program notes by composition > H > How the Grinch Stole Christmas
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Albert Hague, Eugene Poddany, arr. Larry Clark
How the Grinch Stole Christmas began in 1957 as an illustrated children's book by Theodor "Dr. Seuss" Geisel (1904 – 1991). The story has been told in an animated TV special (1966) with memorable bass vocal by Thurl Ravenscroft, the voice of Tony the Tiger; in a musical (1994); and in a movie (2000). This medley includes “Welcome Christmas” and “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch.”
The Grinch is a grumpy, green, vengeful hermit-like creature who hates the thought of the nearby Whos of Whoville happily celebrating Christmas. Disguised as Santa Claus, with his dog made to look like a reindeer, the Grinch raids the village to steal their Christmas things. He expects the Whos to become sad and bitter, but they remain joyful. When he realizes that Christmas is more than just presents, his shrunken heart grows three sizes larger. He reforms and joins the Whos' feast where he carves the roast beast.
Composer Albert Hague (1920 – 2001) was a German-born songwriter, composer and actor. He wrote four Broadway musicals in addition to Grinch and played Benjamin Shorofsky, the music teacher, in the TV series Fame .
Last updated on December 6, 2018 by Palatine Concert Band
