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PHOTO EDITORS:
Publicity photos of the Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! 2017 production are available by clicking here; current cast headshots can be found by clicking here.
SAN DIEGO (October 11, 2018)—The Old Globe today announced the complete cast and creative team for the Globe’s 21st annual production of Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!The holiday musical will run November 3 – December 29 on the Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage in the Old Globe Theatre, part of the Globe’s Conrad Prebys Theatre Center. Previews run November 3 – November 7. Opening night is Thursday, November 8 at 7:00 p.m. The Grinch isdirected by James Vásquez, with book and lyrics by Timothy Mason and music by Mel Marvin. The original production of Dr. Seuss’s 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.
Tickets start at $29.00 for adults and $19.00 for children (17 years and under). Children under the age of three will be admitted to 11:00 a.m. performances only, which are open to all ages. At the 11:00 a.m. performances only, children under the age of two are free but must occupy the same seat and sit on the lap of a parent or guardian in attendance. Regardless of age, each audience member, including babes in arms, must have a ticket to be admitted into the theatre. Tickets can be purchased online at www.TheOldGlobe.org, by phone at (619) 23-GLOBE, or by visiting the Box Office.
Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! is a wonderful, whimsical musical based upon the classic Dr. Seuss book. Back for its 21st 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.
Edward Watts returns to the Globe after receiving critical acclaim and delighting audiences as The Grinch in 2017. He has appeared on Broadway in Scandalous, Finian’s Rainbow, It’s a Bird...It’s a Plane...It’s Superman, The Fantasticks, The Most Happy Fella, and Lincoln Center’s Show Boat, in addition to the national tours of The Book of Mormon, Les Misérables, and The Little Mermaid. His recent regional appearances include The Little Mermaid (Music Theatre Wichita), The Music Man (The Lexington Theatre Company), and Thoroughly Modern Millie (Goodspeed Musicals), and he appeared on PBS in the acclaimed “Live from Lincoln Center” broadcast of Show Boat with the New York Philharmonic.
Sadie Tess Coleman, who has been part of the Little Who ensemble for two years, alternates in the role of Cindy-Lou Who with Leila Manuel, who is making her Globe debut.
Two-time San Diego Theatre Critics Circle Award winner Steve Gunderson returns as Old Max and marks his 16th appearance in The Grinch at the Globe. In addition to his extensive San Diego credits, he has been seen Off Broadway in Suds: The Rocking ’60s Musical Soap Opera, Back to Bacharach and David, and others. He received a 2016 Creative Catalyst Program grant as writer and composer for The Artificial Woman. He is co-creator and arranger for Everybody’s Talkin’: The Music of Harry Nilsson and musical arranger for 33 1/3 and Yours, Truly, both to premiere in 2019. Tommy Martinez, making his Globe debut, will scale Mt. Crumpit as Young Max. He has been seen in NBC's Hairspray Live!, on the national tour of Kinky Boots, and on Broadway in Newsies.
Rounding out the cast of The Grinch are Robert J. Townsend (Papa Who), Bets Malone (Mama Who), Larry Raben (Grandpa Who), Kyrsten Hafso Koppman (Grandma Who), Zoe Carnot and Audrey Fundingsland (Annie Who), Taylor Coleman and Bianca Rodriguez (Betty-Lou Who), Alexander Ikizyan and Sean Pope (Boo Who), and Gavin August and John Perry Wishchuk (Danny Who). The ensemble consists of Sophia Adajar, Joelle Dana Advento, Nicholas Alexander, Jacob Caltrider, Janaya Mahealani Jones, Hannah Lee, Lindsay Mains, Sarah Meahl, Mackenzie Nibbe, Arden Pala, Viviana Peji, Amare Phillips, Marcus Terrell Smith, Hailey Topolovac, Kelsey Venter, and Stella Grace Wahl, as well as James Vásquez (Swing).
This season’s production features Additional Choreography by Bob Richard and Musical Direction by Elan McMahan. 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 Jess Slocum (Production Stage Manager).
“The Grinch is once again returning to the heart of Balboa Park! All of us at The Old Globe are delighted to welcome him back,” said Erna Finci Viterbi Artistic Director Barry Edelstein. “For more than two decades this magical show has been a San Diego institution, introducing young people to the joys of theatre and bringing families together for the heartwarming rush of good cheer that only the live theatre can provide. We are thrilled to reunite our beloved Who family old and new with the brilliant Ed Watts, who is returning as The Grinch. Many of these extraordinary actors return year in and year out, and we love watching the littlest Whos grow up onstage along with our audience members. For many San Diegans the Grinch Tree Lighting Ceremony kicks off the holiday season, and we’re looking forward to it. This year’s sensory-friendly performance will offer additional surround events created by artists on the spectrum, including Grinch-y AXIS workshops and performances! This is a special time of year at the Globe, touched with the genius of Dr. Seuss and chock-full of surprise, entertainment, and joy.”
The Old Globe will once again offer a sensory-friendly performance of Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! on Saturday, December 1 at 10:30 a.m. Following very successful performances the past five 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 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. New this year is a sensory-friendly story-video created by Inclusion Films, whose founder, veteran filmmaker Joey Travolta, teaches filmmaking workshops to individuals with developmental disabilities throughout California.
2018 also marks a special FREE arts engagement AXIS surround event, including a pre-show concert featuring Jungle Poppins, an animated troupe of performers on the spectrum whose quirky original songs, favorite movie soundtracks, and upbeat covers will give show attendees a chance to get the wiggles out to familiar music, as well as with easy engagement activities. Following the Grinch performance, all can enjoy a Whoville Sings workshop with Paul Eddy, an inclusive drum circle featuring Banding Together, and a Grinch-y improv workshop.
The 13th annual Globe Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place on Sunday, November 11 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’s 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 Copley Plaza. Although the event is free, reservations are required. Reservations can be made by contacting the Ticket Office at (619) 23-GLOBE. They will be available for the general public on Friday, October 26 at 12:00 noon. The Grinch production performances that day will be at 11:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! is supported in part through gifts from Production Sponsors Audrey S. Geisel/The Dr. Seuss Fund at The San Diego Foundation, Bank of America, and Random House Children’s Books. The Old Globe’s Arts Engagement Discovery Programs, which include Grinch Initiatives and Free Student Matinees; are supported in part by Terry Atkinson; Bank of America; California Arts Council, a stage agency; The Charitable Foundation; Ann Davies Fund for Teaching Artists; Samuel I. and John Henry Fox Foundation; La Jolla Kiwanis Foundation; Peggy Matthews Foundation; Nordson Corporation Foundation; Patrons of the Prado “Bucks for Buses” Program; Pratt Memorial Fund; SDG&E; Viasat; Wawanesa Insurance; and Wells Fargo Foundation. Financial support is provided by The City of San Diego.
James Vásquez (Director, Swing, Dance Captain) is happy to be celebrating his 16th Christmas in Whoville. Previously with The Old Globe, he directed the world premiere of American Mariachi, Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, Rich Girl, and Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show; served as associate director for Dr. Seuss’s The Lorax; andprovided musical staging for The Comedy of Errors, Boeing-Boeing,and A Midsummer Night’s Dream, among others. With The Old Globe and University of San Diego Shiley Graduate Theatre Program, he has directed Clybourne Park and the world premiere of Keith Reddin’s Acquainted with the Night. He recently received the Craig Noel Award for Outstanding Direction of a Musical for In the Heights (Moonlight Stage Productions), and he received the award in 2010 for Sweeney Todd (Cygnet Theatre Company). His other recent directing/choreography credits include American Mariachi (Denver Center for the Performing Arts Theatre Company), The Addams Family (Moonlight Stage Productions), West Side Story and Cats (San Diego Musical Theatre), Pippin, the West Coast premiere of [title of show], and Next Fall (Diversionary Theatre), and Hedwig and the Angry Inch and Pageant (Cygnet Theatre Company), as well as developmental workshops at La Jolla Playhouse and Goodspeed Musicals. Mr. Vásquez is an award-winning filmmaker, amateur gardener, and lover of dogs. Mr. Vásquez is a graduate of The Juilliard School.
TICKETS to Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! can be purchased online at www.TheOldGlobe.org, by phone at (619) 23-GLOBE, or by visiting the Box Office at 1363 Old Globe Way in Balboa Park. Performances begin on November 3 and continue through December 29. Ticket prices start at $29.00 for adults and $19.00 for children (17 years and under). Children under the age of three will be admitted to 11:00 a.m. performances only, which are open to all ages. At the 11:00 a.m. performances only, children under the age of two are free but must occupy the same seat and sit on the lap of a parent or guardian in attendance. Regardless of age, each audience member, including babes in arms, must have a ticket to be admitted into the theatre.
Performance times: Previews: Saturday, Nov. 3 at 7:00 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 4 at 7:00 p.m., and Wednesday, Nov. 7 at 7:00 p.m. Opening Night is Thursday, November 8 at 7:00 p.m. Regular performances (November 3–21): Tuesday – Friday at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday at 11:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m., and 5:00 p.m. The sensory-friendly performance is on Saturday, December 1 at 10:30 a.m. (there is no 11:00 a.m. performance that day).
Additional performances/holiday schedules: Sunday, Nov. 11 at 4:30 p.m. (Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, no 2:00 p.m. or 5:00 p.m.); Friday, Nov. 23 at 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. (no 7:00 p.m.); Wednesday, Dec. 19 at 4:00 p.m.; Friday, Dec. 21 at 5:00 p.m. (no 7:00 p.m.); Monday, Dec. 24 at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.; Wednesday, Dec. 26 at 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. ( no 7:00 p.m.); Thursday, Dec. 27 at 5:00 p.m. (no 7:00 p.m.); Friday, Dec. 28 at 5:00 p.m. (no 7:00 p.m.); and Saturday, Dec. 29 at 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. (no 11:00 a.m.). There are no 7:00 p.m. performances on Wednesday, Nov. 14; Thursday, Nov. 15; or Friday, Dec. 7. Dark on Thanksgiving (Nov. 22) and Christmas (Dec. 25).
For a complete playing schedule, click here.
LOCATION and PARKING INFORMATION: The Old Globe is located in San Diego’s Balboa Park at 1363 Old Globe Way. The Balboa Park valet is available during weekend performances, located in front of the Japanese Friendship Garden. For additional parking information visit www.BalboaPark.org.
There are numerous free parking lots available throughout the park. Guests may also be dropped off in front of the Mingei International Museum. There is a 10-minute zone at The Old Globe, used only for daytime deliveries, ticket purchases, and handicapped access dropoff. For directions and up-to-date information, please visit www.theoldglobe.org/plan-your-visit/directions--parking/detailed-directions.
PLEASE NOTE: To look up online or GPS directions to The Old Globe, please do not use the Delivery Address above. For GPS users, please click here for the map coordinates, and here for written directions to The Old Globe and nearby parking in Balboa Park.
CALENDAR: The Heart of Rock & Roll (9/6–10/21), M.F.A.: Julius Caesar (10/20–10/28), AXIS: Day of the Dead Celebration (10/28), Globe for All Tour: A Midsummer Night’s Dream (10/30–11/18), Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (11/3–12/29), Looking for Christmas: The New Clint Black Christmas Musical (11/11–12/16), The Grinch sensory-friendly performance and AXIS: Jungle Poppins (12/1), Familiar (1/26–3/3/2019), Tiny Beautiful Things (2/9–3/10), AXIS: I Love Africa Concert (2/9), Life After (3/22–4/28), They Promised Her the Moon (4/6–5/5), AXIS: Happy Birthday, Mr. Shakespeare! (4/20), AXIS: concert TBD (5/9), Ken Ludwig’s The Gods of Comedy (5/11–6/16), What You Are (5/23–6/23), AXIS: Tuesday Dances (6/4, 6/11, 8/18, 6/25), AXIS: Make Music San Diego (6/21).
PHOTO EDITORS: Digital images of The Old Globe’s productions are available at www.theoldglobe.org/press-room.
The Tony Award-winning Old Globe is one of the country’s leading professional regional theatres and has stood as San Diego’s flagship arts institution for over 80 years. Under the leadership of Erna Finci Viterbi Artistic Director Barry Edelstein and Managing Director Timothy J. Shields, The Old Globe produces a year-round season of 15 productions of classic, contemporary, and new works on its three Balboa Park stages: the Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage in the 600-seat Old Globe Theatre and the 250-seat Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre, both part of The Old Globe’s Conrad Prebys Theatre Center, and the 605-seat outdoor Lowell Davies Festival Theatre, home of its internationally renowned Shakespeare Festival. More than 250,000 people attend Globe productions annually and participate in the theatre’s artistic and arts engagement programs. Numerous world premieres such as 2014 Tony Award winner for Best Musical A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, Bright Star, Meteor Shower, Allegiance, The Full Monty, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels,and the annual holiday musical Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! have been developed at The Old Globe and have gone on to enjoy highly successful runs on Broadway and at regional theatres across the country.
KIDS BY CITY
SAN DIEGO
Mission Hills (92103) – Audrey Fundingsland
Bay Park (92110) – Zoe Carnot
Carmel Valley (92130) – Sadie Tess Coleman, Taylor Coleman, Alexander Ikizyan
City Heights (92105) – Amare Phillips
La Jolla (92037) – Stella Grace Wahl
4S Ranch/Rancho Bernardo (92127–28) – Hannah Lee, Arden Pala, Hailey Topolovac
Scripps Ranch (92131) – John Perry Wishchuk
Serra Mesa (92123) –Viviana Peji
University City (92122) – Lindsay Mains
OTHER
Chula Vista (91911–13–14) – Joelle Dana Advento, Leila Manuel, Sean Pope
El Cajon (92021) – Bianca Rodriguez
Escondido (92029) – Sophia Adajar
Poway (92064) – Mackenzie Nibbe
Santee (92071) – Gavin August
CAST AND CREATIVE TEAM BIOGRAPHIES
Sophia Adajar (Little Who Ensemble, Red Team) is excited and honored to make her debut at The Old Globe. This is her first professional theatre experience, and being a part of Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! is the highlight of her year. She is an energetic and passionate nine-year-old who loves singing, dancing, and performing. In her spare time she enjoys performing in her school musicals, playing soccer, and playing piano. One of her favorite roles was Chip in Beauty and the Beast Jr. She would like to thank The Old Globe for believing in her and casting her; St. Michael’s School for introducing her to her love for the arts; her parents and grandparents for their support and for chauffeuring her to and from the Globe; and her sister, Allie, for being a true inspiration. Merry Grinchmas and thank you to all of her friends and family who came out to support her in this wonderful experience.
Joelle Dana Advento (Little Who Ensemble, Pink Team) is thrilled to be making her Old Globe debut. This is her first professional acting performance and is thankful for the opportunity to be a part of this amazing production. She is a fourth grader at Hedenkamp Elementary School and loves musical theatre. She is looking forward to playing Ariel in The Little Mermaid in her school’s theatrical ensemble. She also loves to sing in the church choir with her family at St. Rose of Lima. When she is not singing, she enjoys being a violinist for San Diego Youth Symphony’s Community Opus Project. Her other interests include playing the piano and ukulele, drawing, and playing chess with her brothers. She is also training for her black belt in karate. Ms. Advento is very grateful to God for all the blessings. Lots of love and thanks to Daddy, Mama, Jonah, Joel, family, and friends for their continued love and support.
Nicholas Alexander (Grown-Up Who Ensemble) is beyond excited to be making his debut here at The Old Globe. His recent credits include Tom Sawyer in Big River, Enoch Snow Jr. in Carousel, Otto in Spring Awakening, Spider Murphy in All Shook Up, Sonny in In the Heights, Flotsam in The Little Mermaid, Pepper in Mamma Mia!, and Simon and Jesus understudy in Jesus Christ Superstar (Performance Riverside), Diego in Candlelight Christmas and Sonny in In the Heights (Moonlight Stage Productions), Simon in Jesus Christ Superstar (Candlelight Pavilion Dinner Theater), and LeFou in Beauty and the Beast, Big Daddy in Sweet Charity, and Simon in Jesus Christ Superstar (Welk Resort Theatre). He thanks James, Elan, and everyone on the creative team for giving him a home to spread some Christmas cheer, and his family and loved ones for always standing by him. @nickisdarker on Instagram.
Gavin August (Danny Who, Red Team) is delighted to be back in The Grinch at The Old Globe. Mr. August attends the San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts. He has been in several shows with Lamb’s Players Theatre, San Diego Junior Theatre, and Christian Youth Theater San Diego, and he has really found that acting is his true passion. Mr. August has been seen as Young Will in Big Fish, Douglas in Shadowlands, Les in Newsies Jr., and Young Simba in The Lion King Jr.He wants to thank his family for their love and support. He is grateful to his voice coach, Jessica Couto, for introducing him to this great show and always pushing him to do his best. He looks forward to another magical experience of The Grinch and to making many more fun, lasting memories with this amazing cast.
Jacob Caltrider (Grown-Up Who Ensemble) previously appeared at the Globe with Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (2011–2013, 2016–2017) and Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show. His local credits include Manifest Destinitis and Violet (San Diego Repertory Theatre), West Side Story (San Diego Musical Theatre), The Rocky Horror Show, Spring Awakening, Assassins, Parade, Little Shop of Horrors, Cabaret, Sweeney Todd,and The History Boys (Cygnet Theatre Company), The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (North Coast Repertory Theatre), Les Misérables, Twelfth Night, Festival of Christmas,and An American Christmas (Lamb’s Players Theatre), and Homos, or Everyone in America, Marry Me a Little, Twist, Yank!,and the original casts of Harmony, Kansas and The Daddy Machine (Diversionary Theatre).
Zoe Carnot (Annie Who, Pink Team) is thrilled and honored to make her Grinch debut at The Old Globe. She has been performing musical theatre since she was seven and caught the bug in the role of Baloo in The Jungle Book at a local theatre summer camp. Some of her favorite roles include Captain Bones in the San Diego Junior Theatre production of Magic Tree House: Pirates Past Noon and Little Fiona in a high school production of Shrek The Musical. She enjoys singing, tap dancing, and cooking (even though she always seems to make a mess). Ms. Carnot would like to thank her family, amazing friends, and all her coaches and teachers who have worked with her for their love and support, with a special shout-out to her voice coach Karyn Overstreet and her longtime mentor BJ Robinson. She also wants to thank the Grinch cast and crew for making this a truly Who-tastic experience.
Sadie Tess Coleman (Cindy-Lou Who, Red Team) is thrilled to be back in Whoville for the third time alongside big sister Taylor. She most recently played Ivanka in Once at Lamb’s Players Theatre. Ms. Coleman is a fifth grader at Ocean Air School. She loves dancing at Pacific Arts Dance Center, is a gymnast, and plays the ukulele. When she is not performing, she can be found playing with her puppies Newman and Piper. Ms. Coleman is supported by her parents and big sisters Sam and Taylor. She enjoys the Weather Channel and would like to grow up to be a meteorologist or a penguin trainer. A huge thank you to the entire team at The Old Globe for this awesome experience. Merry Grinchmas!
Taylor Coleman (Betty-Lou Who, Red Team) is 12 years old and happy to be back in Whoville for the sixth time. She recently made her San Diego Repertory Theatre debut as Small Alison in Fun Home. She also played Marta in the national tour of The Sound of Music directed by Jack O’Brien. Her six-month adventure allowed her to experience many incredible North American cities and included performing for five weeks at The Kennedy Center in Washington DC. Ms. Coleman made her professional debut right here in The Grinch as Cindy-Lou Who for three seasons. Her other credits include Jane in Peter Pan, Young Fiona in Shrek The Musical, and Gracie Shinn in The Music Man (Moonlight Stage Productions). She was also seen as Minnie Oakley in San Diego Musical Theatre’s production of Annie Get Your Gun. Ms. Coleman is a gymnast, dances at Pacific Arts Dance Center, and plays piano and guitar. When she is not performing, she is a seventh grader at Carmel Valley Middle School. She is supported by her parents, big sister Sam, and Sadie, whom she is happy to share the stage with again, this time as her big sister in real life and onstage. She would like to thank the Globe for this incredible opportunity. Happy Whoville! @tcoleman5678.
Audrey Fundingsland (Annie Who, Red Team) is overjoyed to be making her debut at The Old Globe in Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! She has performed in several shows at San Diego Junior Theatre, including Mr. Popper’s Penguins, The Wizard of Oz, Charlotte’s Web, Magic Tree House, and Fancy Nancy. Ms. Fundingsland is an 11-year-old sixth grader at Francis Parker School. In her free time, she loves to sing, dance hip-hop, and learn about the planets. She is forever grateful to The Old Globe for this amazing opportunity, her voice teacher Ms. Becky, her big sister Camille, and of course Mom and Dad. A Merry Grinchmas to all!
Steve Gunderson (Old Max) previously appeared at the Globe in Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (1999–2000, 2003, 2005, 2007–2017), Suds: The Rocking ’60s Musical Soap Opera (also co-writer/arranger), A Trip to Chinatown,and Hadrian VII. He appeared in the national tour of The Grapes of Wrath. His Off Broadway credits include Butley, Street Scene, Suds, and Forever Plaid. His regional credits include La Jolla Playhouse, Alliance Theatre, Laguna Playhouse, Pasadena Playhouse, La Mirada Theatre, Cygnet Theatre Company, San Diego Repertory Theatre, North Coast Repertory Theatre, Rubicon Theatre Company, New Village Arts, San Diego Musical Theatre, Lamb’s Players Theatre, and Diversionary Theatre. Mr. Gunderson co-created and arranged Off Broadway’s critically acclaimed Back to Bacharach and David (also original cast), which was revived in Los Angeles with the participation of Burt Bacharach and Hal David. He is the writer and composer for The Artificial Woman (2016 Creative Catalyst Program grant); co-creator and arranger for Everybody’s Talkin’: The Music of Harry Nilsson starring Tony Award winners Gregory Jbara and Alice Ripley; and musical arranger for 33 1/3 and Yours, Truly, both scheduled to premiere in 2019. He also provided voices on “King of the Hill” and “Beavis and Butt-Head.” Love and thanks to Kaore.
Kyrsten Hafso Koppman (Grandma Who) previously appeared at The Old Globe in Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (2013–2017).Her local credits include Cats (San Diego Musical Theatre), A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Musical (Intrepid Shakespeare Company), American Rhythm, Les Misérables, Fiddler on the Roof, Pete ’n’ Keely, and Joe vs The Volcano (Lamb’s Players Theatre), Sweeney Todd (Moonlight Stage Productions), King o’ the Moon (North Coast Repertory Theatre), and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Welk Resort Theatre). Ms. Hafso Koppman performed the role of Mary in Respighi’s oratorio Laud to the Nativity in Spokane and Seattle. She earned her B.A. in Vocal Performance from Whitworth University and her M.F.A. in Musical Theatre from San Diego State University. She is a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association and the National Association of Teachers of Singing, and a proud wife to Kevin and mom to their three-year-old daughter.
Alexander Ikizyan (Boo Who, Red Team) is thrilled to making his debut at The Old Globe. He has previously been in Mary Poppins and Seussical with Christian Youth Theater San Diego. He trains with Karyn Overstreet Vocal Studio and with acting coach Shauna Markey. He thanks director James Vásquez for this incredible opportunity, and his mom for driving him to rehearsals.
Janaya Mahealani Jones (Grown-Up Who Ensemble) is excited to be spending her holidays at The Old Globe this year. She was most recently seen as Esmeralda in The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Moonlight Stage Productions), and she is friends with Queen Elsa of Arendelle in Frozen Live at the Hyperion (Disney’s California Adventure). Her past credits include Dionne Davenport in The Unauthorized Musical Parody of Clueless (Rockwell Table & Stage), Lisa in Mamma Mia! and Mme. Aubert in Titanic (Moonlight Stage Productions), Doris Walker in Miracle on 34th Street: A Live Musical Radio Play and Dee/Woman 3 in Pump Up the Volume: A ’90s Palooza (San Diego Musical Theatre), Soul Girl in Jesus Christ Superstar (Performance Riverside), and Flotsam and Arista in The Little Mermaid (Performance Riverside, Cabrillo Music Theatre). She sends her thanks to James, Elan, and Justin for this incredible opportunity. Every performance is dedicated to her family, always. @esmerelduhhh_.
Hannah Lee (Teen Who, Pink Team), a 14-year-old freshman at Del Norte High School, is delighted and humbled to be returning to Whoville for her second year. From the age of 10, she has loved performing in musicals and is incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work with The Old Globe again. Her previous theatre credits include Annie Who in 2016’s Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (The Old Globe) and Templeton in Charlotte’s Web and Ladybug in James and the Giant Peach (Christian Youth Theater San Diego). In her free time, Ms. Lee loves spending time with her friends and going to the beach to get some vitamin sea. She would like to give special thanks to the directors for granting her this chance of a lifetime, her vocal coach Kara Howard for her generous help, and last but not least, her family and friends for being the most supportive and loving people. Merry Grinchmas!
Lindsay Mains (Little Who Ensemble, Pink Team) is thrilled to be back for her second year at The Old Globe with this talented cast. She is 11 years old and is in the sixth grade at Standley Middle School. Ms. Mains has been featured onstage as Little Who Ensemble in Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (The Old Globe) and Young Fiona in Shrek The Musical (Christian Youth Theater San Diego). She also performed this year in Honk! (CYT). When she is not performing, she enjoys cooking, art, singing harmonies with her older sister Chelsea, and making people laugh. She is grateful to The Old Globe for this amazing opportunity and to her family for their constant support and encouragement. Merry Grinchmas!
Bets Malone (Mama Who) celebrates Christmas once again at The Old Globe after being seen as Mama Who the past five seasons. She recently completed the regional premiere of Fun Home for San Diego Repertory Theatre and Mamma Mia! for Moonlight Stage Productions. Her favorite regional credits include Aida, Titanic, Seussical, Big Fish, Pride and Prejudice, Mary Poppins, Next to Normal, Sweeney Todd, 1776, Once Upon a Mattress, Evita, Ragtime, Into the Woods, Annie Get Your Gun, All Shook Up, and Children of Eden. Ms. Malone originated the role of Suzy in the Off Broadway production of The Marvelous Wonderettes and can be heard on three Wonderettes albums. She is featured as Tallulah the monkey in Barbie as the Island Princess, as well as the singing voice of Velma in Scooby-Doo! Music of the Vampire. Ms. Malone is proudly married to Steven Glaudini, Artistic Director of Moonlight Stage Productions, and mom to Sami the wonder dog.
Leila Manuel (Cindy-Lou Who, Pink Team) is elated to make her professional debut in The Old Globe’s production of Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! She is 10 years old and is in the fifth grade at Heritage Elementary School in the Dual Language Immersion Program. She has performed in productions of Peter Pan (2017) and Willy Wonka (2016) at Heritage Elementary. She loves to spend time with her family, enjoys practical jokes with her friends, likes to perform experiments, is fond of meeting new people, and has a blast making new friends with her only sister and best friend, Sasha. She wishes everyone in Whoville a Merry Grinchmas and to break a leg.
Tommy Martinez (Young Max) is thrilled to have a dream come true and get to work at The Old Globe. You may have seen him in NBC’s Hairspray Live!, on the national tour of Kinky Boots, or on Broadway in Newsies. Thanks to Nimmy, Mom, Nana, Dad, and Cricket. @atleastimfunny on Instagram, @leastimfunny on Twitter.
Sarah Meahl (Grown-Up Who Ensemble) has appeared on Broadway in Hello, Dolly! and Paramour and will next be seen in Kiss Me, Kate. Her Off Broadway credits include Standard Time (The Duke on 42nd Street) and The Golden Apple (City Center Encores!). Her regional credits include Paper Mill Playhouse, La Jolla Playhouse, Theatre Under The Stars, Theatre of the Stars, The Muny, Kansas City Starlight Theatre, Shakespeare Theatre Company, and Walnut Street Theatre. She is a graduate of Point Park University. She is also a dance-competition adjudicator and master-class teacher for nine different companies in New York City. She is so happy to be here sharing the stage with her brand-new husband, Edward Watts (The Grinch), whom she married in October, so you can call her Mrs. Grinch? sarahmeahl.com, @happymeahl.
Mackenzie Nibbe (Little Who Ensemble, Pink Team) is thrilled to be making her Old Globe debut in Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! Most recently she was on season 13 of “America’s Got Talent” as a semifinalist with Voices of Hope Children’s Choir. Her musical theatre credits include Once on This Island and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (3-D Theatricals). She is seven years old and the third of five siblings in her household. Ms. Nibbe’s passions include playing the violin, painting, and playing with her new baby sister. She would like to thank the Old Globe team for this amazing opportunity, and she wishes everyone a Merry Grinchmas.
Arden Pala (Little Who Ensemble, Pink Team) recently made his Globe debut in A Thousand Splendid Suns. He is nine years old and in fourth grade at Francis Parker School. Mr. Pala enjoys performing with Trinity Theatre Company, Broadway Theatre Arts Academy, North Coast Repertory Theatre, and STAR Repertory Theatre. Mr. Pala’s favorite roles include JoJo in Seussical, Tiny Tim in A Christmas Carol, Toto in The Wizard of Oz, and Zazu in The Lion King Jr. Mr. Pala also enjoys writing and is the author of The Adventures of Noah’s Flying Car book series, available on Amazon and Kindle, with all proceeds benefiting low-income youth. When he is not acting, he is singing, writing, playing the piano, and performing martial arts. He wants to thanks his family for their love and support. He also wants to thank his voice teacher Jessica Couto, his drama teacher Sean Boyd, and his dance teacher Kyle Adam Hawk for their love and support. A huge thank you to the entire team at The Old Globe. Merry Grinchmas!
Viviana Peji(Teen Who, Red Team) is thrilled to be returning to The Old Globe for the third year. She is 13 years old and Filipino Mexican American. She studies at Urban Discovery Academy in downtown San Diego. She loves helping others and always encourages people to enjoy each day, work hard, and follow their dreams. Recent roles include Soloist and Ensemble in Evita directed by Sam Woodhouse (San Diego Repertory Theatre); Annie Who (2017) and Betty-Lou Who (2016) in Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (The Old Globe); and Bye Bye Birdie, The Music Man, and Mary Poppins (San Diego Junior Theatre). She studies voice with Richard Morrison. Ms. Peji is passionate about dancing, and she studies with performer Michelle Camaya and studies ballet, tap, and jazz at California Ballet School.
Amare Phillips (Little Who Ensemble, Red Team) is elated to be making his Globe debut in this year’s Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! He is 11 years old, in sixth grade at La Mesa Arts Academy, and in love with all things theatre. Over the past couple years, he has performed in numerous Christian Youth Theater San Diego productions, his favorite role being Young Phao in East County CYT’s The Jungle Book. When he is not acting, singing, and dancing, Mr. Phillips is playing piano, dreaming about Jurassic Park, and camping with his family. He would like to express his sincere thanks to his amazing vocal coach, Jessica Couto, who has been a huge encouragement to him. He is additionally grateful to his family and friends for their unending support, enthusiasm, and love.
Sean Pope (Boo Who, Pink Team) is an 11-year-old sixth grader at Heritage Elementary School and is excited and honored to be in the cast of this year’s production of Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! He has enjoyed musical theatre since first being exposed to theatre camps at a very early age. His theatre credits include Ensemble in Madagascar – A Musical Adventure Jr. and Elf Jr. (Christian Youth Theater San Diego) and Ensemble in The Wizard of Oz, Chief Tiger Bamboo in Peter Pan Jr., and his favorite role of Augustus Gloop in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory Jr. (Heritage Elementary School Performing Arts Troupe). Mr. Pope studies dance, takes vocals with Cesar Martinez at Neisha’s Dance & Music Academy, and studies piano privately. He enjoys swimming, basketball, drawing, and spending time with family and friends. He would like to thank the Old Globe team for this amazing opportunity.
Larry Raben (Grandpa Who) returns to the role of Grandpa Who, and he previously appeared at the Globe as Sparky in the original Forever Plaid and Dolan and Ensign Pulver (understudied and played) in Mr. Roberts. He appeared on Broadway as Leo Bloom in Mel Brooks’s The Producers, and he also played Leo in the show’s entire Las Vegas run. Some of his favorite roles include Man in Dirty Blonde and Ross in Bright Ideas (Laguna Playhouse), Serge in Art and Robert in Boeing-Boeing (Coyote StageWorks), Dr. Frankenstein in Young Frankenstein (Moonlight Stage Productions), Felix in The Odd Couple (Norris Center for the Performing Arts), Man #1 in I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change (Off Broadway), Patrick in The Andrews Brothers (Ovation Award) and Sir Robin in Spamalot (Musical Theatre West), Albert in Bye Bye Birdie (Music Circus), Lt. Frank Cioffi in Curtains and Gilbert in Betty Blue Eyes (Music Theatre Wichita), Forbidden Broadway Greatest Hits: Vol. 1 (Ovation Award) and Vol. 2 (Ovation nomination), and Sparky in Forever Plaid: The Movie on DVD. Mr. Raben is also the author of a children’s book, Ibby Makes a Wish, available on Amazon.
Bianca Rodriguez (Betty-Lou Who, Pink Team) is elated to be making her debut with The Old Globe in Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! She was most recently seen as Ivanka in Once at Lamb’s Players Theatre. She has performed in six productions with Christian Youth Theater San Diego and one with Pickwick Players. Some of her favorites are The Lion King Jr., The Jungle Book, and The Little Mermaid (CYT) and A Christmas Story (Pickwick Players). When Ms. Rodriguez is not performing, she enjoys tap dancing, taking piano lessons, making slime, and having fun with family and friends. She would like to thank her family, friends, and vocal coach, Jessica Couto, for their continued support and encouragement.
Marcus Terrell Smith (Grown-Up Who Ensemble) is making his Globe debut. His credits include Once Upon a Rhyme (TheatreWorks Silicon Valley’s New Works Festival), The Book of Mormon (national tour), The Squirrels (La Jolla Playhouse), and Big River (Mesa Encore Theater). His film and television credits include Little Evil (Netflix), “Marlon” (NBC), “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” (Fox), “NCIS: Los Angeles” (CBS), and “Grey’s Anatomy” (CBS). He received his M.F.A. from Actors Studio Drama School and his B.A. in Linguistics from University of Arizona.
Hailey Topolovac (Little Who Ensemble, Red Team) is very excited to be making her debut at The Old Globe. She is a 12-year-old sixth grader at Oak Valley Elementary School. She recently played the role of Mary Lennox in The Secret Garden (The Theatre School at North Coast Repertory Theatre). Her other favorite roles include The Little Prince on Earth in The Little Prince (The Theatre School at North Coast Rep), the Dormouse in Alice in Wonderland (Moonlight Youth Theatre), and the Coroner in The Wizard of Oz (Christian Youth Theater San Diego). When Ms. Topolovac is not performing she enjoys writing, reading a good book, and listening to musical soundtracks. She thanks her family for supporting her passion, and her voice and dance instructors Nicole Lindsay and Kyle Hawk. She would also like to thank director James Vásquez for the opportunity to be part of the cast of Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
Robert J. Townsend (Papa Who) is pleased to return to his holiday home in Whoville. He was most recently seen as Sam Carmichael in Moonlight Stage Productions’s Mamma Mia! His Broadway and touring credits include Jersey Boys, Mamma Mia!, Camelot, Radio City Christmas Spectacular, and Grease. His selected regional credits include Georges in La Cage aux Folles (Craig Noel Award) and Billy Flynn in Chicago (San Diego Musical Theatre), Dan Goodman in Next to Normal (SDMT, McCoy Rigby Entertainment; Ovation Award nomination), the title role in Sweeney Todd (Craig Noel Award nomination) and Captain Hook in Peter Pan (Moonlight Stage Productions), Tommy Albright in Brigadoon (Music Circus), Thomas Weaver in The Story of My Life (Ovation Award, Craig Noel Award nomination), Edward Rutledge in 1776 (Musical Theatre West; BroadwayWorld Award nomination), Trevor Graydon in Thoroughly Modern Millie (Music Circus, Musical Theatre West), and the title roles in Jekyll & Hyde (Cabrillo Music Theatre; Ovation Award). Love to his Mama Who, Jill, and their amazing Kiddie Who, Chase.
Kelsey Venter (Grown-Up Who Ensemble) is thrilled to return to The Old Globe and The Grinch for her seventh year in Whoville. Ms. Venter was most recently seen as Diana in Next to Normal (Tantrum Theater). Her other regional credits include Sense and Sensibility (The Old Globe), Mr. Burns: a post-electric play (Guthrie Theater, American Conservatory Theater), The Last Five Years, Monstress, Love and Information, ’Tis Pity She’s a Whore, and A Christmas Carol (American Conservatory Theater), The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Palos Verdes Performing Arts), The Miracle Worker, Les Misérables (San Diego Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Featured Performer in a Musical, Female), The 39 Steps, Guys and Dolls, and Trying (Lamb’s Players Theatre), I Love You Because (North Coast Repertory Theatre), Respect: A Musical Journey of Women (Lyceum Theatre, Herberger Theater Center), Oliver! (Woodminster Summer Musicals), She Loves Me and Boeing-Boeing (Center REP Theatre), and The Threepenny Opera and A Seagull in the Hamptons (Shotgun Players). Ms. Venter earned her B.A. in Theatre from San Diego State University and her M.F.A. in Acting from American Conservatory Theater. kelseyventer.com.
Stella Grace Wahl (Little Who Ensemble, Red Team) is 10 years old and is ecstatic to be making her debut at The Old Globe. She recently played the role of JoJo in Seussical (Christian Youth Theater San Diego). Her other shows include James and the Giant Peach, High School Musical, and Shrek The Musical (CYT) and Les Misérables (J*Company Youth Theatre). Ms. Wahl is a fifth-grade student at Bird Rock Elementary School. When she is not performing she enjoys playing guitar and piano, traveling, playing with her dogs, hanging out with her Girl Scout troop, and spending time with her family. Ms. Wahl would like to thank her vocal coach Karyn Overstreet, acting coach Shauna Markey, and dance teacher Tamlyn Orlando for teaching and inspiring her. She would also like to thank The Grinch’s artistic team for this amazing opportunity, and her family and friends for all of their support and encouragement.
Edward Watts (The Grinch) made his Globe debut last year as The Grinch. His recent credits include King Triton in The Little Mermaid (Music Theatre Wichita), Harold Hill in The Music Man (The Lexington Theatre Company), and Trevor Graydon in Thoroughly Modern Millie (Goodspeed Musicals; Connecticut Critics Circle Award nomination for Outstanding Featured Actor – Musical). His Broadway and New York credits include Robert and David in Scandalous, the title role in It’s a Bird...It’s a Plane...It’s Superman, El Gallo in The Fantasticks, Joe in The Most Happy Fella, and Steve in Lincoln Center’s Show Boat. He also appeared on tour as Joseph Smith, Jesus, and Mission President in The Book of Mormon; Adam Pontipee in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, and Enjolras in Les Misérables. Mr. Watts’s favorite regional credits include Joe Bradley in Roman Holiday (Guthrie Theater), Javert in Les Misérables (Dallas Theater Center), Carl-Magnus in A Little Night Music (Michigan Opera Theatre), Thomas Jefferson in 1776 (Goodspeed Musicals), and Miles Gloriosus in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (Shakespeare Theatre Company, where he met his new wife Sarah Meahl, aka Auntie Who this year; Helen Hayes Award nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor, Resident Musical). He has been seen on television in “NCIS: New Orleans,” “Quantico,” “The Sopranos,” “Rescue Me,” “The Carrie Diaries,” and “All My Children.” He is a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association. EdwardWatts.net.
John Perry Wishchuk (Danny Who, Pink Team) is 12 years old and in the sixth grade at St. Gregory the Great Catholic School. He appeared as Boo Who in the last two productions of Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! and is honored to return to The Old Globe for a third time. His love of theatre began through Christian Youth Theater San Diego, where he first played the role of Jetsam in the CYT North County Inland presentation of The Little Mermaid. It was this role that earned him the citywide CYT Director’s Choice Award for Best Actor 12 & Under. Mr. Wishchuk has appeared in CYT’s presentations of The Lion King Jr. and Beauty and the Beast. His two favorite and most recent roles were Michael in Peter Pan and Michael in Mary Poppins. When he is not singing and dancing, he enjoys writing, baking, playing his ukulele, and being in student government. Mr. Wishchuk thanks his family and teachers for their love and support, and the entire Old Globe team for this opportunity.
Timothy Mason (Book and Lyrics) has been represented at the Globe and on Broadway with Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! His other theatre credits include Levitation, Only You, Babylon Gardens with Timothy Hutton and Mary-Louise Parker, and The Fiery Furnace starring Julie Harris (Circle Repertory Company), his six-play The Young Americans Cycle (comprised of Ascension Day, The Less Than Human Club, Time on Fire, Mullen’s Alley, My Life in the Silents, and The Life to Come)(American Conservatory Theater’s Young Conservatory in San Francisco), Cannibals (Naked Eye Theatre), Six (Guthrie Theater Lab), and productions at Actors Theatre of Louisville, South Coast Repertory, Seattle Repertory Theatre, Victory Gardens Theater, Jungle Theatre in Minneapolis, and Royal National Theatre in London. Mr. Mason created many plays for young audiences at Children’s Theatre Company in Minneapolis, including musicals in collaboration with Mel Marvin, and the first Dr. Seuss musical, The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins with composer Hiram Titus. Mr. Mason’s novel for middle-school kids, The Last Synapsid, was published by Random House. His new historical thriller for adults, The Darwin Affair, will be published June 11, 2019 by Algonquin Books.
Mel Marvin (Composer) has composed Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! and Tintypes at the Globe. His Broadway credits include Yentl, A History of the American Film, Tintypes (Tony Award nomination), Fascinating Rhythm, Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, and Lincoln Center Theater’s Cymbeline. He has also had nine shows produced Off Broadway. His other credits include many of America’s best-known regional theatres, including Arena Stage, Guthrie Theater, American Repertory Theater, La Jolla Playhouse, and Mark Taper Forum, where he was an Associate Artist and wrote the original music for the premiere of Angels in America. Mr. Marvin’s other projects include Guest from the Future, an opera with libretto by Jonathan Levi that premiered at Fisher Center for the Arts in July 2004, and Buwalsky, an opera commissioned by Holland’s Opera Spanga that premiered in The Netherlands in August 2004 and toured the U.S. that fall. Mr. Marvin is Head Faculty Composer and Producing Director of the Graduate Musical Theatre Writing Program at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! is one of seven musicals for young audiences he has written for his daughter, Kate.
Jack O’Brien (Conceived and Directed Original Production, Artistic Director Emeritus) served as Artistic Director of The Old Globe from 1981 to 2007. His Broadway credits include the recent Broadway productions of Carousel, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The Front Page, It’s Only a Play, Macbeth, The Nance, Catch Me If You Can, The Coast of Utopia (Tony Award), Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Tony nomination), Henry IV (Tony Award), Hairspray (Tony Award), Imaginary Friends, The Invention of Love (Tony nomination), The Full Monty (Tony nomination), Two Shakespearean Actors (Tony nomination), Porgy and Bess (Tony nomination), and many more. He has also directed for national tours, the West End, New York’s Metropolitan Opera, and San Diego Opera, as well as six movies for PBS’s “American Playhouse.” He was inducted into the Theatre Hall of Fame in 2008. Jack Be Nimble: The Accidental Education of an Unintentional Director, his memoir about the early years of his career, was released in 2013.
John DeLuca (Original Choreography) Currently producing Mary Poppins Returns (December 2018).Film: Into the Woods, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, Nine, Memoirs of a Geisha, Chicago, and The Terminal. TV: Tony Bennett: An American Classic, “The 75th Annual Academy Awards,” and “The Kennedy Center Honors.” Broadway/New York theatre: Minnelli on Minnelli, Broadway Sings Elton John, Deborah Voight on Broadway, Sweet Adeline (City Center Encores!), and Two Gentlemen of Verona (The Public Theater). National tours: The Boy Friend, Chita & All That Jazz, Music of the Night, and Brigadoon. American Stage Company: Oedipus Private Eye, Lucky Guy, and The Gig. Two Emmy Awards, two Golden Globe Award nominations, American Musical Theatre Award, Choreography Media Honors, two American Choreography Awards, and Hamilton Behind the Camera Award.
Bob Richard (Additional Choreography) provided the choreography for the Broadway and tour productions of Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! for the past 13 years. Off Broadway he directed and choreographed Inventing Mary Martin: The Revue of a Lifetime (Joe A. Callaway Award nomination) and The Road to Qatar. He has directed at North Shore Music Theatre, Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, and Theatre By The Sea, including productions of Peter Pan, The Music Man, Beauty and the Beast, and Chicago, winning several awards. He has choreographed at The 5th Avenue Theatre, Theatre Under The Stars, and Pioneer Theatre Company, and internationally in Shanghai, Beijing, and Singapore. Mr. Richard’s television and film credits include “LazyTown,” “The Tonight Show,” “The Today Show,” “Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade,” and the Big Apple Film Festival. He is also a guest master instructor at Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival. He has received a Footlight Award, Gypsy Rose Lee Award, Ivey Award, Ernie Award, and San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle Award. Mr. Richard’s career has encompassed dancing, teaching master classes worldwide, directing, and choreographing for over 36 years in the world of show business. Without children and their dreams and imagination, there would be no Christmas!
Elan McMahan (Musical Director) previously worked on the Globe productions of Dr. Seuss’s The Lorax, Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (2011, 2013–2017), the Summer Shakespeare Festival (2012–2013), and the New Voices Festival reading of Cake Off (2015). She is the Resident Musical Director at Moonlight Stage Productions with over 50 productions to her name. She has received three San Diego Theatre Critics Circle Craig Noel Awards for Outstanding Musical Direction: in 2012, for her body of work, including Moonlight’s Sweeney Todd and Fiddler on the Roof and the Globe’s As You Like It; in 2015 for Moonlight’s Big Fish; and in 2017 for Moonlight’s In the Heights. Ms. McMahan holds a B.Mus. from Brigham Young University and an M.Mus. from St. Louis Conservatory of Music.
John Lee Beatty (Scenic Design) has designed the Globe productions of Much Ado About Nothing, King Richard II, Picasso at the Lapin Agile, Love’s Labor’s Lost, Cornelia, Dancing in the Dark, Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!,and Redwood Curtain. His 115 Broadway credits include Sweat, Disgraced, The Nance, After Midnight, Good People, Venus in Fur, Other Desert Cities, Time Stands Still, A View from the Bridge, The Royal Family, The Color Purple, Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, Rabbit Hole, Doubt, Chicago, Proof, The Last Night of Ballyhoo, A Delicate Balance, The Heiress, The Sisters Rosensweig, The Most Happy Fella, Burn This, Ain’t Misbehavin’, Talley’s Folly, Fifth of July,and Crimes of the Heart. His Off Broadway credits include The Whipping Man, Sylvia, The Substance of Fire, A Life in the Theatre, and Lips Together, Teeth Apart, as well as 38 seasons at Manhattan Theatre Club and Circle Repertory Company, 22 seasons at City Center Encores!, film, opera, television, and circus. Mr. Beatty is the recipient of Tony, Obie, Drama Desk, and Outer Critics Circle Awards, and he is a member of the Theatre Hall of Fame. He is a graduate of Brown University and Yale School of Drama.
Robert Morgan (Costume Design) has designed the Broadway productions of Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, The Full Monty, Imaginary Friends, I’m Not Rappaport,and Sherlock’s Last Case. His Off Broadway credits include Pride’s Crossing and Saturn Returns (Lincoln Center Theater) and The Loves of Anatol (Circle in the Square Theatre). His television credits include “American Playhouse,” The Skin of Our Teeth,and A Christmas Carol. He has designed internationally for the West End and Maria Theresa’s Schönbrunn Palace Theater in Vienna. His regional credits include The Old Globe (Associate Artist), Ahmanson Theatre, American Conservatory Theater, American Players Theatre, The Denver Center for the Performing Arts, Guthrie Theater, Huntington Theatre Company, The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, McCarter Theatre Center, Milwaukee Repertory Theatre, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Portland Center Stage, Seattle Repertory Theatre, Studio Arena Theater, and Williamstown Theatre Festival. He has received two Drama Desk Award nominations and 12 Drama-Logue Awards, and he has exhibited at Prague Quadrennial. He is the former Director of Boston University’s Theatre Arts Division, School for the Arts.
Pat Collins (Lighting Design) has designed Globe productions of Twelfth Night, Cymbeline,and Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! Her Broadway credits include Orphans, Good People, Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, Doubt (Tony Award nomination), Sight Unseen, Proof, A Moon for the Misbegotten, A Delicate Balance, The Sisters Rosensweig, Conversations with My Father, The Heidi Chronicles, I’m Not Rappaport (Tony Award), Execution of Justice (Drama Desk Award), the original production and 1988 revival of Ain’t Misbehavin’, Once Upon a Mattress, An American Daughter,and many more. Her Lincoln Center Theater credits include Third, Ten Unknowns, Death and the King’s Horseman, The Threepenny Opera (Tony nomination), The Floating Light Bulb,and Measure for Measure. Her Off Broadway credits include The Foreigner, Doubt, Burn This, Quartermaine’s Terms, How I Got That Story,and A Life in the Theatre. Ms. Collins has designed lighting at theatres throughout the country, including Mark Taper Forum, McCarter Theatre Center, Berkeley Repertory Theatre, Seattle Repertory Theatre, Hartford Stage, Alley Theatre, Center Stage, Long Wharf Theatre, Guthrie Theater, Goodman Theatre, American Repertory Theater, and Actor’s Theatre of Louisville. She has also designed over 100 productions for opera companies throughout the world.
Paul Peterson (Sound Design) has designed over 100 productions at The Old Globe, including Other Desert Cities, The Brothers Size, God of Carnage, Nobody Loves You, Odyssey, Engaging Shaw, Life of Riley, Plaid Tidings – A Special Holiday Edition of Forever Plaid, Welcome to Arroyo’s, Brighton Beach Memoirs, Broadway Bound, The Last Romance, Lost in Yonkers, I Do! I Do!, The Mystery of Irma Vep, Kingdom, Six Degrees of Separation, The Women, Two Trains Running, Hold Please, Restoration Comedy, Pig Farm, Moonlight and Magnolias, Vincent in Brixton, Lucky Duck, The Intelligent Design of Jenny Chow, Blue/Orange, Time Flies, Pentecost, Compleat Female Stage Beauty, The Boswell Sisters, Crumbs from the Table of Joy, and many more. His regional credits include designs for Milwaukee Repertory Theater, San Jose Repertory Theatre, Center Stage, La Jolla Playhouse, Sledgehammer Theatre (Associate Artist), Mo`olelo Performing Arts Company, San Diego Repertory Theatre, North Coast Repertory Theatre, Diversionary Theatre, TheatreWorks Silicon Valley, Malashock Dance, University of San Diego, San Diego State University, and UCLA. Mr. Peterson received his B.F.A. in Drama with an emphasis in Technical Design from San Diego State University.
Anita Ruth (Orchestrator) is an orchestrator, arranger, and musical director active in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. She has prepared over 150 musicals in the last 30 years. She was the musical director of the Chanhassen Dinner Theatres from 1968 to 1988. Since then she has been a freelance music director and orchestrator at Guthrie Theater, Children’s Theatre Company, Bloomington Civic Theatre, and Theatre Mu, among others. She has been the arranger/music director for three Shakespeare productions at the Guthrie in addition to music directing their production of A Christmas Carol for many years. In 2004 she orchestrated two operas composed by Mel Marvin: one presented in Holland and the other at Bard College.
Joshua Rosenblum (Vocal Arrangements and Incidental Music) has conducted 13 Broadway and Off Broadway shows, specializing in flying vehicles (Miss Saigon, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,and Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!). He is the composer/lyricist of the Off Broadway smash hit revue Bush Is Bad, as well as the musicals Fermat’s Last Tango, Einstein’s Dreams, Garbo and Me, and Mark Felt, Superstar. As a pianist, he has appeared at Carnegie Hall with The New York Pops; in the Encores! series at New York City Center; and in solo recitals at Symphony Space. He is a faculty member of the Yale University Department of Music and a contributing writer for Opera News. Mr. Rosenblum is the founder and music director of the Pit Stop Players and the recipient of a grant from Signature Theatre in Washington DC as part of the American Musical Voices Project. rosenblummusic.com.
David Krane (Dance Music Arranger) created the dance music and additional score for the Academy Award–winning Chicago and the film of Nine; created the musical score adaptation for Disney’s Into the Woods starring Meryl Streep; produced and arranged Michelle Williams’s vocals for My Week with Marilyn; and composed Aspire with Stephen Cole, the first American musical produced in the Middle East. Their musical comedy about that incredible experience, The Road to Qatar!, was produced in Dallas, New York City, and the Edinburgh Festival. It is licensed by josef-weinberger.com, and the album, produced by jayrecords.com, is available on iTunes. Mr. Krane’s many Broadway credits include Cabaret, On the Twentieth Century, and She Loves Me. His latest works are Disney’s new film Mary Poppins Returns and his own new original musical Goin’ Hollywood. davidkrane.com.
Jess Slocum (Production Stage Manager) previously worked on the Globe productions of Much Ado About Nothing; Measure for Measure and Twelfth Night (Globe for All); Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!;Ken Ludwig’s Robin Hood!; The Imaginary Invalid; Red Velvet; Picasso at the Lapin Agile; Love’s Labor’s Lost; tokyo fish story; The Metromaniacs; In Your Arms; Twelfth Night; Buyer & Cellar; Bright Star; Othello; Water by the Spoonful; The Winter’s Tale; A Doll’s House; Pygmalion; A Room with a View; Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show; the 2011–2013 Shakespeare Festivals; Rafta, Rafta…; Robin and the 7 Hoods; Alive and Well; Sammy; Cornelia; Since Africa;and The Glass Menagerie. Her Broadway credits include In the Heights. Her regional credits include Noura (Shakespeare Theatre Company), Indecent, Side Show, Ruined, The Third Story, Memphis,and Most Wanted (La Jolla Playhouse), and Post Office (Center Theatre Group). She is a graduate of Vanderbilt University and a proud member of Actors’ Equity.
DR. SEUSS’S HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS!
Book and Lyrics by Timothy Mason
Music by Mel Marvin
Additional Lyrics by Theodor S. Geisel
Additional Music by Albert Hague
Original Production Conceived and Directed by Jack O’Brien
Directed by James Vásquez
Original Choreography by John DeLuca
Musical Direction by Elan McMahan
Additional Choreography by Bob Richard
Choreography Restaged by James Vásquez
RUNS: November 3 – December 29, 2017
Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage in the Old Globe Theatre, part of the Conrad Prebys Theatre Center
TICKETS: Ticket prices start at $29.00 for adults and $19.00 for children (17 years and under). Children under age 3 will be admitted to 11:00 a.m. performances only, which are open to all ages. At the 11:00 a.m. performances only, children under the age of two are free but must occupy the same seat and sit on the lap of a parent or guardian in attendance. Regardless of age, each audience member, including babes in arms, must have a ticket to be admitted into the theatre.
SYNOPSIS: San Diego’s favorite holiday tradition, back for its 21st incredible year, is a wonderful, whimsical production that will once again jump right off the pages of the classic Dr. Seuss book and onto the Old Globe’s stage. Back for its 20th incredible year, the family favorite features the songs “This Time of Year,” “Santa for a Day,” and “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.
CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY
Sunday, November 11 at 6:00 p.m.
13th annual Grinch tree lighting on the Globe plaza to include special performance by the cast. FREE
SENSORY-FRIENDLY PERFORMANCE AND
AXIS: Jungle Poppins and Workshops
Saturday, December 1 at 10:30 a.m.
A sensory-friendly performance of the holiday musical for children on the autism spectrum and their families, as well as other families with special needs.
FREE AXIS event: concert by Jungle Poppins and post-show Grinch-y workshops
CAST: Edward Watts (The Grinch), Tommy Martinez (Young Max), Steve Gunderson (Old Max), Sadie Tess Coleman and Leila Manuel (Cindy-Lou Who), Robert J. Townsend (Papa Who), Bets Malone (Mama Who), Larry Raben (Grandpa Who), Kyrsten Hafso Koppman (Grandma Who), Zoe Carnot and Audrey Fundingsland (Annie Who), Taylor Coleman and Bianca Rodriguez (Betty-Lou Who), Alexander Ikizyan and Sean Pope (Boo Who), and Gavin August and John Perry Wishchuk (Danny Who). The ensemble consists of Sophia Adajar, Joelle Dana Advento, Nicholas Alexander, Jacob Caltrider, Janaya Mahealani Jones, Hannah Lee, Lindsay Mains, Sarah Meahl, Mackenzie Nibbe, Arden Pala, Viviana Peji, Amare Phillips, Marcus Terrell Smith, Hailey Topolovac, Kelsey Venter, and Stella Grace Wahl, as well as James Vásquez (Swing).
CREATIVE TEAM: 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 Jess Slocum (Production Stage Manager).
BOX OFFICE WINDOW HOURS: Noon to final curtain Tuesday through Sunday. American Express, Discover, MasterCard, and VISA accepted.
(619) 23-GLOBE [234-5623].
LOCATION: The Old Globe is located in San Diego’s Balboa Park at 1363 Old Globe Way. Free parking is available throughout the park. Valet parking is also available ($14, advance reservation).
PHOTOS: Digital images of Globe productions are available at TheOldGlobe.org/press-room.
PRESS CONTACTS:
Susan Chicoine (619) 238-0043 x2352 / 325-9416
schicoine@TheOldGlobe.org
Performance Schedule
PREVIEW PERFORMANCES:
Nov 3 SAT 7:00pm
Nov 4 SUN 7:00pm
Nov 7 WED 7:00pm
OPENING NIGHT: Nov 8 THU 7:00pm
REGULAR PERFORMANCES:
Nov 9 FRI 7:00pm
Nov 10 SAT 11:00am
Nov 10 SAT 2:00pm
Nov 10 SAT 5:00pm
Nov 11 SUN 11:00am
Nov 11 SUN 4:30pm (Christmas Tree Lighting)
Nov 13 TUE 7:00pm
Nov 16 FRI 7:00pm
Nov 17 SAT 11:00am
Nov 17 SAT 2:00pm
Nov 17 SAT 5:00pm
Nov 18 SUN 11:00am
Nov 18 SUN 2:00pm
Nov 18 SUN 5:00pm
Nov 20 TUE 7:00pm
Nov 21 WED 7:00pm
Nov 23 FRI 2:00pm
Nov 23 FRI 5:00pm
Nov 24 SAT 11:00am
Nov 24 SAT 2:00pm
Nov 24 SAT 5:00pm
Nov 25 SUN 11:00am
Nov 25 SUN 2:00pm
Nov 25 SUN 5:00pm
Nov 27 TUE 7:00pm
Nov 28 WED 7:00pm
Nov 29 THU 7:00pm
Nov 30 FRI 7:00pm
Dec 1 SAT 10:30am (Sensory-Friendly Performance)
Dec 1 SAT 2:00pm
Dec 1 SAT 5:00pm
Dec 2 SUN 11:00am
Dec 2 SUN 2:00pm
Dec 2 SUN 5:00pm
Dec 4 TUE 7:00pm
Dec 5 WED 7:00pm
Dec 6 THU 7:00pm
Dec 8 SAT 11:00am (December Nights)
Dec 8 SAT 2:00pm (December Nights)
Dec 8 SAT 5:00pm (December Nights)
Dec 9 SUN 11:00am
Dec 9 SUN 2:00pm
Dec 9 SUN 5:00pm
Dec 11 TUE 7:00pm
Dec 12 WED 7:00pm
Dec 13 THU 7:00pm
Dec 14 FRI 7:00pm
Dec 15 SAT 11:00am
Dec 15 SAT 2:00pm
Dec 15 SAT 5:00pm
Dec 16 SUN 11:00am
Dec 16 SUN 2:00pm
Dec 16 SUN 5:00pm
Dec 18 TUE 7:00pm
Dec 19 WED 4:00pm
Dec 19 WED 7:00pm
Dec 20 THU 7:00pm
Dec 21 FRI 5:00pm
Dec 22 SAT 11:00am
Dec 22 SAT 2:00pm
Dec 22 SAT 5:00pm
Dec 23 SUN 11:00am
Dec 23 SUN 2:00pm
Dec 23 SUN 5:00pm
Dec 24 MON 11:00am
Dec 24 MON 2:00pm
Dec 26 WED 3:00pm
Dec 26 WED 6:00pm
Dec 27 THU 5:00pm
Dec 28 FRI 5:00pm
Dec 29 SAT 2:00pm
Dec 29 SAT 5:00pm
