“How The Grinch Stole Christmas” Still Going Strong At 21.

Coming back to see “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” now on the Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage of the Globe through Dec. 29^th was, for yours truly, like revisiting an old family member not seen in some time.

I gave myself a pass these past years after having taken grandchildren of friends to my own grandchildren to friends who wanted to be part of the local scenery. Now it was time for a re-visit just for old times sake.   

Cast with Grinch

“How the Grinch Stole Christmas”, the animated television special won the Peabody Award in 1997.  The book, itself, was published in 1951. In 2018, Ted Seuss Geisel, San Diego’s quintessential Dr. Seuss, is still alive and kicking, if but in memory only.

With a generous sponsorship grant then, of $250,000, the San Diego Union-Tribune underwrote this new ‘Grinch’ musical that would become a holiday tradition. Making the project come alive for stage, Audrey Geisel freed the rights to the Grinch character and the rest as they say is history.  

Geisel added additional lyrics and Jack O’Brien, who conceived and  directed this gleeful ditty back then, is still a major player on stages all over the globe (no pun intended).  With book and lyrics by Timothy Mason, music by Mel Marvin, James Vásquez is currently in the director’s chair.

Additional music by Albert Hague and John DeLuca’s original choreography with additional choreography by Bob Richard complete the picture. To say that the productions run like a well oiled machine would be an understatement.

Cast of Grinch

It’s an all -star cast this year consisting mainly of local San Diego actors that made my recent revisit a delightful journey into Who-ville to see the ever- optimistic ‘Whos. The young and not so young audience was filled with anticipation to see how The Grinch would steal Christmas. No doubt after the show, there were many wanna be Cindy Lou Whos, and who knows.

In case you missed the story: Just north of Who-ville home of the Whos, the Grinch (the gleefully mean spirited Edward Watts sometimes verrry scary yet a hoot as he dances his soft shoe with Young Max) who just hates Christmas and all it’s trimmings (“I Hate Christmas”, “One of a Kind”), awakens from his long snooze to wreak havoc on the Town of Whoville and the entire family of Whos.

Cast with Grinch and Papa Who (Larry Raben)

He’s convinced if he steals the presents and decorations of the happy folks in Who-ville that he can cancel their Christmas. Much to his chagrin it doesn’t really matter since he learns later, it’s the spirit and the heart of the holiday that counts (“It’s the Thought That Counts”). And he learns it from little Cindy Lou Who (an adorable and confident little munchkin in the form of Leila Manuel).

The story is narrated by the ever -appealing and oh, so talented Steve Gunderson marking his sixteenth appearance in the show as the Old Dog, Max. Tommy Martinez is the spirited and younger version of Old Max when he was a pup. (“This Time of Year”)

Steve Gunderson

Robert J. Townsend and Bets Malone are Papa and Mama Who and who could ask for a more talented two? Grandpa and Grandma Who are Larry Raben and Kyrsten Hafso Koppman, a wonderful pair too.

Zoe Carnot and Audrey Fundingsland alternate as Annie Who and there is Betty Lou Who and Boo Who, Danny Who and an ensemble of tiny and teen's Who and hopefully you get the get the picture, I hope you do! Supporting members, too many to mention, round out this absolutely luscious ensemble for holiday fare in three dimension. (Oh dear! What has he done to me?)

Edward Watts and Tommy Martinez

John Lee Beatty’s set is right out of Who-ville including dancing and singing puppets appearing over the housetops. Robert Morgan costumes are apropos as comic book characters come alive looking like they jumped straight out of one of Dr. Seuss’ books. From the green furry Grinch to hour -glass and lamp -shade shaped dresses and wigs piled like swirls the costumes are pretty unique, but then again so is Dr. Seuss.   

Leila Manuel and The Grinch

The Who-chestra under the direction of conductor Elan McMahan is about ten strong and on occasion became willing or not participants in the Grinch’s mis-achievements. (“You’re A Mean One Mr. Grinch”)

It’s all in the holiday spirit. Get there early and marvel at the gynormus tree standing tall in the middle of the courtyard for all to snap pictures and revel in the tiny tykes with their Grinch gear and ballerina dresses.

See you at the theatre.

Dates: Through Dec.29th

Organization: The Old Globe Theatre

Phone: 619-243-5623

Production Type: Musical

Where: 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park

Ticket Prices: Start at $29.00 for adults, $19.00 for children

Web: theoldglobe.org

Venue: Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage

Photo: Ken Howard