screwed on right, your shoes are too tight and your heart is two sizes too small. Is there any truth to that?
(Laughing) I don’t listen to gossip. This is gossip.
I assume that you will be singing, because the show is called “How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical.” Singing is kind of an ung rinchy thing to do, isn’t it?
I have no problem with music, as long as it’s about me.
How did you acquire your dog, Max (Max the Dog is the show’s narrator)?
I didn’t acquire him. He just keeps following me around. I try to give him space, but he keeps following me. ‘Mr. Grinch, Mr. Grinch, I need to go for a walk!’
Max! Max! Oh, he’s gone; now I can relax.
Tell me about your childhood.
I don’t know what a child is.
Weren’t you a smaller, younger version of yourself once? Did something happen to you back then to make you hate Christmas so much?
I don’t know what a child is and I’ve never been one. ‘Oh Mr. Grinch, you must’ve had a traumatic childhood experience ...’ People can just not like things, OK?
Why do you hate the Whos?
Let me answer your question with a question: Are you absolutely insane? Whos are so irritating, walking around just trying to be happy. And they have no taste in fashion.
Will we get to see the inside of your lair in “How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical?”
Would you let me in to see the inside of your place?
I might.
I’m sure there’s a pile of old newspapers.
How did you know?
When you go on vacation, you’re probably one of those people that pays to go inside of old castles. ‘Oh, we’re in another place, another country!’ Go see the outside!
•••
True to the story, the Grinch does discover that there’s more to Christmas than he bargained for.
So far more than 2.1 million theater-goers across America have witnessed the storybook come to life on stage, with music and book by Mel Marvin and Timothy Mason. “Dr. Seuss’ ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas!’ The Musical” features sets designed by John Lee Beatty and costumes designed by Robert Morgan, inspired by Dr. Seuss’ original book. The 2018 production is directed by Matt August and choreographed by Bob Richard, based on the original choreography by John DeLuca and originally created by three-time Tony Award-winning director Jack O’Brien. For additional information on the production visit www.grinchmusical.com.
“How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical” will feature a special “sensory-friendly” performance on Saturday, Dec. 22, at 11 a.m. This presentation is especially for individuals with sensory sensitivities, communication differences, and those with autism spectrum disorders. Theater adjustments include designated quiet areas, as well as relaxed house rules, allowing individuals permission to move around during the performance. Talking and reacting among guests is unrestricted, and outside sensory-friendly stress relief devices are welcome.