Based on one of Dr. Seuss’ most favorite stories, this musical is based on the joy Christmas brings to the residents of Whoville, a joy that is threatened by a cranky Grinch who plots to stop Whoville’s celebration of Christmas by stealing all of the village’s trappings of the holiday.
What he doesn’t foresee is Cindy-Lou Who’s affection for him, as well as Whoville’s appreciation for the greater meaning of Christmas.
Want to see how this story unfolds in music, dance, and Seussical language? The answer will be provided on stage this weekend in the Pagosa Springs High School’s auditorium.
Our community theater, Curtains Up Pagosa (CUP), is pleased to present “How the Grinch Stole Christmas, the Musical” tonight and this weekend with three evening shows at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday — Nov. 20, 21 and 22 — as well as an afternoon matinee on Saturday, Nov. 22, at 2 p.m.
CUP taps into the considerable theatrical, musical and staging talent resident in Pagosa Country, and this production highlights these skills.
As director, Jeannie Abbas utilizes her extensive professional theater background to coach actors from ages 7 to 75 to transform themselves into characters very different from their normal selves.
Anika Borders, a recent graduate of Colorado Christian University, has ably assumed the role of CUP’s musical director, meticulously guiding the cast through the wide variety of “Grinch” songs, as well as conducting the show’s pit orchestra, comprised of members of Pagosa Springs Community Band.
The choreography is the product of talented dancer Sophie Martinez, who has designed thematic movements that capture the joy Whoville residents feel as Christmas approaches.
The village of Whoville comes alive on stage through the collective efforts of the Berndt family — Michael, Michele and Rachel — as well as stage manager Chris Wyland.
Of course, a musical of this nature must be accompanied by captivating and colorful costumes, a feat well accomplished through the designs of Elizabeth Baldwin.
If still unsure whether this is a show worth attending, Abbas sums up why she enjoys the long hours and multitasking necessary to produce such a show: “When Papa Who bemoans, ‘Christmas shopping can get a little overwhelming’, it highlights how all of us can get caught up in the artificial trappings of Christmas. As the show progresses, two meaningful themes emerge through song: ‘It’s not the gifts we give, it’s the thought that counts’, coupled with ‘Cherish Christmas, family and friends to the last.’ Bringing these messages to the stage, and transferring them to our community, is what makes this show special and worth seeing”.
Tickets are available online at https://www.onthestage.tickets/show/curtains-up-pagosa, with pricing at $20, and $15 for seniors and students. Tickets can also be purchased at the door.
>