It's winter in Who-ville as Old Max the dog enters, and carolers sing in the distance ("Opening"). Turning to the audience, he begins to reminisce about "that hole in the mountain" where he used to live.
The scene takes us back many years ago,. The citizens of Who-ville excitedly prepare for Christmas ("Who Likes Christmas?"). But who doesn't like Christmas? The Grinch, who lives on the mountain north of Who-ville with Young Max ("This Time of Year"). In his cave, the Grinch declares his contempt for the Whos in Who-ville and all things related to Christmas ("I Hate Christmas Eve"). Meanwhile, the Who family wraps presents in their home. Cindy-Lou Who suggests giving the Grinch a Christmas gift, but the Adult Whos tell her it's no use.
The Grinch drives himself into a frenzy as he imagines the delighted Who-Kids discovering their gifts ("Whatchamawho") and singing carols ("Welcome, Christmas"). Young Max is moved by this vision while the Grinch is enraged. He devises a plot to stop Christmas ("I Hate Christmas Eve (Reprise)").
In Downtown Who-ville, Mama Who and the rest of the Who family are shopping for gifts. Cindy-Lou points to a red rocking horse that she wants for her gift. Papa Who finds it all very overwhelming, but the family reminds themselves that "It's The Thought That Counts". The Grinch sneaks around town in disguise to buy supplies for his plot. When he runs into the Who family, he pretends to be a tourist. Papa Who invites him to their Who-sing and Christmas feast. The Grinch says he might take them up on the offer and runs off.
Back in the cave, Young Max wears fake antlers for the Grinch's plot ("This Time of Year (Reprise 1)"). The Grinch reveals the Santa suit he made for himself ("One of a Kind"). The Grinch rides off in a sleigh, driven by Young Max.
After tucking the children in, the Adult Whos await the coming of Christmas morning ("Now's The Time"). When the coast is clear, the Grinch sneaks into the house and steals their food, presents, and even their Christmas tree ("You're a Mean One, Mister Grinch"). Cindy-Lou catches him in the act and, believing he's "Santy Claus", asks why he's taking their tree. The Grinch promises he'll bring it back in the morning. A tearful Cindy-Lou hugs him - a gesture the Grinch is unfamiliar with. She begs him to stay the night and is saddened to learn that "Santy" spends Christmas alone ("Santa for a Day").
The Grinch continues his stealing spree around Who-ville ("You're a Mean One, Mister Grinch (Reprise)"). On Christmas morning, the Whos awake to find their living room ransacked and all their Christmas gifts, decorations, and food gone. The Grinch is excited to hear their disappointment, only for the Who family to affirm that friends and family are the most important part of Christmas ("Who Likes Christmas (Reprise)"). The Grinch is moved and has a complete change of heart ("One of a Kind (Reprise)"). With Young Max, he heads off to return everything he stole.
Old Max tells the audience that he always remembers the Grinch's miraculous transformation during "This Time of Year (Reprise)".
The Whos of Who-ville gather to sing ("Welcome, Christmas (Reprise)"). To everyone's surprise, the Grinch joins them! With encouragement from Young Max, he wishes them a Merry Christmas and gives back their gifts, including the red rocking horse for Cindy-Lou. She tells the Grinch that there's only one thing missing from their Christmas celebration - him. ("Finale")
The Grinch
Our main protagonist. He has spent years living in seclusion. He is fed-up with Christmas and ingeniously decides to steal it. A beastly, charming, often silly curmudgeon. He is hilariously scary but with a softy’s heart underneath — think more Wile E. Coyote than Voldemort. He fancies himself a Vaudeville superstar with “champion-stock” DNA and has a personality that outsizes everybody else in Whoville.
Gender: male
Vocal range top: D4
Vocal range bottom: D2
Old Max
Our storyteller who unexpectedly has a final memory that inspires him to celebrate the night of the Grinch’s transformation with the audience. A wise and somewhat weary old soul on the last legs of a spectacular life. He is trustworthy and charming and can “spin a yarn” like the best of them.
Gender: male
Vocal range top: E4
Vocal range bottom: Bb2
Young Max
Misery loves company, but this peppy new pup refuses to succumb to the Grinch’s negativity and pessimism. He is lovable, charming, and always eager to please. He is indefatigably positive and fun. Everything the Grinch tries to destroy, Max catches before it breaks, never tiring of the Grinch’s antics.
Gender: male
Vocal range top: F#4
Vocal range bottom: Bb2
Cindy Lou Who
She is the youngest child of the central Who family. She is the one person with a genuine heart of gold that can find and express love to the Grinch. She is still young enough to be guided by her sense of wonder and empathy and believes in the possibility for goodness in the Grinch.
Gender: female
Vocal range top: F5
Vocal range bottom: A3
Papa Who
The Father of the central Who Family. He is the calm eye of the storm, goodness and confidence pours out of him. He accidently indoctrinates the children of Whoville with the story of the boogeyman Grinch.
Gender: male
Vocal range top: E4
Vocal range bottom: Bb2
Mama Who
The Mother of the central Who Family. She is overwhelmed by the Christmas hysteria, and she is unsuccessfully struggling to maintain control of both her children and Grandpa and Grandma Who. Adorably annoying, funny, and a loving mother.
Gender: female
Vocal range top: E5
Vocal range bottom: C4
Grandpa Who
The eldest of the central Who family. He is gruff, comically grumpy, and enjoys antagonizing Mama Who and trying to scare the children with ghost stories. He loves Christmas and his grandchildren but is driven batty by both.
Gender: male
Vocal range top: E4
Vocal range bottom: D3
Grandma Who
The matriarch of the central Who family who can solve any problem, a peacemaker. She is loving and warm. The children respect and listen to her, and she has the patience to calm both them and Mama Who.
Gender: female
Vocal range top: E5
Vocal range bottom: D4
Boo Who
Annie Who
Donny Who
Betty-Lou Who
Ensemble
Includes Citizens of Whoville and Children of Whoville.
Billing
Requirements
HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS!
The Musical
|
Book and Lyrics by
TIMOTHY MASON |
Music by
MEL MARVIN |
ALBERT HAGUE and DR. SEUSS
|
Incidental Music
and Vocal Arrangements Joshua Rosenblum |
Orchestrator
Michael Starobin |
Dance Music Arranger
David Krane |
“Welcome Christmas”
Written by Theodor S. Geisel and Albert Hague
Published by EMI Robbins Catalog Inc.
HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS!
The Musical
Video Warning
The videotaping or other video or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibitedIncluded Materials
| Resource | Quantity |
|---|---|
| LIBRETTO/VOCAL BOOK | 25 |
| PIANO VOCAL SCORE | 2 |