"DR. SEUSS' HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! THE MUSICAL" IS HERE TO PLEASE

A perfect early holiday gift for the whole family is being unwrapped at the Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts in Hartford daily until Sunday, November 25.  Now that Thanksgiving is a warm and fuzzy and delicious memory, it's time to get in the festive spirit and what better way than to take the kiddies to see "Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical."

Who can resist that feathery green monster without a heart, especially when he has a spider-filled brain with a termite-ridden smile, the disposition of a nasty skunk, and a soul stuffed with unwashed socks?   Only a meanie could hate Christmas and do everything in his power to make sure it doesn't happen.  What are the people of Whoville to do in this dastardly situation?  The Grinch wants to steal their favorite holiday.

With book and lyrics by Timothy Mason, original score by Mel Marvin and choreography by John DeLuca, this family show has been a favorite since 1994 when the estate of Dr. Seuss gave permission to adapt his book.

The musical will star Stefan Karl, from Iceland, as the appropriately chilly frozen minded stinker who wants to drain all the joy from the tinsel-filled day. The Grinch uses all his powers to intimidate the people of Whoville, especially young and old Max, Cindy Lou Who, Mama Who and Grandma Who.

Is it possible to take a green meanie with a heart two sizes too small and transform him into a generous and happy creature?  With songs like "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch," "Who Likes Christmas?," "I Hate Christmas Eve," "It's the Thought That Counts," "One of a Kind," "This Time of Year" and "Welcome, Christmas," you are able to travel the spectrum from despair to joy that this eighty-four minute show without an intermission will engender.  It's a great first show for a child to see, stuffed as it is with a colorful array of costumed actors and a story that will touch your heart.

For tickets ($20-60), call the Bushnell, 166 Capitol Avenue, Hartford at 860-987-5900 or online at www.bushnell.org.  Performances are Friday and Saturday at 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Sunday at 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.

Come hear Max the Dog tell the warm-hearted tale of a cold-hearted schemer who learns lessons that change his mind about the value and importance of Christmas.