We’ve officially arrived at “A Frank’s Christmas” 2025! This year marks the 26th all-original Christmas production created by Frank Hermans and the Let Me Be Frank crew. I caught the show during its second performance on Saturday, November 29th — with many more to come throughout December.
So what’s this show all about?
Every Christmas in Whoville is special, that much is true. It has been years since Tom Grinch stole Christmas from The Who’s. The Who’s and The What’s have been living in harmony ever since, but could that change this Christmas? Frank Who and his family have rented the other side of Mayor What’s “Whoplex.” When a government shutdown freezes Frank Who’s postman salary and he worries about making rent, the holiday spirit takes a turn for the worse. Toss in Amy Who’s Christmas decorating plans, a dramatic Tom Grinch, and a dinner invitation that no one saw coming – and you’ve got one unforgettable Christmas Eve in Whoville! Packed with laughs, your favorite Christmas tunes, and plenty of heart, The Who’s vs. The What’s is Whoville like you’ve never seen it before.
Costumes & Makeup
Before I even arrived, I knew we were in for a treat. Frank’s social media teases made it clear the cast was working with prosthetics and makeup wizardry from Lance Williams and Lori Vandenberg — and they nailed it. From upturned button noses and rosy cheeks to glittering wigs and larger-than-life silhouettes, the cast fully embodied the Whoville aesthetic. The costumes were joyful, colorful, and wonderfully over-the-top.
The Set: Color, Whimsy, and… That Who-Cake
This backdrop was one of the brightest and most vibrant sets I’ve ever seen at a Frank’s show. Every detail felt intentional — the props, the whimsical trinkets, the quirky furniture. And that giant Who-Cake? It practically stole the show. From the second the curtain opened, you were instantly transported to Whoville. Even the band, decked out as Thing 1, 2, and 3, became part of the spectacle.
Snappy Pacing & Split-Stage Magic
One thing that stood out this year was the pacing. The show felt extra snappy, with an energy that bounced playfully from line to line and song to song. The split stage — flipping between the Who’s and the What’s, sometimes mid-sentence — added a fun, rhythmic momentum. It kept the story moving and the audience engaged from start to finish.
A Holiday Playlist for Everyone
“A Frank’s Christmas” is an annual tradition for many, especially for fans of the show’s festive music. This year’s setlist offered an excellent mix of timeless classics and modern holiday hits. From “Silent Night” to Sia’s “Candy Cane Lane,” the balance felt fresh and fun.
And before the show even truly began, we were treated to a special moment: Frank and Amy’s youngest children, Jack (12) and Vivian (10) singing “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” Their performance was lovely — and yes, the theater genes run strong. This pre-show treat will be featured on Fridays and Saturdays.
Standout Moments
So many performances shined, but here were a few highlights:
- Tom Verbrick opening the show with “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch.” His voice is made for that song. Those low notes!
- Paul as the Mayor’s son — a charming nod to the Cowardly Lion. His “Silent Night,” especially the a cappella section, showed off his warm lower register.
- Pat’s “Better Do It Right.” I’d never heard the song before, but Pat made it unforgettable. Plus, Ross Loining’s lighting — those five bright spotlights pulsing with the beat — elevated the whole moment.
- Lisa’s teenage Cindy Lou Who. A fun twist on the character, and her “Candy Cane Lane” was both visually adorable and vocally impressive.
- Sarah and the stretchy pants number. An absolute bop — what a way to end Act I!
- The annual Act II band feature. A beloved tradition, and this year did not disappoint. Even in wild blue Thing wigs, John Singer, Andrew Klaus, Pat Hibbard, and Tony Pilz rocked the house.
- Frank’s “Last Christmas.” He brought a fresh, playful energy — green eggs and Wham absolutely worked.
- The entire cast singing “Welcome Christmas” with candlelight was lovely and the way Kelly Klaus mixed all the voices together made the song one to remember.
- Amy’s “Christmas Don’t Be Late.” She transformed it into something touching and beautifully delivered. And ending the show with “Christmas Isn’t Canceled, Just You” – WOW! What a song to show off her vocal prowess!
Final Thoughts
If you’re like me and eagerly await what Let Me Be Frank Productions has up their sleeve each November and December, this year’s trip to Whoville will not disappoint. With its cartoony characters, dazzling costumes, vibrant sets, beloved holiday tunes, and an endearing story about family and community, “A Frank’s Christmas” 2025 is full of spirit and joy.
Head to the Meyer Theatre and enjoy a tradition that somehow gets better every single year.
The show features: Amy Riemer (as Amy Who), Lisa Borley (as Cindy Lou Who), Sarah Galati (as Sarah What), Pat Hibbard (as Mayor Pat What), Frank Hermans (as Frank Who, the postman), Paul Evansen (as Paul What, the mayor’s son), and Tom Verbrick (as The Grinch)
Band: John Singer (guitars), Pat Hibbard (bass), Tony Pilz (keyboards), Andrew Klaus (drums)
Lights: Ross Loining
Sound: Kelly Klaus
“A Frank’s Christmas” continues:
Thursday, December 4th at 1:00pm & 7:30pm
Friday, December 5th at 7:30pm
Saturday, December 6th at 1:00pm & 7:30pm
Thursday, December 11th at 7:30pm
Friday, December 12th at 7:30pm
Saturday, December 13th at 7:30pm
Thursday, December 18th at 1:00pm & 7:30pm
Friday, December 19th at 7:30pm
Saturday, December 20th at 1:00pm
Sunday, December 21st at 7:30pm
Tuesday, December 23rd at 7:30pm
Friday, December 26th at 7:30pm
Saturday, December 27th at 7:30pm
Tickets are available at meyertheatre.org, ticketstaronline.com, or by calling Ticketstar at 920-494-3401. Doors open to the box office inside the Meyer Theatre for day of tickets one hour prior to each performance.
There will also be a performance in Manitowoc at the Capitol Civic Centre on Tuesday, December 16th for a 7pm performance. Tickets can by calling (920) 683-2184 or by visiting:
