Opened: December 15, 2016

Book & Lyrics by: Timothy Mason

Music by: Mel Marvin

Nation Tour Cast: Stefan Karl, Bob Lauder, Genny Gagnon, Rachel Katzke, Vincent DiPeri, Melissa Weisbach, Zach Kononov, Camella Clark, Anya Rothman, Stephanie Ticas, Nicole Acevedo, Hannah Roberts Brown, Justun Hart, Carl Hulden, Lauren Monteleone, Chelsea Vann, Jennifer Wilcove, Danny Wilfred, Hanna-Lyn Baxter, Hillary Ekwall, Chavon Hampton, Jonathan Nadolny, Jackie Nguyen, Aaron Ronelle & Matt Winstein

Though it’s one of the most beloved Dr. Seuss stories with Christmas films that have dazzled for decades, the stage version of this show lacks spirit.

The Whos down in Whoville are obsessed with Christmas and spend every waking moment waiting for the next one. However, the Grinch (Stefan Karl), who lives an ostracized life just north of Whoville, hates Christmas. He decides to impersonate Santa Claus and steal Christmas to ruin the spirits of the Whos.

Karl is the one bright light in this show. When he breaks the fourth wall to speak with the audience, he has a fun time heckling the kids in the audience.

The rest of the show is forgettable and none of the music sticks like the classic “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch.”

Final say: Just watch the movie instead. ★★☆☆☆