Theater Wit: Who’s Holiday Review
Veronica Garza as Cindy-Lou Who
Theater Wit Presents WHO’S HOLIDAY - A Crass and Heartfelt Holiday Tradition
TLDR: Ever wonder what happened after the Grinch returned all the presents and Christmas trees in Whoville that fateful Christmas Day? In Who’s Holiday, Veronica Garza returns to give her tale as grown-up Cindy-Lou Who and lets us know what happened next in this R-rated, short and sweet holiday show.
Veronica Garza as Cindy-Lou Who
Theater Wit Brings Back a new Holiday Classic
She’s baaaaaccckkkk. Not only does Who’s Holiday return for a fourth year at Theater Wit, but it returns starring leading lady, Veronica Garza, as grown-up Cinday-Lou Who. Gone are the pink onesie pajamas the three-year-old wore when she met the Grinch that fateful Christmas Eve. Instead, we’re welcomed to a holiday party hosted by the 40-year old Cindy. She hurries into her mobile home (the singular setting for our time here in Whoville) arms laden with Christmas packages and a festive headband decked out with little bows and presents atop her head. She whips off her cloak and reveals a holiday dress printed with bells, garland, and ornaments complete with black and gold reindeer leggings.
The mobile home looks like Christmas threw up inside with a silver tree overloaded with ornaments, candy canes on the walls, and tons of lights and garland hung across the ceiling. Outside of the cozy interior, lots of light-up lawn Christmas decorations dot Cindy’s yard. Sparkly snowflakes dangle from the ceiling and the cliffs of Mount Crumpit rise in the background with the signature Seuss curls.
Anybody Need a Shot of Malort?
As Garza prepares for her holiday party, she starts by making herself a VERY strong drink, garnished with a candy cane. Then as the ever gracious host, she steps out into her yard and offers one to an audience member as well (only the finest Chicago delicacy, a nice shot of Malort). She pulls the hors d'oeuvres out of the oven and also offers a few pigs in a blanket to audience members as well.
In between these audience interactions and waiting for her other guests to arrive, we get the tale of Cindy growing up with the Grinch, how their relationship developed, and how it led to where she is now all delivered in Seuss-ian rhymes.
If the shot of Malort wasn’t enough to let you know this show has adult content, the bong rips, hip thrusts, and dick jokes might also clue you in. It’s a fun juxtaposition with the Seuss inspired dialogue. Garza plays her aging Cindy trying to keep things cheerful, even when things aren’t going according to plan.
Veronica Garza as Cindy-Lou Who
The After Party Thoughts
As we were exiting the theater, I couldn’t help overhear a fellow audience member exclaim, we should go see this every year! That in addition to the boatloads of laughter coming from the 3 o’clock matinee crowd goes to show that Who’s Holiday is on its way to becoming a holiday staple here in Chicago. Though it’s the same story as previous years, we still get the laughs at the crude jokes, imagination for what comes next in a classic Dr. Seuss story, and ends with a touching moment of Christmas cheer.
For those that are looking for a family-friendly holiday show or expect a lighthearted Dr. Seuss tale, this show would not be a good fit for you. However, if you’re looking for a short and sweet adult evening out to a holiday show, Who’s Holiday is the perfect fit.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Veronica Garza as Cindy-Lou Who
When
Now through December 29, 2024
Where
Theater Wit
1229 W. Belmont Ave.
Chicago, IL 60657
Run Time: 65 minutes, no intermission
Tickets
$15+
Tickets can be purchased through the Theater Wit website
Photos
Charles Osgood
CAST
Cindy-Lou Who: Veronica Garza
Understudy: Jenna Schoppe
CREATIVE
Book: Matthew Lombardo
Director: Christopher Pazdernik
Scenic Design: Angela Weber Miller
Lighting Design: Shelley Strasser
Lighting Assistant: Ellie Fay
Costume Design: Uriel Gómez
Properties Design: Lonnae Hickman
Sound and Production Manager: Matthew R. Chase
Stage Manager: Wendye Clarendon
Audience Design Manager: Noelle Harrison
Assistant Stage Manager: Lucy Elkin
Technical Director: Nicholas Peebles
Master Electrician: Nick Chamernik