The Chicago Theatre goes green this holiday season with a new production of Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas. The show will feature songs such as "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch" and "Welcome Christmas" from the classic animated special.
Max the Dog serves as the narrator to the tale of the Grinch attempting to rob Christmas from the small northern town of Whoville.
Tony Award winner Shuler Hensely leads the cast, and is ready to steal the show.
Windy City Times went behind the scenes at The Chicago Theatre with this statuesque character to hear more about this musical from the mean man himself.
Windy City Times: So what name do you go by?
Grinch: Grinch, The Grinch or Your Grinchness.
WCT: So no last name?
Grinch: Nope, like Madonna...
WCT: And Cher!
Grinch: RightCher, of course.
WCT: Why do you think this story is still popular today?
Grinch: Christmas is always a kid's favorite holiday. It is one of those classic ones. Grandma grew up with the book and their kids grew up with the cartoon so it something that is passed on from generation to generation.
WCT: What is the best part of being the Grinch?
Grinch: I get to steal everything. You better watch out!
WCT: I better be careful with my camera here. Sticky fingers, huh?
Grinch: Oh, you got a camera? [Goes through interviewer's bag]
WCT: What did Cindy Lou Who ever do to you?
Grinch: I love Cindy Lou. Well, maybe love is a strong word; she's not so bad. She makes my heart grow. She understands what Christmas is really about. Everyone else thinks it's about presents and all of that. No, it is about family, love, and all of that crap.
WCT: How often do you eat green eggs and ham?
Grinch: What day is it? Wednesday? So, never...
WCT: What is Dr. Seuss like in real life?
Grinch: A great guy. I have him over for poker every Tuesday night.
WCT: Do you have a love/hate relationship with Max?
Grinch: How long do you have? Max is the only one who can stand me. He almost smells as bad as I do.
He's my little buddy, I guess. He's my reindeer and pulls my sleigh.
WCT: Is there something in particular you really hate about Christmas? Maybe leaving up decorations for too long?
Grinch: I would say most of itthe wreaths, the trees, the snow, presents, wrappings, and trappings, and toys, ew. It is too much, man.
WCT: Why should people go see the live show as opposed to a cartoon?
Grinch: Live theater you are seeing things in the flesh with your eyeballs. It is right in your face and you are surrounded by music. You can see me and the Whos in person. There is something about going to the theater and making a night of it. There is something about it people really like.
WCT: What is your favorite song in the show?
Grinch: My song"One of a Kind"baby!
WCT: I remember it from the seeing the live show before?
Grinch: You saw it at the Cadillac Palace Theatre?
WCT: Yes.
Grinch: That was a good one.
WCT: What did you think of the Glee version where Jane Lynch played the Grinch?
Grinch: Oh, she played the Grinch? She tried to be me?
WCT: What would you tell people that haven't seen the show?
Grinch: Hopefully people have heard of my story. It is show for Grandma Who, Grandpa Who, Papa Who, and Mama Who. Every Who of all shapes and sizes and all ages. Everybody should come see it.
WCT: What do you do after the show is over?
Grinch: I just go back to my cave in Mount Crumpit and yell at Max all day.
It's a limited engagement as the Grinch runs away with Christmas Thursday, Nov. 20, through Saturday, Nov. 29, at The Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St. Tickets are $35-$125, and can be found by visiting www.thechicagotheatre.com/thegrinch or by calling 866-858-0008.