On Friday night my sister and I were chatting about life.
We were in the lobby at the Children’s Theatre Company waiting to find our seats for the annual production of Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, This was an extra special night as it was one of the first times that she had spent time with Hannah and I was glowing.
As anyone who has presented as their gender identity with a loved one can tell you, it was a very affirming moment.
I was feeling content, the week was rather pleasant and had wrapped up without too many fires at work. I was looking forward to the play, especially since it would be the fourth(?) time I would see it. Although it was a fine week, my sister and I shared our frustrations with other aspects of our worlds. Finances, home repairs, our mom’s health… Things were weighing on us.
We chatted about the holidays and my sister just wasn’t feeling it. I mean, I get it. This year is speeding by but the days feel so long. Sometime in June I blinked and suddenly it’s November. The winter holidays are approaching.
Feeling a little punchy I told my sister that if she was needing some holiday spirit she was exactly where she needed to be. Perhaps her own heart would grow three sizes this evening as well, I suggested, in the annoying way that only an older sibling can do.
She laughed but with the laughter of one who was not in the mood to be cheered up. Is there anything more irritating than feeling discouraged when someone else is in a good mood?
We found our seats and the familiar, comforting mountain cave, covered in show, sitting reassuring on the stage. I knew who lived in the cave, we all did.
The last time I was CTC I saw a play about family tradition during the coldest months of the year. If there is anything more comforting than a holiday tradition I haven’t experienced it. I am very happy that my holiday season begins with a snarky and charismatic Grinch.
And what a Grinch. My goodness does Reed Sigmund just exude menace, danger, and silliness. I’ve seen him play characters such as the Cowardly Lion and pirates and others and I really think he could slip into any role he wanted. After five years of seeing him play the same character you’d think that his performance would lost it’s appeal but he is just so good at everything he does that you can’t keep your eyes away. His improv and hamming it up with the audience is just delightful. This is an actor who plays to the audience.
The other key cast members include Matea Córdova Stuart (Cindy-Lou Who), Luciana Erika Mayer (Young Max) and Dean Holt (Old Max) return and honestly it wouldn’t feel like Who-Ville without them, The ensemble is filled with familiar faces from previous years adding to the comfortable and reassuring feeling that one needs during the coldest and darkest months of the year.
As the house lights came on during intermission I asked my sister if she was feeling a little more of the holiday spirit and it was a genuine and sincere smile this time. I mean, of course the play worked. The Grinch isn’t the only one who gets won over each and every night.
I know I talk about the magic that the CTC creates often, but it’s true. The magic isn’t contained to the stage, it’s a stirring in your heart that you take home with you. It’s a shift in your soul that lasts as long as you let it. It’s seeing what people, real humans, can create with their hands and imagination. It’s an art form that breaks from the cold and cruelty of artificial intelligence. What you see on the stage is pure sincerity. People who believe in the story, people who believe in their work and talent, people committed to making you FEEL.
I am thankful to see every show at CTC. Not only because I get to see top quality performances and sets, but because of the sheer joy I experience when I am there. Every few weeks I am reminded that what is on that stage will always be crafted by people who love what they do. It’s easy to feel jaded, especially during the holiday season as we get older, but the Whos and the Grinch bring back that wonder we grew up with, even though the magic has changed. The holiday magic isn’t Santa and elves, it’s the holiday magic that is created by practical effects, hard work, talent, creativity, and sincerity.
It’s not such a bleak world after all.
The Grinch runs through January 3rd.
Thank you to CTC for all you do. Thank you for the invitation. I am already excited for next year.
Love, Hannah
