The Artist Series is proud to present the Jacksonville premiere of Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical at the Times-Union Center’s Moran Theater. Hailed by The New York Times as “100 times better than any bedside story,” this classic holiday musical will enchant adults and children alike.
Most notably were the little stars of the show–Cindy Lou Who and Annie Who, played by Rachel Katzke and Stephanie Ticas–4th and 5th graders who are now touring across the country. Rachel and Stephanie rehearsed for two weeks in NYC before heading out on tour. They have performed in Worcester, MA, Detroit, MI, Appleton, WI, Columbus OH and will be in Orlando and Fort Lauderdale after their run here in Jacksonville. They perform four to five times per week and have about four hours of school time per week with help from a tutor who travels with them from city to city.
It’s hard to imagine how such young actors can handle the stress of performing in theaters that have capacities up to 5,000 people, in one of the most well-known, classic Christmas shows.
I recently spoke with Rachel’s mom, Jessica Freedman Katzke, about how she feels about Rachel’s newfound stardom. Rachel is playing Cindy Lou Who, who sings the showcase ballad, ‘Santa For a Day’, which is what helps transform the Grinch from a “mean one” to a kind hearted person.
Rachel started acting, singing and dancing just over two years ago. After her first youth theater performance, she walked off the stage and said, “that was the best day of my life.” We knew then she had found her passion.
This is Rachel’s first lead role in a Broadway National Tour. I asked Jessica, as a fellow mom, how she feels about seeing her daughter on such a big stage.
When she was younger, I would get nervous before every “performance” even if she was doing something simple like performing in a violin recital at the age of six. Because of the extensive rehearsal process and the evolution of her “career” as a performer, I don’t get nervous for her performances as Cindy Lou. I know she has the skills and confidence to do a great job and to improvise if necessary! There is no greater gift than watching your child on stage doing what she loves in front of thousands of people.
I can only imagine the pride that Jessica must feel when she see’s Rachel perform.
I am most proud of Rachel’s perseverance and dedication. In this industry, rejections are inevitable and over the past year Rachel has had several very challenging hurdles. Rachel is learning life lessons that one can only gain in the “real world.” For example, last spring she was in the final call backs for Matilda on Broadway and was not cast. This was very difficult for us as parents and for Rachel as well since she had worked so hard and had done a great job in auditions. However, Rachel kept going and practicing; she would have never been cast as Cindy Lou Who, a role that suits her perfectly, if she had gotten Matilda.
With parents so encouraging and an amazing natural talent, this young star is going places. I also had the chance to ask Miss Rachel a few questions. I really wanted to know her favorite part of the show she is currently starring in.
My favorite part of Grinch is when I warm the Grinch’s heart and help him to see that being mean is not a very good way of living.
Becoming Cindy Lou involves a lot hard work and preparation. Rachel says,
Before rehearsals started, I memorize all of my lines and songs. Then we rehearsed for two weeks in New York City and had three days of tech rehearsals in Worcester, Massachusetts before starting performances. We rehearsed all of our songs, dances and scenes.
My six-year-old son Brendan and I were swept away last night–all the way to Whoville, as the Grinch made his way across the stage. This was his first experience in the theater and we were both very much enchanted, especially by little Cindy Lou, who stole the show.
Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical at the Times-Union Center’s Moran Theater runs through December 6th and there are still seats available. Rachel Katzke will be performing on December 5th at the 7pm show and December 6th at the 4pm show. There are additional dates times to choose from as well.
This is such a wonderful show for the entire family. Get your tickets here!
Thank you to the Katzke’s for allowing me to see Rachel perform and ask questions for this piece!
