HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS Comes to San Francisco Dec. 21-29!

Hodges and Hodges Set the Stage for: HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS!

It's the most wonderful time of the year and San Francisco's Golden Gate Theater is adding magic of the season with Dr. Seuss' classic holiday story set to music, How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The storybook that we all grew up with, along with the cartoon classic we eagerly waited to see each winter season, will be brought to life December 21 – 29, just in time for Christmas.

The Grinchy Details:

This show for all ages stars the fiendish Grinch who discovers that there is more to the holidays than he ever imagined.  The Grinch's dog Max narrates the story for us as we watch the Grinch hatch a wretched plan to steal Christmas from the Whos of Whoville.  However, the Grinch, whose heart is "two sizes too small" discovers that he was wrong about the holidays and the Whos all along. 

Dr. Seuss' book, How the Grinch Stole Christmas! debuted in 1957 and was an instant hit.  Just as well-known is the 1966 animated special of the book with Boris Karloff as the voice of the narrator and the Grinch.  An un-credited Thurl Ravenscroft (most people think it was James Earl Jones) sang the now classic song "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch."  In 2000 it was made into a live-action feature film starring Jim Carrey, but it is the action, live on stage that truly brings this story to life.  It premiered on Broadway on November 8, 2006 and broke Wicked's 100-week streak as the highest-grossing show on Broadway that year.  "Grinch" started touring in 2008.

What to watch for – from Linda:

It's easy to come into this show with preconceived notions since the story is so well known but, like the Grinch, try letting your heart expand to embrace the Mel Marvin and Timothy Mason music and lyrics that complement the better known numbers.  Grinch is a limited engagement, non-equity tour but, for a show that broke Wicked's 100-week streak as the highest-grossing show on Broadway, it should have a high amount of polish and professionalism.  Watch for the interaction between the actress who plays Cindy Lou Who (originally played by a nine-year-old Vanessa Hudgens) and the Grinch on the song "Santa for a Day."  If it doesn't melt your heart then you should consider auditioning for the part of the Grinch next year!

What to watch for – from Nick:

The story remains the same as we all remember it and I think you'll find that the sleigh ride down the mountain and into Whoville should be worth the price of admission.  Watch for the Dr. Seuss homage-of-a-set, courtesy of Palo Alto born John Lee Beatty which should give off that Whoville Christmas feel.  "You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch" is probably the most memorable song.  The amazing Thurl Ravenscroft sang it in the TV version. His deep baritone makes this an unforgettable tune and I'll be waiting to hear from you to see if the onstage version thrills just as much!

Grinchy/Holiday Things To Do In San Francisco –

Before you go out with the family to see this show you should get into the Who mood!  While still at home visit www.grinchmusical.com to print out some Grinchy games and coloring pages that will delight the kids.

Who-worthy Holiday Toys

Pop guns! And bicycles! Roller skates! Drums! Checkerboards! Tricycles! Popcorn! And plums! Okay, maybe not these Grinchy toys exactly but check out Kookle Toys (www.kookletoys.com) at 6 Clement Street for top-notch customer service and awesomely unique toys.

We don't think Dr. Seuss would mind if you took a quick trip to the Disney Store.  The one at 39 Stockton St. SF, 94108, is fantastic.

Restaurants

…He took the Whos' feast! He took the Who-pudding! He took the roast beast! Beat the Grinch at his own game by having delectable roast beast and Yorkshire Pudding at the House of Prime Rib (http://houseofprimerib.net/).  This San Francisco institution is a holiday favorite. The décor is done in traditional English style complete with cozy fireplaces and Christmas decorations.

Buca Di Beppo at 855 Howard St. SF, 94103 is a family-friendly, fun way to feast.  Loud, decorative and Italian.  Need we say more?

San Francisco-ville Christmas Happenings

She stared at the Grinch and said, "Santy Claus, why, "Why are you taking our Christmas tree? WHY?"  Get your fill of Christmas tree magic by visiting the 80 foot Macy's Christmas tree in Union Square.  You can sponsor a light on the tree for $5, and your donation goes to the UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital.

And while you're there enjoying the tree, circle around a few times on the outdoor ice rink (http://unionsquareicerink.com) then go visit Santa on the 7^th floor of the Macy's store. If you're really shy, you can write Santa a letter and drop it in the store's Believe Outpost.

The True Spirit of Christmas

"Maybe Christmas," he thought, "doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas... perhaps... means a little bit more!"

The Volunteer Center - Lend a holiday helping hand at the Volunteer Center serving San Francisco and San Mateo Counties.  They have special holiday opportunities at http://thevolunteercenter.net/.  Click on the Holiday Opportunity Guide in the Highlights section and get into the holiday spirit!

Food Runners - During this holiday season, it is easy to get so wrapped up in our own festivities and holiday dinners that we forget about the thousands of individuals who are unable to celebrate as we do.  Help Food Runners deliver food to the needy! www.foodrunners.org.

More things to see and do in San Francisco to celebrate the Holidays in Who-style!

The Sugar Palace in the lobby of the Westin St. Francis at 335 Powell St., Union Square - Made by Westin St. Francis Executive Pastry Chef Jean-Francois Houdré, the 12-foot Bordeaux chateau-style castle has dozens of towers and rooms and illuminated windows and is set amid a winter wonderland of silver sugar trees and stars and marzipan elves. The edible creation weighs more than 1,200 pounds and sits on a rotating platform.

The Gingerbread House at the Fairmont Hotel at 950 Mason St. - A 22-foot tall gingerbread house made with hundreds of pounds of candy and icing and buckets of smooth chocolate. Walk through and around it to appreciate its architecture.

Snow at the Hyatt Regency at 5 Embarcadero Center - Ooh and aah at the 45-foot tree and the streams of lights cascading down the 17-story lobby atrium. And bet on snow thrice daily (at 1, 6 and 8 pm) through New Year's Eve.

Holiday Trains at Fisher Children's Center, 2/F, at the San Francisco Public Library, 100 Larkin St.  Dec. 3 - Jan. 7 - Kids can push buttons to control toy-size versions of the Polar Express, Thomas the Tank Engine and the Hogwarts Express as they chug on tracks at San Francisco's main library.

From Hodges and Hodges, we wish you happy holidays and we hope to see you at the Golden Gate Theatre for How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

Begins December 21 through December 31^st

http://www.shnsf.com/shows/Grinch

Golden Gate Theatre

Running time: 1 hour and 20 minutes with no intermission

Photo courtesy of SHNSF.COM

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