BWW CD Reviews: DR. SEUSS' HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! THE MUSICAL World Premiere Recording is Filled With Holiday Cheer

No Christmas season is complete without enjoying some iteration of Dr. Seuss's classic holiday parable How the Grinch Stole Christmas! at least once. Just in time for the 2013 holiday season, Broadway Masterworks released the World Premiere Recording of the musical Dr. Seuss' HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! THE MUSICAL. The show had its world premiere in 1994 by Minneapolis' Children's Theatre Company and premiered on Broadway in 2006, with Book and Lyrics by Timothy Mason and an original score by Mel Marvin. Since it's initial Broadway production it has enjoyed a second run on Broadway, a 2008 US Tour, a run in Los Angeles in 2009, and North American National Tours in 2010, 2011, and 2012.

Starring as the titular character on the album, Patrick Page, who originated the role of The Grinch on Broadway, is a true holiday treat. His resonating baritone/bass voice is delightfully menacing on numbers like "I Hate Christmas" and "I Hate Christmas (Reprise)." He growls and laughs with a maniacal zeal, making the redemptive character we love to hate all the more exciting to listen to. Likewise, on showy numbers like "One of a Kind" he charms with a jazzy charisma that is fun and ebullient in an appropriately villainous way.

Serving as a narrator, Old Max is vocalized by John Cullum. His version of the well-known "You're a Mean One Mr. Grinch" delivers everything that audiences expect from the song. Likewise, his voice is spirited and bright on numbers like "This Time of Year." Similarly, Abigail Shapiro is charming and sweet as the adorable Cindy Lou Who on numbers like "Santa For a Day" and "Finale." Lastly, the full company brings lively holiday cheer to their roles, making their numbers bubble over with the coziness and merriment of the holiday season.

Dr. Seuss' HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! THE MUSICAL World Premiere Recording, released by Masterworks Broadway, is now available in both physical and digital formats. The album can be purchased from iTunes, Amazon, and elsewhere music is sold.

For information about other theatrical recording releases, click here.

Photo Courtesy of Masterworks Broadway.

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