It wouldn’t be a holiday season without the Whos of Whoville, but who would have thought that the Whos could be so judgy and mean when it comes to affairs of the heart? On the eve of Christmas we find ourselves on the outskirts of Whoville in none other than 40-year-old Cindy Lou Who’s trailer park home. Bedecked in holiday garb, reeking of booze and beyond, and simmering with rage, little miss Cindy Lou Who (played by Veronica Garza) isn’t so innocent any more and she is ready to party away her feelings. Theater Wit brings back Who’s Holiday for the fourth year in a row and thank God they did because this holiday season needs some gritty bravado and who other to spread a fuck-it kind of cheer than Veronica Garza as our favorite not-so-little any more Who.
Written by Matthew Lombardo and directed by Christopher Pazdernik, Theater Wit has staged holiday depression with perfection thanks to scenic designer Angela Weber Miller. Surrounded with tackiness and kitsch, Cindy Lou Who busts into her front door and encounters the audience. Welcoming us all into the room, dropping bags and mixing drinks, the party begins before her real guests even arrive. But as the time wears on, guests never appear, and instead neighborhood pranks rattle the windows, doors and Cindy’s nerves. But as the alcohol is swilled, the truth of her current state spools from her lips and we hear how the grinch stole more than just the Whos' gifts, but Cindy’s innocence, heart and will to give a shit about his slobbish ways.
Boldly facing all that ails her head on, her unhinged laughter grows at each regret delivered. She rehashes her fate, all the while attempting to keep the seams of her soul tied tight with pills and pot and undiluted cocktails. Her reactions mimic what we wish we could set free, a sob, a giggle, another slurp and all will be okay. Who’s Holiday is a gutsy one-woman show that is both hilarious and heart-breaking in the best of ways. No hold backs, no rules, and no shame, Who’s Holiday boldly delivers festive raunch and gets us all catching feelings despite the lack of decorum.
Who’s Holiday is the only show that should be on your roster this ultra-stacked holiday season. Raunchy, hilarious, and shatteringly honest, you won’t even care that a tear sneaked out. Your heart will grow three sizes and you will face the chill outside, emboldened, brightened, and ready for what comes underneath that tree and into the new year.
Whose Holiday is running until December 29 at Theater Wit, 1229 W Belmont Ave. Running time is 65 minutes. For tickets and more information, visit www.theaterwit.org.
This review was previously posted on Busking at the Seams, the author's website.
For more information on this and other productions, see theatreinchicago.com.
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