Andrew Polec (Bat Out of Hell) will reprise his role of The Grinch at San Diego's Old Globe this holiday season.
The 25th annual production of Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! will be directed by Globe resident artist James Vásquez (Hair), with the production running from November 9 to December 31, with November 13 serving as opening night.
On December 12, the Old Globe will celebrate the momentous 25th anniversary of the annual tradition with a special event honoring the legacy of Audrey S. Geisel, the late wife of Theodor Seuss Geisel, aka Dr. Seuss. It is through Ms. Geisel's lasting generosity that the tradition has been financially possible. The event will raise funds in support of the Old Globe's free student matinee and sensory friendly performance programs.
“All of us at the Globe are proud to celebrate the 25th year of a show that has become central to the holidays in San Diego,” said Artistic Director Barry Edelstein. “Over a quarter century, The Grinch, and the genius of Dr. Seuss, have impacted the people of our region in countless ways. The show continues to spread joy and deep feeling as it reminds us that community and belonging are beautiful and meaningful. We are pleased to welcome back to our stage the extremely gifted Andrew Polec, who heads a talented company including new faces and returning favorites. The 25th year of this magical and transporting show will be better than ever.”
Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! features a book and lyrics by Timothy Mason and music by Mel Marvin. The original production 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.
The principal cast for the San Diego production will include Andrew Polec as The Grinch; Tyrone Davis, Jr. as Young Max; John Treacy Egan as Old Max; and, alternating in the role of Cindy-Lou Who, Issa Ally (Red Team) and Harper Quinn Hill (Pink Team).
Additional company members include Kevin Solis as Papa Who, Ariella Kvashny as Mama Who, Larry Raben as Grandpa Who, and Bets Malone as Grandma Who; alternating in the role of Annie Who are Julia Davidson (Red Team) and Leila Manuel (Pink Team); alternating in the role of Betty-Lou Who are Chloe Oh (Pink Team) and Pearl Salonga (Red Team); alternating in the role of Boo Who are and Ari Gimbel (Red Team) and Faizi Mahalingham (Pink Team); alternating in the role of Danny Who are Ryan Hafner (Pink Team) and Landon Tweet (Red Team); and alternating in the role of Teen Who are Joelle Dana Advento (Pink Team) and Ali Nelson (Red Team).
The Grown-Up Who ensemble will include Summer Broyhill, Berto Fernández, Jacob Haren, Patricia Jewel, Liliana Rodriguez, and Lance Arthur Smith. The Little Who ensemble will include Maisy Cuaresma (Red Team), Andrew Gorman (Pink Team), Poly Kazmerchuk (Red Team), Eva Mather (Red Team), Ellis Quesada (Pink Team), Arielle Sapozhnikov (Red Team), Milla Toker (Pink Team), and Ella Washington (Pink Team). The swings are Jacob Caltrider, Bethany Slomka, and James Vásquez, and the child understudies are Arya Bosworth and Benji Katzke.
This years production features additional choreography by Bob Richard and music direction by Elan McMahan. The creative team also includes scenic designer John Lee Beatty, costume designer Robert Morgan, lighting designer Pat Collins, sound designer Paul Peterson, orchestrator Anita Ruth, vocal arranger and incidental music composer Joshua Rosenblum, and dance music arranger David Krane. Casting is by Caparelliotis Casting and Kim Heil, with Jess Slocum serving as production stage manager, Amanda Salmons as assistant stage manager, and Lyndon Pugeda as associate music director.
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