Arviat (Dec 22/03) - The Grinch may have been a menace to Whoville, but he was a winner in Arviat.

The Qitiqliq secondary school music and drama club presented How the Grinch Stole Christmas at the school on Dec. 10 and 11.

The Grinch was the most progressive production tackled by the club to date.

The show featured a cast of more than 50 students, with David Manilak and John Aglukark as the Grinch.

Narrated by Natasha Tattuinee, the production also featured double casting in the featured roles of Stu Who (Harry Manilak and Joshua Owlijoot), Cindy Lou Who (Oopik Aglukark and Sarah Akilak), Max the Dog (Thomas Uppahuak and B.J. Kaayak), Bongo (Albert Napayok and Patrick Sulurayok), Pongo (Amanda Owlijoot and Esther Owlijoot) and the Pudding Villager (Karen Aglukark and Elizabeth McClintock).

Amber Tagalik starred as Sue Who, while Gideon Aliktiluk portrayed Lou Who and Sunny Evalaokjuk played the Roast Beast Villager.

Elisapee Muckpah starred as the Dessert Villager, April Ussak as the Pizza Villager and Eugene Shamee as the real Santa Claus.

Director Gord Billard said the show was the club's biggest venture into comedy.

He said the play was also the most ambitious, with its demanding sets and lighting.

"There was a lot of improv in this production, which almost bordered on slapstick," said Billard.

"The script was followed, but the kids added a lot of things physically and with their facial expressions. In fact, it's amazing how far our young actors have come with the physicality of their performances on stage."

A memorable performance

Billard said local audiences roared with laughter throughout every performance of the Grinch.

He said the level of acting and the impressive set combined to produce a memorable performance. "Bob Leonard and his crew did the scaffolding and the steps we needed to build Mount Crumpet.

"After that, my stage crew and I dressed the mountain and took care of the lighting.

"We started painting sets five weeks before the show and that's something we don't usually do until the week or two before."