Even the Grinch can't steal this Christmas production

For more than three decades, the How the Grinch Stole Christmas animation has been a staple of the holiday season. Based on the book by Dr. Seuss and narrated by Boris Karloff, it has enchanted millions of children and more than a few adults.

With this kind of drawing power, it’s no wonder the St. Albert Singers and the St. Albert Youth Musical Association are borrowing some of the elements and adding their own local spin to A Very Grinchy Christmas running at the Jubilee Auditorium on Saturday, Dec. 3.

Music director Criselda Mierau has hired two of Edmonton’s top draws. Tim Anderson, the singers’ tried and true master of ceremonies, is featured as the Grinch, and CityTV reporter Bridget Ryan stars as a grown up Cindy Lou Who.

“Tim will make a great Grinch. He’s got such a pliable face. It’s amazing what he does with his character. He’s so over-the-top,” says Mierau. “And Bridget is the perfect Cindy Lou. She has this great spark. She’s fun, energetic and passionate – all the qualities that make a great Cindy Lou.”

Rounding out the celebrity index is St. Albert’s own mayor, Nolan Crouse as the Mayor of Whoville.

“He gets the big line at the end – ‘Christmas doesn’t come from a store. Christmas is a little bit more.’ ”

The two-hour concert blends a combination of Grinch lore and traditional works. Borrowed from the Karloff-voiced flick is Welcome Christmas and You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch.

Ryan sings a solo of Where Are You Christmas, a tune Faith Hill originally recorded and was popularized by the rubber-faced Jim Carrey.

Also added to the roster is Simple Gifts, a familiar number based on a Shaker hymn.

“It’s really the crux of the show.”

Opening the concert is a series of nostalgic traditionals that include I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus, That’s What I Want for Christmas and Seven Feet of Snow.

Adding a touch of humour is the St. Albert Youth Singers performing the fast-paced Dinner Bell Carol, a three-part harmony of voices rushing to get dinner ready as plates crash and dogs bark.

The Women’s Ensemble jazzes up The Sound of Music’s My Favourite Things while the Mixed Adult Choir blends cleverness with comedy in The Lesser Joys of Christmas.

In essence, this concert is about exploring the true meaning of Christmas says Mierau.

“You don’t have to buy gifts for everyone on the block. There’s no way getting away from our consumer world, but maybe it can be diminished and we can think of simpler things.”