Stage Notes is a weekly aggregate post about theater, classical music and stage news, events, reviews and other pertinent information. Season announcements came in hot and heavy this week.
Stage Notes Calendar
Opening this week:
Sammons Cabaret: Peter DiCesare, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 21.
Dallas Symphony Orchestra: Beethoven and Mozart, Nov. 22-24.
Garland Civic Theatre: A Tuna Christmas, Nov. 22-24.
Rockwall Community Playhouse: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, Nov. 22-Dec. 8.
Eisemann Center Presents: Movie Night at the Symphony, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 23.
TITAS: Mark Morris Dance Group: The Look of Love, Nov. 23 at the Winspear, pictured.
FWSO Chamber: Mozart, Schulhoff, and Korngold, 3 p.m. Nov. 24 at Kimbell Art Museum.
Onstage now:
Grand Prairie Arts Council: Nuncrackers, today-Nov. 24.
Ochre House Theater: Patti and Theo, through Nov. 23.
Teatro Dallas: Time Stands Still, through Nov. 23 at the Latino Cultural Center, pictured.
Theatre Frisco: Noises Off, through Nov. 24.
Art Centre Theatre: Anastasia the Musical, through Nov. 30.
Theatre Three: Sleuth, today-Dec. 15 in Theatre Too.
Review: ‘The Grinch’ will get you in the holiday spirit but not without a few bumps
Bass Hall got a slight jump on the holiday season. Performing Arts Fort Worth opened Dr Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical this past Tuesday. The show was a colorful explosion of holiday flair, but don’t compare it to the original.
The Grinch musical was more appreciated on its own merit rather than any sort of nostalgia. The musical numbers were all big productions of peppy tunes, particularly the rousing “Whatchamawho,” while “Santa for a Day” offered a lovely ballad moment by Cindy-Lou Who.
Ironically, the show’s signature song was completely lost. “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” was overdone in its adaptation and lacked its distinct pointedness and it’s slight menacing tone in favor of a silly, more palatable sing-along.
Joshua Woodie was a fine Grinch with an animated performance in his green costume of flurried green fur. The costume, however, didn’t quite give Grinchy realness over say a green Troll doll. But Woodie embodied the loveable badness of the character well who then has a change of heart.
Mila Jaymes was an impressive Cindy-Lou Who who completely understood the character’s sweetness. The character’s baby voice often got in the way of understanding Jaymes’ words, but her performance was a charming one.
Max the dog was played in two versions. The bearish W. Scott Stewart served as Old Max and the show’s narrator. He gave a sweet, comfy performance as he told the Grinch’s story. Xavier McKnight was a very active Young Max with endless energy like a pup in a playpen.
The Grinch is a fine show for what it is, but perhaps more enjoyable if you have children as the younger audience members were completely enthralled by the events happening onstage. Children reacted to the entire 90-minute, no intermission show with giddiness and excitement which added a delightful sheen to a show that was more production than personality.
The show runs through Sunday.
Cabaret Stars at Sea announces Caribbean Cruise for spring 2025
If you like mixing your vacation with showtunes – um, who doesn’t? – then a cabaret on the sea may be up your alley. Earlier this week, Cabaret Stars at Sea announced its spring cruise from May 25-June 1. Spend the days in the Caribbean sun and evenings with classics from Broadway and the American Popular Songbook all performed by award-winning Broadway talent.
The round trip sails from Miami on the Norwegian Escape for the weeklong musical celebration vacation. The cruise will make stops in the Dominican Republic, St. Thomas, Tortola, and Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian’s private island in the Bahamas.
While the Norwegian Escape holds up to 4,266 passengers, the Cabaret Stars at Sea group is limited to 200, so it will be an intimate experience with access to the artists along with opportunities to participate in master classes and workshops.
Prices start at $3,019 per person, double occupancy for an inside cabin and include all shows and exclusive Cabaret Stars at Sea activities as well as a classic drink package, all taxes, fees and gratuities and a group lunch at a specialty dining venue. Balcony level and above also includes wi-fi, a $50 shore excursion credit and an additional specialty dining credit.
Booking is open now here.
Lyric Stage opens new season with holiday favorite
Lyric Stage will open its 31st season with Forever Plaid – Plaid Tidings, the holiday classic by Stewart Ross. The show opens Nov. 29-Dec. 22 at the Lyric Stage Studio.
“This family friendly show has the classic holiday spirit with comedic elements. Instead of focusing solely on holiday songs, it intersperses well-loved pop songs from the mid-20th century to appeal to holiday enthusiasts and vintage music fans,” Scott Guenther, Lyric Stage managing and co-artistic director, said in a press release. “Also, the interactive aspect with the audience gives it a more personal and intimate feel.”
The show is directed by Mary Gilbreath Grim with Kelly McCain as Choreographer and Hans Grim as Music Director. The show features Anthony Ortega as Francis; Daniel Hernandez as Sparky; Shane Duckett as Jinx; Ben Meaders as Smudge and Kenneth Lane as Swing.
Tickets for the show are available here.
–Rich Lopez