November 09, 2006

'Grinch' musical opens on Broadway for holidays

"Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! -- The Musical" opened on Broadway last night for a limited run through the holidays with a show that may delight the children, but not so much for the adults, according to some of the critics.

The critics can't even decide if the show runs 70, 80 or 90 minutes so it isn't surprising they don't agree on the quality of the production. However, almost all praise the set design, the performance of Patrick Page as the furry green meanie and especially the song "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch," which is part audience sing-a-long.

"Grinch" plays through January 7 at the Hilton Theatre, located at 213 W. 42nd St.,map.

The reviews:

Variety - "Buoyed by gorgeous design and a saucy star turn from Patrick Page, 'The Grinch' likely will satisfy family crowds in search of holiday spectacle. Those seeking a memorable book and songs will be disappointed, however."

Newsday - "Disney need not fear the thunder of hoofbeats ("presented by Target") over its shoulder. 'Grinch's' constant repetitions of simpleton songs might work for a patient 3-year-old or a really sad 83-year-old, but those of us in the big-tent middle should find distraction elsewhere."

Associated Press - "The production is brief, less than 90 minutes, and appetizing to look at since set designer John Lee Beatty's wonderful Who-ville houses resemble gigantic ice-cream sundaes. But because of some ho-hum new songs, it's also a bit bland except when the Grinch, a deliciously dyspeptic fellow with green fur, is front and center."

Sun - "Patrick Page, whose credits include a long stint in 'The Lion King' as the villainous Scar, brings a good bit of that character's glowering, vaguely effete treachery to the Grinch. An impressive physical comedian who has learned how to make malevolence believable but not too scary, Mr. Page chews the scenery at the appropriate times (as in the sprightly solo, 'One of a Kind,' the best of Messrs. Marvin and Mason's new material) but not at the expense of the show."

Post - "Still, the show's intermissionless 80 minutes should prove easy on a child's attention span, and harmless, with a book and lyrics by Timothy Mason that are only a little worse than that seductively magical Seuss doggerel verse."

Newark Star-Ledger - "Everything swiftly unfolds within designer John Lee Beatty's faithfully Seuss-inspired settings that incorporate loopy ink-stroked lines with wild washes of pink, orange and red tints. Robert Morgan's costumes for the Whos sport buckles and trimmings that suspiciously suggest logos for Target -- the show's corporate sponsor -- but otherwise appear aptly goofy."

New York Times - "The lively whole seemed to please the legions of critics in the audience who really matter here, the 10-and-unders, who hardly stirred in their seats during those 90 minutes. That can confidently be taken as a sign of satisfaction, or at least contented distraction."

Daily News - "John Lee Beatty's sets of Who homes, the Grinch's lair and Whoville from a distance are just as ingenious. The show's most high-flying effect creates the Grinch's late-night sleigh ride with reluctant 'reindeer' Max. Such a fun, theatrical moment makes the show a real Whoot."

Earlier: Grinch's red and white set brought to you by Target
TKTS snapshot: November matinee edition
'Grinch' will play Broadway for Christmas season

November 9, 2006 06:26 AM in Broadway, Kids

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