Gabriella Dimmick as Cindy-Lou Who and Steve Blanchard as The Grinch in the 2013 production of Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! Photo by Jim Cox.
SAN DIEGO–The Old Globe kicks off its 17th annual production of the holiday musical Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! at the Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage in the Old Globe Theatre, part of the Globe’s Conrad Prebys Theatre Center on November 20.
The Grinch is directed by James Vásquez with book and lyrics by Timothy Mason and music by Mel Marvin. The original production of Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! was conceived and directed by Jack O’Brien with Additional Lyrics by Theodor S. Geisel, Additional Music by Albert Hague, and original choreography by John DeLuca.
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! is a wonderful, whimsical musical based upon the classic Dr. Seuss book. The family favorite features the songs “Santa for a Day,” “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” and “Welcome, Christmas (Fah Who Doraze),” the delightful carol from the popular animated version of How the Grinch Stole Christmas! Celebrate the holidays as the Old Globe Theatre is once again transformed into the snow-covered Whoville, right down to the last can of Who-hash.
Burke Moses makes his Old Globe debut as The Grinch. He made his Broadway debut as Sky Masterson in Guys and Dolls and then went on to create the role of Gaston in the New York, Los Angeles, and West End productions of Disney’s mega-hit Beauty and the Beast. He also starred on Broadway in Kiss Me, Kateand Sondheim’s Frogs and Off Broadway in The Most Happy Fella, Li’l Abner, and The Fantasticks.
Returning to alternate in the role of Cindy-Lou Who are Taylor Coleman of Carmel Valley and Gabriella Dimmick of La Mesa. Coleman recently played Minnie in Annie Get Your Gun at San Diego Musical Theatre and also performs with the Royal Academy of Performing Arts, seen numerous times at Mandeville Auditorium. Dimmick was most recently seen as Molly in Annie Jr. at Actors’ Conservatory Theatre – San Diego and Gretl in The Sound of Music at San Diego Musical Theatre. She has danced with California Ballet Company for several years, appearing in their productions of The Nutcracker (2010-2012), Dracula, andAlice in Wonderland.
Three-time San Diego Critics Circle Award winner Steve Gunderson returns as Old Max and marks his 12th appearance in The Grinch at the Globe. His Off Broadway credits include Suds: The Rocking ’60s Musical Soap Opera, Forever Plaid, Back to Bacharach and David, Butley, and Street Scene. Returning asYoung Max is Jeffrey Schecter, who previously appeared at the Globe in the world premiere musical Robin and the 7 Hoods. His extensive Broadway credits include Nice Work If You Can Get It, Anything Goes, A Chorus Line, and The Pajama Game, among others.
Rounding out the cast of The Grinch are Robert J. Townsend (Papa Who), Bets Malone (Mama Who), Geno Carr (Grandpa Who), Nancy Snow Carr(Grandma Who), Katelyn Katz and Alexis Rae Tenney (Annie Who), Brooke Henderson and Mikaela Celeste Villalpando (Betty-Lou Who), Noah Bairdand Elliot Weaver (Boo Who), and Jordi Bertran and Imahni King-Murillo (Danny Who) with Ensemble members Luke Babbitt, Josh Bradford, Nathan Conlan, Sophia Dimmick, Savannah Rae Farmer, David Kirk Grant, Kyrsten Hafso-Koppman, Jacob Haren, Jolie Hoang-Rappaport, Hourie Klijian,Cady Mariano, Dylan Nalbandian, Nathan Andrew Riley, Lexy Sakrekoff, Jill Townsend, and Kelsey Venter, as well as James Vásquez (Swing).
This season’s production features Musical Direction by Elan McMahan, Additional Choreography by Bob Richard, and Restaged Choreography by James Vásquez. The Grinch creative team also includes John Lee Beatty (Scenic Design), Robert Morgan (Costume Design), Pat Collins (Lighting Design), Paul Peterson (Sound Design), Anita Ruth (Orchestrator), Joshua Rosenblum (Vocal Arrangements and Incidental Music), David Krane (Dance Music Arranger),Caparelliotis Casting (Casting), and Leila Knox (Stage Manager).
The Old Globe will offer a sensory-friendly performance of Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! on December 13 at 10:30 a.m. Following very successful performances the past two years, The Grinch will be performed for children on the autism spectrum and their families, as well as other families with special needs that may appreciate the welcoming and supportive environment this performance provides. Slight adjustments will be made to the production including fewer loud noises and flashing lights that may be challenging for some audience members. Additional features will also help make the experience safer and more enjoyable for children with autism and other sensitivity issues, including a pre-show visit to the Globe to familiarize children with the theatre; an online social story available to view and print at home that will outline in words and pictures the experience of a visit to the Globe; a quiet area in the lobby of the theatre; and on-site volunteers to assist families as needed.
Ticket prices start at $37 for adults and $24 for children (17 years and under). Performances are restricted to children 3 years and up except for the 11 a.m. performances for which tickets can be purchased for children of all ages. Everyone must have a ticket. Tickets can be purchased online at www.TheOldGlobe.org, by phone at (619) 23-GLOBE, or by visiting the Box Office.
