2024 is Dr. Seuss’ 27th holiday season at the Old Globe. Many San Diegans have seen numerous productions of this show and can sing along with it. This one is directed by James Vásquez.
There’s not much point in reciting what happens, because either you’ve seen it before or you will get to be delighted by it for the first time. In either case, you don’t need me to tell you about it.
But I will anyway, at least a little bit.
The book and lyrics (by Timothy Mason) and the music (by Mel Marvin) give us a dozen songs with crazy titles like “Who Likes Christmas?” and “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” which are just plain fun to listen to or hum along with (as I do each year). There’s also a live “Who-chestra” of eight musicians, led by Music Director Elan McMahan. And two sets of kids who play the Who children alternately.
“Who likes Christmas?” sings the whole cast.
The major response comes from David Michael Garry*, who tells us “I like Christmas. I was Max, his old dog.”
There is also Max the young dog, played amusingly by Tommy Martinez.*
The major argument is between Young Max and that awful Grinch, all green and hairy and ugly and mad - and played brilliantly by Andrew Polec*, who of course sings “I Hate Christmas” because “his heart was two sizes too small.”
The one who saves the Grinch from his green grinchiness is a cute little girl called Cindy-Lou Who, played alternately and charmingly by Arden Johnson or Sofia Barredo, depending on which day you see the show.
Okay, that’s enough. You either know the rest or you’re going to take my advice and grab a ticket for the show. Or both. I’d advise the latter.
The details
Dr. Seuss’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” plays through Dec. 31, 2024 on The Old Globe’s Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage at 1363 Old Globe Way.
Adult ticket prices start at $41; children 17 and under tickets start at $33.
Tickets available online at www.TheOldGlobe.org, by phone at (619) 234-5623.
