The reviews are in for Children's Theatre's 'Grinch'

Posted at 10:18 AM on November 14, 2012 by Marianne Combs
Filed under: Criticism, Theater

Children's Theatre Company is ramping up the holiday fever for kids with its stage production of Dr. Seuss' classic tale How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

Critics enjoyed this show, with only minor complaints. Because, really, who wants to risk being called a 'grinch' so close to the holidays?

Reed Sigmund is 'the Grinch'
Photo by Dan Norman

From Rohan Preston at the Star Tribune:

From the music, conducted by Denise Prosek and delivered with sweet cheer by the village-size cast, to the evocative design and well-considered and -executed scenes, the show is engaging and exciting. It has wide appeal to children and adults alike.

As the up-jumping, low-singing meanie, Sigmund gives the Grinch a vivid, palpable embodiment (we see just how palpable when he runs into the audience).

From Rob Hubbard at the Pioneer Press:

At an hour and a quarter, it works for the youngest,
And there's little to scare the most squeamish among us.
Director Peter Brosius has helmed quite a show.
It's a sweet slice of Seuss, so you really should go.

The cast of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" at Children's Theatre Company
Photo by Dan Norman

From Janet Preus at HowWasTheShow.com

As gorgeous as the set was, it left just barely enough room for the full cast of adults and children to execute simple choreography. However, it was plenty of room for the cleverly choreographed antics of the Grinch and young Max, played by an endearing Brandon Brooks... Denise Prosek directs a live pit orchestra, which I love to hear. There's no comparison with recorded.

From Ed Huyck at City Pages:

When you transfer a shortish picture book into a full-length musical, things need to be added. While most of the plot additions don't detract from the story, I'll admit to having a bit of a "Come on, let's steal some presents!" feeling about midway through the 75-minute show. The restlessness didn't last long, especially when coming face to face (well, face to hairy midsection) with the Grinch during the robbery scene. That certainly will shake any dark-theater cobwebs.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas runs through December 30 at the Children's Theatre Company in Minneapolis. Have you seen the show? What's your review?