'The HipHop Grinch' tells a different side of a classic story

Partners Mike Brown and Jordan Sprueill collaborated to write, produce and direct an original musical, The HipHop Grinch, which premieres at 6 p.m. Dec. 9 at Fort Dorchester High School at 6 p.m.

“This is a perspective of the Grinch that you’ve never heard before,” Sprueill told the Charleston City Paper. “We only know about him being isolated and apart from his community, but we never really understand the depth of it and why he is so hurt. This musical actually approaches that story from a church hurt perspective.”

“Church hurt” is a term referencing the pain, sadness and emotional scarring experienced in a church context — Sprueill said she and Brown both have strong backgrounds in church and ministry and have witnessed firsthand how the church can sometimes make people feel isolated or ostracized.

“So this is really a reconciliation story, bringing people back together for the holidays, understanding that Christmas isn’t just about the gifts. The Grinch is isolated for being different. And so in this musical, we explore that lens and celebrate our differences.”

The story is based on the classic Dr. Seuss tale we all know and love — but with a musical twist.

“It’s set in the town of Groovesville rather than Whoville. Everybody in the town is fascinated with their talents and their gifts, the way they look and how fashionable they are, rather than what’s going on in the heart,” Sprueill said.

Making a musical

The show is two years in the making for the creative couple. Brown is a musician who won City Paper’s 2020 Soul/R&B Artist of the Year and a newly elected city of North Charleston councilman. Sprueill, the associate curator for contemporary initiatives at the Gibbes Museum of Art, has a background in musical theater.

“We started writing it two years ago,” Sprueill said. “Mike was making a Grinch Christmas album. And I [thought] we have to do way more with this. So we started writing it into a musical, and then this summer we put out the casting call and began doing auditions and rehearsals.”

The production features talent from all over the state, including Brown as the Grinch and Sprueill as “Martha Slay.” The Grinch’s dog Max is instead his best friend, played by Isaiah White. Nelson Gibson Junior, a gospel recording artist, will portray Reverend Brew. The show was choreographed by Charleston native and dance instructor Demetria McNeal. The cast includes Ashley Hale, Tommy Brown, Lafaye Benton, Rapper RDotta, the rap group Twin Flame and more.

“With such a diverse cast, there will also be a diverse sound,” Sprueill said. The musical influences for the show include hip-hop, R&B, jazz, rock and gospel.

Sprueill and Brown have funded the musical independently, making costumes from thrifted clothing and using scrap materials to build and paint sets.

“We’re just really trying to show the young people involved in this production that it’s possible without having the resources to just go for your dreams,” Sprueill said. “The kids involved in this musical, they didn’t pay a dime, but they’ve gotten the most professional training that they’ve ever had. A lot of these kids are getting the opportunity to perform on a stage like this, which they’ve never done before, for free.

“This is so much more than just an entertaining musical. The storyline will truly change lives and really bring reconciliation to people who have once felt isolated.”

For now, the production is one night only with tickets starting at $25. But Sprueill said she and Brown would love to bring the musical or an abbreviated version to additional interested venues.

“We are still on the lookout to perform at churches or pop-up events. We would love to find some more places to perform this over the holidays.”