Steve Blanchard stars as The Grinch.
Photo by Henry DiRocco.
With the holiday season comes the holiday treat, Dr. Suess’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! This annual holiday musical, directed by James Vásquez with book and lyrics by Timothy Mason and music by Mel Marvin, will run on the Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage in the Old Globe Theatre, part of the Globe’s Conrad Prebys Theatre Center, November 17 – December 29, 2012.
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! is a wonderful, whimsical musical based upon the classic Dr. Seuss book. Back for its 15th incredible year, 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.
Steve Blanchard will reprise his role as The Grinch, which he played last year in his Globe debut. Blanchard has appeared on Broadway in Beauty and the Beast, Camelot, The Three Musketeers and A Christmas Carol and can be heard on the original recordings of Johnny Guitar, Sundown, Frankenstein and Northbound Train.
The Old Globe will offer an autism-friendly performance of Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! on Saturday, Dec. 15 at 10:30 a.m. Following in the footsteps of successful autism-friendly performances of The Lion King and Mary Poppins on Broadway, The Grinch will be performed in a friendly and supportive environment for children on the autism spectrum and their families. 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.
The seventh annual Globe Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place on Sunday, Nov. 18 at 6:00 p.m. on the Globe’s Copley Plaza. The ceremony will kick off the holiday season in conjunction with the presentation of Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! Designed by Grinch scenic designer John Lee Beatty, the unique tree will be located in the center of the Plaza and will remain for the run of the show. This fun family event will feature a special live performance by members of the Grinch cast and a delightful holiday snowfall on the Globe Plaza. Although the event is free, reservations are required.
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. This season’s production features Musical Direction by Charlie Reuter, 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) and Leila Knox (Stage Manager).
“No Old Globe tradition is more beloved than our annual production of Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” said Managing Director Michael G. Murphy. “This season’s 15th Anniversary production is a milestone that would not have been possible without the support of Audrey Geisel, a champion of the arts in San Diego. Thanks to Theodor Geisel’s creativity and Audrey’s vision and friendship, tens of thousands of children have been introduced to the magic of live theatre through The Grinch.”
Previews run from Nov. 17 – Nov. 23. Opening night is Nov. 23 at 7:00 p.m. Ticket prices range from $37 to $87 for adults and from $24 to $82 for children. Performances are restricted to children 3 years and up except for the 11:00 a.m. performances for which tickets can be purchased for children of all ages. Everyone must have a ticket. Tickets are available for purchase online, by phone at (619) 23-GLOBE, or by visiting the Box Office.
Photos by Henry DiRocco.
