Cindy Lou Who Tells All

Who’s Holiday! – Theatre Wit

Director Christopher Pazdernik was the perfect choice for bringing this adults-only holiday comedy to the stage. He infuses this delicious production of Matthew Lombardo’s 2017 one-woman comedy with his continual over-the-top joie de vivre. And then, coupled with the incomparably talented Veronica Garza, how could this production go wrong? Ms Garza may be remembered as the well-deserved Jeff Award-winner for her portrayal of both skaters’ mothers in “Tony and Nancy.” This short, one-act is aimed at liberal-minded grownups who are in the mood for something a bit darker than “It’s a Wonderful Life.” For 65 minutes Cindy Lou will tell all.

Written as an unauthorized sequel to Dr. Seuss’ beloved holiday classic, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, the comedy stars the story’s winsome young heroine, Cindy Lou Who, who has grown up and is now a 40-year-old lush. She still speaks in that singsong rhyme you recognize from every Dr. Seuss book. But Cindy Lou now drinks incessantly, smokes a lot, swears a great deal, enjoys a hit or two off the bong, and lives in a tiny trailer up on Mount Crumpet. The poor woman’s been unfairly ostracized from her family and friends in Whoville, simply because after several years of being friends with the Grinch, she eventually married outside her species and even had his child. The rest of her life has been a tragic soap opera of prejudice, spousal abuse, an unwarranted murder conviction, a gruesome prison sentence and a daughter who has disowned her. This play reminds avid readers and theatergoers somewhat of David Sedaris’ “The Santaland Diaries,” but with a lot more bile.

The success of this show belongs exclusively to Garza and Pazdernik. They make a formidable, creative team. Veronica Garza is a powerhouse of a singer and a comic genius. The brilliant Christopher Pazdernik has guided his effervescent  actress to great heights in this piece, hilarious one minute and heartbreaking the next. Cindy Lou continually breaks the fourth wall by speaking directly to her audience, as if we’re all crammed inside her trailer. She even offers to share a drink with one audience member; then she passes out appetizers to another group of patrons. But, she warns us, we can’t stay very long because she’s expecting lots of guests for her holiday party, and we simply won’t all fit inside her home. Sadly, as the evening progresses, Cindy Lou receives excuse after excuse from each of her “friends” saying they won’t be able to make her soiree. But, just when poor Cindy Lou’s evening seems to be bleakest, a Christmas miracle takes place that enables us to leave the theatre with a warm glow.

Adding to the success and festive look of this show, Angela Weber Miller has designed a gloriously realistic trailer home for Cindy Lou Who. It’s festooned with all kinds of obnoxious, kitschy holiday decorations, and is well-stocked with booze and goodies, thanks to the props provided by Lonnae Hickman. Ms Garza’s two holiday ensembles and bizarre wig are as outrageous, gawdy and tasteless as one might expect, thanks to Uriel Gomez’s costume designs.
If you’re looking for an alternative to the typical holiday fare, look no further than this very funny, often poignant little vest pocket production. It’s passionately performed by one of Chicago’s comedic geniuses and carefully guided with panache and brought to life by an excellent, committed director. After a touching sing-along with Cindy Lou, audiences will leave the theatre with a glow in their hearts that, like the Grinch, will have grown three sizes.

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented November 29-December 26 by Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Avenue, Chicago.

Tickets are available in person at the box office, by calling (773)975-8150 or by going to www.theaterwit.org.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.