THE GRINCH

THE GRINCH WHO STOLE CHRISTMAS (by DR SEUSS’)

Adapted from www.grammarmancomic.com by Brian Boyd.

RECOMMENDED AGE GROUP: LEVEL 1

CHARACTERS

Narrator 1,2,3,

Who 1,2,3,4,5,6,7

Grinch: is a mean monster who wants to destroy Christmas and happiness. At the end of the play he turns into a better monster, finding the happiness inside himself.

SYNOPSIS (SIMPLE STORY OUTLINE)

The Whos live in Whoville. Whoville is a happy town, they love Christmas and presents and Christmas trees and Christmas cakes… EVERYTHING!

But there is a monster in the town. He is called The Grinch. The Grinch is mean and miserable. He is green and ugly and he hates Christmas. He wants to destroy everything in the town. He doesn’t want Christmas anymore.

In Whoville it is time for bed. Everybody is very excited with tomorrow. The presents, the cake, the tree, everything is ready for Christmas day. When the Whos are asleep the Grinch comes and stoles everything, putting it in a huge brown bag. The next morning the children wake up very excited. They want the presents and the cake. But there is nothing in the houses. Not even a Christmas tree! Christmas is vanished!

The Grinch is so happy and bursting in laughter. But, what is happening? The whos are happy, they hug each other saying Merry Christmas and they start singing Christmas carols. The Grinch can’t believe it. He feels so angry! But then something starts melting inside himself, it is his heart! He is feeling his heart grow bigger and bigger, full of Christmas joy. He wants to sing with the Whos and share their happiness. He approaches the town and the Whos ask him to join them. They go on singing all together and the Grinch for the first time in his life feels relieved. He returns all the stolen items to their owners and they celebrate Christmas like a big family, the Who’s family.

CHARACTER OBJECTIVES (WHAT DOES EACH CHARACTER WANT?)

The Whos want to live together and enjoy Christmas time, but they have forgot about the Grinch, being selfish. When the Grinch stole their stuff, they realized that they can’t celebrate Christmas without him.

The Grinch wants to destroy Christmas but deep inside himself, he wants to come back to town and share Christmas time with the Whos. He wants to be part of the big family.

SCENES

SCENE 1

Music: Christmas carols. Everybody is arranging everything for Christmas. Happiness all around. Some Whos are decorating the Christmas tree and others are cooking.

SCENE 2

The Whos wake up and realize that everything has disappeared. They seem puzzled, but quickly some of them start singing and hugging each other, showing that this is the Christmas objective: sharing and being happy with your family.

Music: we wish you a merry Christmas with everybody singing together.

ADDITIONAL/RELEVANT INFORMATION

Introduce the vocabulary first thorough flashcards and then show the Grinch cartoon. Once they are familiar with the story introduce the script, allot the roles and begin rehearsing. You’ll need to teach and practice the song in conjunction with learning the play.