The Kimmel Center’s Broadway Philadelphia 2018-19 season is proud to present the Philadelphia premiere of Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical at the Merriam Theater from December 19 to December 29, 2018. Hailed by The New York Times as “100 times better than any bedtime story,” this classic holiday musical will enchant adults and children alike!
“The holidays would not be complete without a visit to the mean old Grinch and those Whos from Whoville,” said Anne Ewers, President and CEO of the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. “Not only is this a show the entire family can enjoy during this season of togetherness, but we are excited to be presenting our first sensory-friendly performance during this run, an invitation for all arts-lovers to experience this holiday classic in an inclusive manner.”
The Grinch broke box office records for two consecutive years on Broadway during its holiday engagements at the St. James and Hilton theaters. More than 2.1 million theater-goers across America have been delighted by this heartwarming holiday musical, which the Gannett papers hailed as “A genius of a show! A total delight for both kids and adults.”
Audiences will discover the magic of Dr. Seuss’ classic holiday tale as it comes to life live on stage. Featuring the hit songs “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas,” The Grinch discovers there’s more to Christmas than he bargained for in this holiday classic. Max the Dog narrates as the mean and scheming Grinch, whose heart is “two sizes too small,” decides to steal Christmas away from the holiday-loving Whos.
Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical features magnificent sets designed by John Lee Beatty and costumes designed by Robert Morgan, inspired by Dr. Seuss’ original book. Mel Marvin and Timothy Mason’s music and book breathe new life into this timeless story. The 2018 production is directed by Matt August and choreographed by Bob Richard, based on the original choreography by John DeLuca and originally created by three-time Tony Award®-winning director, Jack O’Brien. For additional information on the production, please visit www.GrinchMusical.com.
Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical will be the first ever Broadway Philadelphia sensory-friendly performance – taking place at the Merriam Theater on Saturday, December 22, 2018 at 11 a.m. The tour has presented past sensory-friendly performances, beginning at The Old Globe in San Diego, its premier theater. In partnership with ArtReach, this presentation embraces individuals with sensory sensitivities, communication differences, and those with autism spectrum disorders by creating a safe and inclusive environment. Theater adjustments include designated quiet areas, as well as relaxed house rules, allowing individuals permission to move around during the performance. Talking and reacting among guests is unrestricted, and outside sensory-friendly stress relief devices are welcome. Sensory-friendly kits are available regularly to all guests on the Kimmel Center Cultural Campus and can be reserved on a first come, first serve basis by contacting Patron Services at 215-893-1999. Kits are equipped with noise-cancelling headphones, weighted bean bags, and fidget toys.
DR. SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! THE MUSICAL
Merriam Theater on the Kimmel Center Cultural Campus
Wednesday, December 19, 2018 at 7:00 pm
Thursday, December 20, 2018 at 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm
Friday, December 21, 2018 at 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm
Saturday, December 22, 2018 at 11:00 am (Sensory-friendly performance), 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm
Sunday, December 23, 2018 at 11:00 am, 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm
Monday, December 24, 2018 at 2:00 pm
Wednesday, December 26, 2018 at 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm
Thursday, December 27, 2018 at 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm
Friday, December 28, 2018 at 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm
Saturday, December 29, 2018 at 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm
Tickets
Tickets are on sale now and start at $45.00. Tickets can be purchased by calling (215) 893-1999, visiting www.kimmelcenter.org, or at the Kimmel Center Box Office. Group sales are available for groups of 10 or more and can be purchased by calling (215) 790-5883. More information at www.kimmelcenter.org.
