At the Vintage Theatre, Jenny Mather portrays a grown Cindy Lou Who
Is it possible that little Cindy Lou Who from How the Grinch Stole Christmas has ended up on the wrong side of the tracks? In 60 mind-blowing minutes, all is revealed at the Vintage Theatre Cabaret Stage turned trailer park.
Who’s Holiday! has been brought back to life for the second year at Vintage, much to the pleasure of all Dr. Seuss fans — and even those who aren’t. In this high-energy, one-person show, we are treated to the real story behind wide-eyed Little Cindy Lou Who and her relationship with the evil Mr. Grinch. It is a juicy tale to be told.
It is Christmas Eve in the “snowy hills of Mount Crumpit.” Cindy Lou Who is entertaining tonight and while waiting for her guests to arrive (or not!) she invites the audience in for holiday cheer and then some. She fills the hour with her stories, songs and even a bong hit.
This memorable performance features Jenny Mather as Cindy Lou Who. For a solid hour, Mather has the audience eating out of her hand. The dialogue in Matthew Lombardo’s script rhymes in true Dr. Seuss fashion from start to finish. This is an incredible feat to watch as Ms. Mather never misses a beat. Also included are improvisational moments featuring blindsided audience members, some of whom are brought on stage. Mather masterfully improvises with the surprised guests much to the delight of those in attendance. The actor has the uncanny ability to convey both pathos and cautious optimism simultaneously. A truly gifted performer, Mather is in top form and does not disappoint.
Photo: RDG Photography
Directed by Heather Frost, the staging is swift and clean. The Cabaret Stage at the Vintage Theater is compact, but Frost makes good use of the space she has. The show’s pacing is extreme, with Frost giving Mather what appears to free rein over the course of the show. However, a performance such as this wouldn’t work unless there had been a tight ship built around the director’s touch. Who’s Holiday! also had an improv coach (Leanne Jewell) making the unscripted portions of the performance by Mather spot-on and seamless.
A special shout-out goes to the scenic design and costume designer. The set, attributed to “Theodor Geisel,” is a perfect representation of what might be considered trailer park trash. It is a true reflection of our heroine and how one might envision her current living situation. The costuming by Sloane Crazybear evokes the image of our leading lady clinging to her youth with somewhat revealing outfits.
Matthew Lombardo has scripted a winning play. Although there is an underlying darkness to the story, there is also hope and glimmers of Christmas joy. When Cindy Lou Who leads the audience in a sing-along even the most hardened hearts melt.
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