I've done a fully staged 20 minute version similar to the movie. It's okay, but the kids are trying so hard to imitate Jim Carey and the other people in the movie, that it felt kind of "cold."
However, the most successful versions I've done (and seen from other groups) is a straight-up Reader's Theatre version of the text as written by Dr. Seuss. I'd suggest:
2 or 3 narrators. They can play it simply as themselves or as characters (i.e., Santa and Mrs. Clause, Story Telling Elves, snooty College Professors, etc.). You can have them read from the script on music stands or have them memorize their lines.
These folks will then "act out" the story. No props or furniture are needed. Mime skills will be required.
1 Grinch - your best physical actor who will also speak all of the Grinch's lines (best if memorized). Try using just a simple green shirt and dark pants. If he/she is good enough, an elaborate (and expensive) Grinch Costume won't be necessary. However I've found that using a simple Santa Coat and Hat is very useful and fun. Also, you won't need green make up - just have the actor constantly grimace and move in a "Grinchy" manner.
1 actor to play Max and Cindy Lou Who (simple wigs, dog ears, and antlers that can be quickly changed as needed).
This is a fun way to fill a 5-10 minute spot as needed.
Break a leg!
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Josh Ruben
Fine Arts Head, Northwest Whitfield
Chattanooga TN
Original Message:
Sent: 11-12-2015 07:28
From: Karen Schwartz
Subject: How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Our students are putting on a couple 5 minute skits for a show and would like one of them to be The Grinch. Has anyone done a scene from this, and if so, which one/section/part did you pick? Costuming ideas would be appreciated too - need quick changes and fairly simple make up as its a variety show and kids are in multiple acts.
Thanks,
Karen S
Marietta, GA
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