I had this taped on my DVR, and I just finished. I haven't seen this live and it's been a while since I last heard the World Premiere Cast Recording.
"Who Likes Christmas?" was a solid opener as expected, although I thought some of the Whos looked like Oompa-Loompas or citizens of LazyTown with those costumes.
I like when Mel Marvin's original score goes back and forth in a couple of songs between the vibrancy/tonality of the Whos and dissonance of the Grinch. Few songs truly captured my attention, however.
I too give my praise to Cindy-Lou and her mother. Beautiful voices from both.
Booboo Stewart was adorable prancing around on all fours. Denis O'Hare was meh but did fine with "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch." Unappealing.
Is this me, or does "Santa for a Day" musically resemble "Maybe" to an extent?
At times, the show felt like a competition of "How many 'who' jokes can we crack in two hours?". About one of the only times the book fell flat.
Matt Morrison. Well, he wasn't the disaster I was expecting him to be from the previews and sneak-peeks. He was so-so tonight, but he had his moments, and although his "One of a Kind" was good, I thought Patrick Page did a better job on the cast album. Oh, and I may have let out a little chuckle at the "social distance" reference and some of the fourth-wall jokes ("Ugh, a ballad!"
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For those that saw any of the B'way engagements, how much was changed/cut for tonight? Did the Grinch's sleigh fly/levitate right before the finale?
In short, I will say that this was not a waste of an evening. It could have been better, though. Nice little treat for the holiday season. I bet Dr. Seuss is very proud up there.
“I am furious, but I am sailing.”