The Grinch is in town at Ensemble Arts Philly until December 1st and you, and your family need to get there. He’s a mean one but also a funny one in this musical featuring Matt Forbes as the Grinch. When I tell you that I love this adaptation of the story so much I really do mean that. It is a great show as it is for ages five and up. So, what is your need to know, suggestions, and more?
Before you see The Grinch Musical Tour
Make sure that you get your tickets before you go. If you are going as a group and want to sit, together make sure you book as a group. In addition, the show is about 85 minutes with no intermission. With that in mind make sure that you take yourself and anyone in your group to the bathroom before the start of the show. There is plenty of snacks and drinks to purchase as well as merchandise. This is the start of holiday shows. Since this one is family oriented be sure to pack a little patience. Regardless of age including lap children, they will need a ticket too. The closer you sit to the front there could be a little snow or streamer action too.
There are bright lights and sounds. If you need a sensory friendly show, the one on the 30th is great for that. This will allow those who need it to be able to move about and make noises. All the staff are trained and able to make your accommodations even better. Get there about 30 minutes before the start and make sure that you add in a little time for parking too.
Is the premise of the show the same as the book and movie?
A large part of it is. However it is narrated by Max, the Grinch’s dog played by Evan Blackwell. It is from his perspective of what he saw on the faithful day that the Grinch stole Christmas. The beloved song that we all love He’s a Mean one is sung for sure but there are a few new songs that are just as great too. The energy of the movie and book is present, but they take a dive into again Max’s perspective. The show is however extremely funny with The Grinch bringing in his own flare too. Evan Blackwell’s voice is one of those voices that draws you in. Whether he is speaking or singing.
Cindy Lou Who
This role will alternate from show to show. Trinity Vittoria Devito is a screen stealer in such a wonderful way. I like that they don’t make her naïve. She understands the Grinch, but she also came with a lot of sass. That sass which most girls her age would have been well received. Her acting is large.
Although the show is about the Grinch, we all know that Cindy Lou Who is a huge premise as she teaches the Grinch a lesson on what Christmas is about. Her love comes off like it would in life, natural and unpredictable to the Grinch unlike the movie or the book that makes it more overt.
The set on the Grinch Musical Tour
I knew they would do the set well. It was colorful and vibrant the way that we knew the set would have to be. The movie and the book are full of vibrancy. They took the elements like the Who Hash and more and bring life it. When the show started, I watched my kids. I was able to bring them all. As soon as the curtain opened their mouths were wide open. It’s one thing for me to attend so much theatre all over Philly and beyond. It’s another thing to watch theatre come alive through children.
This is a solid show with a solid cast. It’s funny and eye catching. It’s predictable because it’s a classic that we all love. However, this show added its own razzle dazzle that makes it even more of a love for newer generations. The parents and adults will catch the innuendos that kids will miss. It’s an all-over beloved story and showing. Take the family and friends who are gathering themselves this weekend. It will be a wonderful experience especially for newcomers to theatre. Thank you to The Grinch who stole Christmas Musical Tour and Ensemble Arts Philly for having the kids and I. Get your tickets now.
