Feeling alienated and cranky this long Christmas season? That's quite all right; you don't need a reason. But you should ought to allow yourself a bit of good cheer, because we're facing down a stressful election year. So, muster your finances and forthwith buy the family tickets to Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical at the Smith.

Based on the beloved holiday story by Theodore Geisel, The Grinch hit Broadway in 2006 and has enjoyed several revivals. Mel Marvin and Timothy Mason adapted Geisel's words into song, and choreographer John DeLuca ensured no one put a foot wrong. Director Matt August and choreographer Bob Richard helm this iteration, keeping intact the songs and Mason's 2006 book, which proved such a sensation.

This Christmas story is familiar, timeless and smart; it's the same Grinch you know, with the undersized heart. But the music, costumes and performances will keep young and old rapt (and The New York Times also praises its "grand sets and clever stagecraft"). Fans of the 1966 animated special will have much to cheer; the Jim Carrey/Ron Howard version gets little love here. (I'm not mentioning the latest animated version, because all rhymes for "Benedict Cumberbatch" skew toward perversion.)

The show lights up Reynolds Hall from November 26 to December 1, and the Smith is also doing something so nice, it makes our hearts burst: a special performance of Grinch on November 30 for patrons with sensory sensitivities and other intellectual and developmental disabilities. This performance cuts out loud noises and bright lights, and "quiet areas" in the lobby will help calm all frights.

See, there's a Grinch musical for everyone; you have no good excuse to miss out on this fun. Tickets begin at $30, a bargain at the least; you'll have plenty left over to buy toys, lights and roast beast.

DR. SEUSS' HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! THE MUSICAL Through December 1, times vary, $30-$128. Smith Center's Reynolds Hall, 702-749-2000.