Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas! Cast and Creative Announcement

COMPLETE CAST AND CREATIVE TEAM announced for
THE OLD GLOBE’S 22ndANNUAL PRODUCTION of
DR. SEUSS’S HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS!

Broadway veteran EDWARD WATTS returns as The Grinch,
TOMMY MARTINEZ rejoins himas Young Max,
with JOHN TREACY EGAN making his Globe debut as Old Max,
with a great cast of San Diego favorites, and old and new Whos too!

Performances begin SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2019

The Old Globe’s 14th ANNUAL CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING,
with performances from the cast,
will take place on SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17 at 6:00 p.m.

The Globe will present a SENSORY-FRIENDLY PERFORMANCE and
Free AXIS Event on SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14 at 10:30 a.m.

PHOTO EDITORS:
Publicity photos of the Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! 2018 production are available by clicking here; current cast headshots can be found by clicking here.

SAN DIEGO (October 18, 2019)—The Old Globe today announced the complete cast and creative team for the Globe’s 22nd annual production of Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!The holiday musical will run November 10 – 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 10 – November 14. Opening night is Friday, November 15 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 22nd 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 and 2018. Watts recently starred as Harold Hill in The Music Man at Goodspeed Musicals and Sky Masterson in Guys and Dolls at Broadway Sacramento/Music Circus (with wife Sarah Meahl, who is also returning to Grinch). His Broadway and New York credits include Scandalous, Finian’s Rainbow, It’s a Bird...It’s a Plane...It’s Superman, The Fantasticks, The Most Happy Fella, and the acclaimed PBS “Live from Lincoln Center” Show Boat with the New York Philharmonic. Tommy Martinez will once again 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. Old Max will be played by Broadway veteran John Treacy Egan, whose credits include My Fair Lady (Lincoln Center Theater), Casa Valentina (Manhattan Theatre Club), Nice Work If You Can Get It, Sister Act, The Little Mermaid, The Producers, Jekyll & Hyde, and Bye Bye Birdie.

Alternating in the role of Cindy-Lou Who are Escondido resident Sophia Adajar, featured in the Little Who Ensemble last year, and Chula Vistan Leila Manuel, returning for her second year in the role.

Rounding out the cast of The Grinch are San Diego mainstays Kevin Hafso Koppman (Papa Who), Katie Sapper (Mama Who), Larry Raben (Grandpa Who), and Bets Malone (Grandma Who), who are joined by Lindsay Mains and Hannah Roby (Annie Who), Arya Bosworth and Isabella Burer (Betty-Lou Who), Jonah Orona and Jaydn Washington (Boo Who), and Bobby Chiu and Alexander Ikizyan (Danny Who).

The ensemble consists of Reanne Acasio, Joelle Dana Advento, Nicholas Alexander, Juliette Cutugno, Elisa Guerra, Kyrsten Hafso Koppman, Ava Harris, Teagan Kirby, Sarah Meahl, Sara Minuto, Arden Pala, Amare Phillips, William BJ Robinson, Lance Arthur Smith, Stella Grace Wahl, and Audrey Simone Winters, 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 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 Grinchy AXIS workshops and performances! This is a special time of year at the Globe, touched with the genius of Dr. Seuss, the continuing generosity of Audrey S. Geisel, and surprise, entertainment, and joy.”

The 14th annual Globe Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place on Sunday, November 17 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, and will be available for the general public on Friday, October 25 at 12:00 noon. The Grinch production performances that day will be at 11:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

The Old Globe will once again offer a sensory-friendly performance of Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! on Saturday, December 14 at 10:30 a.m. Following very successful performances the past seven 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. To learn more about what to expect, families can check out the sensory-friendly story video created by Inclusion Films, whose founder, veteran filmmaker Joey Travolta, teaches filmmaking workshops to individuals with developmental disabilities throughout California.

Also returning is our free Grinch Sensory-Friendly AXIS Event, with musical programming provided by Banding Together starting at 9:00 a.m. before the sensory-friendly performance, and a sensory-friendly workshop hosted by actor and teacher Samantha Ginn. Founded in 2009, Banding Together’s mission is to bring music opportunities to individuals with special needs in our community. This is accomplished through music therapy scholarships, free jam-session programs, mentorships, and instruments. These exciting opportunities on the Globe’s Copley Plaza and in the Craig Noel Garden make the sensory-friendly Grinch even more inclusive. AXIS programs are supported by a grant from The James Irvine Foundation.

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 and Random House Children’s Books. The Artist Sponsor for Edward Watts (as The Grinch) is Bank of America.

Free Student Matinee Sponsors are the Binford Family and the Peggy and Robert Matthews Foundation. Grinch Children’s Initiatives Sponsors are Terry Atkinson and Kathy Taylor, the County of San Diego, Elaine and Dave Darwin, The James Irvine Foundation, and the Jeffrey and Sheila Lipinsky Family Foundation. Financial support is provided by The City of San Diego.

The Old Globe’s arts engagement programs are supported by a major grant from The James Irvine Foundation. Support for the Globe’s Teaching Artists comes from the Ann Davies Fund for Teaching Artists.

James Vásquez (Director, Swing, Dance Captain) is happy to be celebrating his 17th Christmas in Whoville. Previously with the Globe, he directed the West Coast premiere of Tiny Beautiful Things, 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, Stupid F***ing Bird, and the world premiere of Acquainted with the Night. He received the Craig Noel Award for Outstanding Direction of a Musical in 2018 for In the Heights (Moonlight Stage Productions) and in 2010 for Sweeney Todd (Cygnet Theatre Company). His other recent directing/choreography credits include In the Heights (Dallas Theater Center), American Mariachi (Denver Center for the Performing Arts Theatre Company), Dr. Seuss’s The Lorax (Children’s Theatre Company), The Addams Family and Chicago (Moonlight Stage Productions), West Side Story and Cats (San Diego Musical Theatre),the West Coast premiere of [title of show], Pippin,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 amateur gardener, lover of dogs, and 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 10 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: Sunday, Nov. 10 at 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 13 at 7:00 p.m., and Thursday, November 14 at 7:00 p.m. Opening Night is Friday, November 15 at 7:00 p.m. Regular performances (November 16–December 29): 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.

Additional performances/holiday schedules: Sunday, Nov. 17 at 4:30 p.m. (Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at 6:00 p.m., no 2:00 p.m. or 5:00 p.m.); Friday, Nov. 29 at 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. (no 7:00 p.m.). During December Nights in Balboa Park, there is no 7:00 p.m. performance on Friday December 6. The sensory-friendly performance on Saturday, December 14 will be at 10:30 a.m. (not 11:00 a.m.). There will be an additional performance on Wednesday, Dec. 18 at 4:00 p.m.; Friday, Dec. 20 at 5:00 p.m. (no 7:00 p.m.); Monday, Dec. 23 at 5:00 p.m.; Tuesday, Dec. 24 at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. (no 7:00 p.m.); Thursday, Dec. 26 at 5:00 p.m. (no 7:00 p.m.); Friday, Dec. 27 at 5:00 p.m. (no 7:00 p.m.); Saturday, Dec. 28 at 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. (no 11:00 a.m.); and Sunday, Dec. 29 at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. (no 5:00 p.m.). Dark on Thanksgiving (Nov. 28) 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. Through a special arrangement with the San Diego Zoo, Old Globe evening ticket-holders have the opportunity to pre-purchase valet parking in the Zoo’s employee parking structure. With a drop-off point just a short walk to the Globe, theatregoers may purchase fast, easy, convenient valet parking for just $14 per vehicle per evening. Pre-paid only, available only by phone through the Old Globe Box Office. Call (619) 234-5623 or visit www.theoldglobe.org/plan-your-visit/directions--parking/valet-parking. The Balboa Park valet is also 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 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. Please note: GPS may guide you to this delivery address, which is different from the main entrance to our campus. For directions and up-to-date information, please visit www.theoldglobe.org/plan-your-visit/directions--parking/detailed-directions.

CALENDAR: Almost Famous (9/13–10/27), Noura (9/20–10/20), Globe for All Tour: The Winter’s Tale (10/29–11/17), M.F.A.: Twelfth Night (11/2–10), AXIS: Day of the Dead (11/3), Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (11/3–12/29), Globe Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony (11/17), Ebenezer Scrooge’s BIG San Diego Christmas Show (11/23–12/24), Grinch Sensory-Friendly AXIS Event (12/14), August Wilson’s Jitney (1/18/2020-2/23), Hurricane Diane (2/8–3/8), Little Women (3/14–4/19), Faceless (3/28–4/26), The Gardens of Anuncia (5/8–6/14), What We Talk About When We Talk About Anne Frank (5/28–6/28).

PHOTO EDITORS: Digital images of The Old Globe’s productions are available at www.theoldglobe.org/press-room.

The Tony Award–winning The Old Globe is one of the country’s leading professional not-for-profit regional theatres. Now in its 85th year, the Globe is San Diego’s flagship performing arts institution, and it serves a vibrant community with theatre as a public good. 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 16 productions of classic, contemporary, and new works on its three Balboa Park stages, including its internationally renowned Shakespeare Festival. More than 250,000 people annually attend Globe productions and participate in the theatre’s artistic and arts engagement programs. Its nationally prominent Arts Engagement Department provides an array of participatory programs that make theatre matter to more people in neighborhoods throughout the region. Humanities programs at the Globe and around the city broaden the community’s understanding of theatre art in all its forms. The Globe also boasts a range of new play development programs with professional and community-based writers, as well as the renowned The Old Globe and University of San Diego Shiley Graduate Theatre Program. Numerous world premieres—such as 2014 Tony Award winner for Best Musical A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, Bright Star, The Full Monty, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels,and Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!—have been developed at The Old Globe and have gone on to highly successful runs on Broadway and at regional theatres across the country.

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KIDS/TEENS BY CITY/NEIGHBORHOOD

Chula Vista (91911, 91913–14) – Joelle Dana Advento, Juliette Cutugno, Elisa Guerra, Ava Harris, Leila Manuel, Jaydn Washington
Carlsbad (92011) – Audrey Simone Winters
Encinitas (92024) – Bobby Chiu
Escondido (92027–29) – Sophia Adajar, Jonah Orona
La Jolla (92037) – Stella Grace Wahl
Poway (92064) – Hannah Roby
Rancho Santa Fe (92067) – Isabella Burer
North Park/South Park (92104) – Teagan Kirby
City Heights (92105) – Amare Phillips
San Carlos (92119) – Sara Minuto
University City (92122) – Lindsay Mains
4S Ranch/Rancho Bernardo (92127–28) – Arden Pala
Carmel Valley (92130) – Alexander Ikizyan
Scripps Ranch (92131) – Arya Bosworth

CAST AND CREATIVE TEAM BIOGRAPHIES

Reanne Acasio (Grown-Up Who Ensemble) previously appeared at The Old Globe in the world premiere of Clint Black’s Looking for Christmas. Her regional theatre credits include Sister Act (San Diego Musical Theatre), Little Women (The Barn Stage Company), Heathers: The Musical (OnStage Playhouse), The Fire in Me (Asian Story Theater), and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (ASL Musical). Her other regional work includes La Jolla Playhouse, San Diego Repertory Theatre, and New Village Arts. Ms. Acasio received her B.S. in Psychology from UC San Diego. @reanneacasio on Instagram.

Sophia Adajar (Cindy-Lou Who, Red Team) is excited to join the cast of Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! again this year. Last year she was in the Little Who Ensemble, and she is honored to be able to perform at The Old Globe for her second year. She is an energetic and passionate 10-year-old who loves singing, dancing, and performing. In her spare time she enjoys performing in her school musicals, playing soccer, playing basketball, and playing piano. A couple of her favorite roles outside of The Old Globe have been Herald in Cinderella and Chip in Beauty and the Beast Jr. She would like to thank The Old Globe for believing in her and casting her for this amazing role; St. Michael’s School for introducing her and fueling 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 positive role model and 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 overjoyed to celebrate Christmas once again in Whoville. She is thankful to the Old Globe team for another opportunity to be with her Who family and share in this amazing production. She is a fifth grader at Hedenkamp Elementary School and loves being a part of their Theatrical Ensemble, with which she recently played Ariel in The Little Mermaid. Ms. Advento enjoys singing in the church choir at St. Rose of Lima and taking part in musical showcases and plays. When she is not singing, she loves to play the violin for San Diego Youth Symphony’s Community Opus Project, play the ukulele and piano, draw, and play chess with her brothers. She holds a black belt in Tang Soo Do and is currently training in Muay Thai. Ms. Advento is very grateful to God for His goodness and wonderful blessings. She sends much love and gratitude to her Daddy, Mama, Jonah, Joel, wonderful family and friends, and music mentors Joseph Advento and Jackie M. Griffin for their continued love and support.

Nicholas Alexander (Grown-Up Who Ensemble) is beyond excited to be back in Whoville here at The Old Globe for his second year. His recent credits include Tom Sawyer in Big River, Enoch Snow Jr. in Carousel, Otto in Spring Awakening, 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 beautiful wife Emily for always loving and supporting him.

Arya Bosworth (Betty-Lou Who, Pink Team) is 11 years old and is thrilled to be making her Old Globe debut as Betty-Lou Who. She has performed various roles in seven Christian Youth Theater San Diego productions, including Feed the Birds Soloist in Mary Poppins and Dora Bailey and Broadway Melody Host Soloist in Singin’ in the Rain. Her other credits include performing Broadway medleys at City National Grove of Anaheim at a children’s charity gala hosted by Olive Crest; recording vocals at Twin Star Recording Studios for Kathryn the Grape for her upcoming album; performing in Allegory at La Jolla Playhouse’s Without Walls Festival; and featuring in multiple Qualcomm videos exhibiting her work in FIRST Tech Challenge robotics. Ms. Bosworth is very grateful to her family and Ms. Becky for their support, and to everyone involved in The Grinch for their guidance.

Isabella Burer (Betty-Lou Who, Red Team) is thrilled to be performing in Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! this holiday season. She is a 12-year-old sixth grader at Santa Fe Christian Schools. Ms. Burer has been in 10 musical-theatre shows, primarily with Christian Youth Theater San Diego, including Seussical, Willy Wonka, Alice in Wonderland, Thoroughly Modern Millie, and Little Women. Her favorite role to date has been Junie B. in Junie B. Jones. That performance led her to win a Directors Choice Award in the Actress 12 & Under category. She is looking forward to a future in performing, whether that be in television, movies, or Broadway. Ms. Burer also loves piano, dance, volleyball, and entertaining her three siblings. She is thankful to her parents for loving her and supporting her dreams, to her voice coach Karyn Overstreet, and to the Globe for giving her this amazing opportunity.

Bobby Chiu (Danny Who, Red Team) is excited to return to Whoville! In previous holiday seasons here at The Old Globe, Mr. Chiu has performed as Little Who Ensemble in The Grinch and Billy Watson in the world premiere of Clint Black’s Looking for Christmas. His other credits include Tommy in Matilda the Musical (Moonlight Stage Productions), John in Fun Home (San Diego Repertory Theatre), Jerome in South Pacific (San Diego Musical Theatre), Eddie in the West Coast premiere of The Last Wife (Cygnet Theatre Company), Winthrop in The Music Man (Welk Resort Theatre), and Chip in Beauty and the Beast (J*Company Youth Theatre). When not performing, Mr. Chiu loves to play piano, dance ballet and tap, and rollerblade. He is 11 years old and in the sixth grade. Merry Grinchmas!

Juliette Cutugno (Little Who Ensemble, Red Team) is 10 years old and in the fifth grade. When she is not studying for school, she enjoys being a Girl Scout, drawing, and playing the ukulele. She also loves performing on stage in musical-theatre productions. Her favorite shows have been Seussical, Alice in Wonderland, and The Lion King. Ms. Cutugno is excited to be in her first production at The Old Globe.

John Treacy Egan (Old Max) recently appeared on Broadway in My Fair Lady at Lincoln Center Theater. He has many other Broadway credits, including the Tony Award–nominated Casa Valentina at Manhattan Theatre Club. He played Chief Berry in Nice Work If You Can Get It and created the roles of Joey in Sister Act and Chef Louis in The Little Mermaid. He played Max Bialystock, as well as Roger De Bris and Franz Liebkind, in The Producers. And he was an original cast member of Jekyll & Hyde and Roundabout Theatre Company’s Bye Bye Birdie. Off Broadway, Mr. Egan created roles in Clinton The Musical, Howard Crabtree’s When Pigs Fly, Disaster!, and Bat Boy: The Musical. He has appeared on television in “Gotham,” “Younger,” “The Good Wife,” “The Knick,” “Boardwalk Empire,” “Nurse Jackie,” “30 Rock,” “Cupid,” and “Law & Order,” and he was in the films Last Night and The Producers. He can be heard on many theatrical recordings as well as his own solo albums Count the Stars and On Christmas Morning, whichare available on iTunes and cdbaby.com.

Elisa Guerra (Teen Who, Pink Team) is thrilled to return for a third year in Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! She fell in love with musical theatre in first grade thanks to her school’s theatre director. Ms. Guerra is now 14 and a freshman in high school, and she continues loving everything about being on the stage. She has been blessed to be in some great productions over the years at several local theatres, as well as in a few short films, including an opportunity to play the lead in a short film written and produced by Kathy Najimy. But there is nothing like spending the holidays in Whoville. Ms. Guerra is honored to be a part of this talented cast and is forever grateful to The Old Globe for this opportunity. A special thank you to her coaches for their incredible teachings and guidance, and to her family for their never-ending love and support. Merry Grinchmas!

Kevin Hafso Koppman (Papa Who) has been seen at The Old Globe in Twelfth Night (Globe for All), Hamlet, The Imaginary Invalid, Picasso at the Lapin Agile, Love’s Labor’s Lost, and Macbeth. He is a graduate of The Old Globe and University of San Diego Shiley Graduate Theatre Program, where he appeared in The Two Gentlemen of Verona, As You Like It, The Seagull, and Acquainted with the Night. His recent regional credits include The Addams Family (Welk Resort Theatre), Young Frankenstein (San Diego Musical Theatre), Pride and Prejudice (Cygnet Theatre Company), West Side Story and The Foreigner (Lamb’s Players Theatre), Ether Dome and His Girl Friday (La Jolla Playhouse), Zoot Suit (San Diego Repertory Theatre), A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum and This Random World (North Coast Repertory Theatre), Birds of a Feather and Speech and Debate (Diversionary Theatre), and The Sunshine Boys and Deathtrap (Scripps Ranch Theatre). Mr. Hafso Koppman received the 2018 Craig Noel Award for Actor of the Year. He gives love and thanks to Kyrsten and Ivy.

Kyrsten Hafso Koppman (Grown-Up Who Ensemble) previously appeared at The Old Globe in Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (2013–2018). 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 has performed in San Diego at San Diego Musical Theatre, North Coast Repertory Theatre, Moonlight Stage Productions, Cygnet Theatre Company, Lamb’s Players Theatre, Intrepid Theatre Company, and Welk Resort Theatre. Ms. Hafso Koppman has music directed for Diversionary Theatre, The Old Globe, Grossmont College, The Old Globe and University of San Diego Shiley Graduate Theatre Program, San Diego State University, Actors’ Conservatory Theatre – San Diego, and American Rose Theatre, as well as for workshops at Moonlight Stage Productions. She is a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association and the National Association of Teachers of Singing. She is forever grateful for the love and support from Kevin and Ivy. @hafsosisters.

Ava Harris (Teen Who, Red Team) is an eighth grader at Nazareth School and is excited to be returning to the Dr. Seuss childhood classic The Grinch. Her regional credits include Annie Who and Little Who Ensemble in Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (The Old Globe), Raynell in a staged reading of Fences (The Roustabouts Theatre Co.), Fredrika in A Little Night Music (Cygnet Theatre Company), and Alice’s Daughter in Big River (New Village Arts). Her youth-theatre credits include Little Inez in Hairspray and Lawyer and Ensemble in Ragtime (J*Company Youth Theatre) and Beauty and the Beast (Christian Youth Theater San Diego). Ms. Harris has been a student of Karyn Overstreet Vocal Studio for the past seven years. She thanks James Vásquez and The Old Globe for this opportunity.

Alexander‪ Ikizyan (Danny Who, Pink Team) is thrilled to be back for a second year in Whoville, where he previously played Boo Who. He most recently played Bruce Bogtrotter in Matilda The Musical (Moonlight Stage Productions). His other roles include Mary Poppins and Seussical (Christian Youth Theater San Diego). Mr. Ikizyan is a homeschooled sixth grader. When not performing, he is singing, creating videos with friends, tap dancing, taking ballet, sharpening his skills with various acting classes, and just being a kid. He would like to thank The Old Globe, all of his coaches and mentors, director James Vásquez for believing in him, and his mom, dad, and brother Nathaniel for all their support and encouragement.

Teagan Kirby (Little Who Ensemble, Pink Team) is nine years old and in fourth grade at High Tech Elementary. She is thrilled and honored to be making her professional debut in this year’s production of Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! at The Old Globe. She loves drawing and cats, and happily calls herself a theatre geek and anime fangirl. Ms. Kirby would like to thank Courtney Corey at Theatre Arts School of San Diego for her incredible coaching and inspiration. She would also like to thank her family and friends for their support (and for patiently listening to lots of audition practice), along with her instructors over the past four years at San Diego Junior Theatre. She would like to give a special shout-out to her amazing directors and castmates in Junior Theatre’s productions of Sleepy Hollow and Seussical who helped solidify her love for theatre by making her feel part of the Junior Theatre family. She thanks you for making The Grinch part of your holiday traditions. Merry Grinchmas!

Lindsay Mains (Annie Who, Pink Team) is thrilled to be back in Whoville at The Old Globe for her third year. She is 12 years old and in seventh grade at Standley Middle School. Ms. Mains has been featured onstage as Little Who Ensemble in Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (The Old Globe, 2017–2018), JoJo in Seussical (San Diego Junior Theatre), and Young Fiona in Shrek The Musical (Christian Youth Theater San Diego). Her other performances include Honk! and Madagascar – A Musical Adventure (CYT San Diego). When Ms. Mains 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, coaches, and friends for their support and encouragement. Merry Grinchmas!

Bets Malone (Grandma Who) celebrates Christmas once again at The Old Globe after being seen as Mama Who the past six seasons. She recently completed the regional premiere of Victor/Victoria as Norma Cassidy for Moonlight Stage Productions. Her favorite regional credits include Fun Home, Mamma Mia!, 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 honored to be performing for her second year in The Old Globe’s production of Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! She is 11 years old and is in the sixth 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. Ms. Manuel would like to thank her fellow cast member Kyrsten Hafso Koppman for her fantastic vocal coaching, piano lessons, and amazing support. Ms. Manuel 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 very Merry Grinchmas.

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 Kiss Me, Kate; Hello, Dolly!; and Cirque du Soleil’s Paramour. Her Off Broadway credits include Standard Time (The Duke on 42nd Street), The Golden Apple (City Center Encores!), and the one-night-only Thoroughly Modern Millie (Minskoff Theatre). Ms. Meahl recently finished the Broadway workshops for The Music Man (upcoming in 2020), The Secret Garden, and Clueless, The Musical. She has been seen regionally at Paper Mill Playhouse, La Jolla Playhouse, Broadway Sacramento/Music Circus, Theatre Under The Stars, Theatre of the Stars, The Muny, Kansas City Starlight Theatre, Shakespeare Theatre Company, and Walnut Street Theatre. Her film and television credits include Isn’t It Romantic?, Disney, and TruTV. She is a Point Park University graduate. Ms. Meahl teaches musical-theatre dance for 14 companies in New York City. She is very happy to be sharing the stage again with her husband, Edward Watts (The Grinch). sarahmeahl.com, @happymeahl.

Sara Minuto (Little Who Ensemble, Red Team) is thrilled to be making her first professional appearance with this year’s Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! She is nine years old and in the fourth grade at Green Elementary School. She enjoys singing, dancing, and creating art. When she is not singing and dancing, Ms. Minuto is active in Girl Scouts, cares for her dog, Pepper, and helps with a book club for kindergarteners at school. She would like to express her gratitude to her fabulous vocal coach, Jessica Couto, who has encouraged her to be her best. She is also grateful to her whole family for their support and love as she pursues her passion.

Jonah Orona (Boo Who, Red Team) is excited to be joining the cast of Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! this year. He is currently a third-grade student at St. Michael’s School. He began his theatrical journey when he was four years old. Since then, he has been in 11 productions with St. Michael’s School and Kids Theatre Network. Mr. Orona has also worked on a number of projects outside of school, including a PSA for San Diego Center for Children and a few commercials. He would like to thank his family for all their support, the wonderful team at The Old Globe for this amazing opportunity, Lynne Broyles for the ongoing vocal and acting training, and the team at Shamon Freitas for helping him on his journey and providing opportunities to do what he enjoys: acting! He appreciates all the friends and family who have taken the time to come watch the show.

Arden Pala (Little Who Ensemble, Pink Team) is thrilled to be back in Whoville this year. Mr. Pala made his Globe debut in A Thousand Splendid Suns in 2018. He is 10 years old and in fifth grade at Francis Parker School. Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! marks his 17th production. Some of his favorite roles include Fletcher in Freaky Friday (Moonlight Youth Theatre), James and the Giant Peach and Tiny Tim in A Christmas Carol (STAR Repertory Theatre), JoJo in Seussical and Ugly in Honk Jr. (Trinity Theatre Company), and Toto in The Wizard of Oz (North Coast Repertory Theatre). 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, dancing, and performing martial arts. He wants to thank his teacher and family for their love and support, and a huge thank you to the entire team at The Old Globe. Merry Grinchmas!

Amare Phillips (Little Who Ensemble, Red Team) is delighted to be back in Whoville for another season of Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! He is 12 years old and a student at La Mesa Arts Academy, and he is in love with all things theatre. Over the past few years, he has performed in numerous Christian Youth Theater San Diego productions. When he is not acting, singing, and dancing, Mr. Phillips is playing piano, watching Marvel movies, and camping with his family. He sends a big thank you to the extraordinary team at The Old Globe for this opportunity. Mr. Phillips would also like to thank Jordan and Jessica at Theater for Young Professionals for their guidance and coaching. He is additionally grateful to God, who has provided so many blessings in his life. Merry Grinchmas, everyone!

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.

William BJ Robinson (Grown-Up Who Ensemble) is the host of “KPBS Arts,” a weekly program airing Saturdays at 4:30 p.m. on KPBS that focuses on art and culture across the country. He is thrilled and grateful to be making his debut at The Old Globe. His theatrical credits include Puffs, Or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic (POWPAC), Godspell (as music director; Vanguard at Westminster Theatre), The Wedding Singer, Pageant, and Hair (OB Playhouse), O Wondrous Night (SeaWorld San Diego), Follies: In Concert (as music director), A Man of No Importance, and Little Shop of Horrors (Coronado Playhouse), and Beachtown (as an actor and music adviser; San Diego Repertory Theatre).

Hannah Roby (Annie Who, Red Team) is excited to debut in the cast of Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The passion for performing began at the early age of five. She has performed in many community theatre and dance productions, which have included the role of Bronx Charlie in Bugsy Malone (OB Playhouse) and Ballerina Girl and Debbie understudy in Billy Elliot: The Musical (Lyceum Theatres). Ms. Roby has been playing guitar since she was five years old and is an accomplished guitarist and singer/songwriter, performing as a solo artist at House of Blues and Hard Rock Cafe. She spent four years as the lead singer/guitarist for her band Blazing Hearts, which performed regularly at local venues. She would like to thank her parents, voice teacher Karyn Overstreet, acting coach Shauna Markey, and dance teacher Tamlyn Shusterman for their love, guidance, and support for her performance dreams.

Katie Sapper (Mama Who) is delighted to spend her first holiday in Whoville! She made her Old Globe debut last year with Clint Black’s Looking for Christmas. Her regional credits include Crystal in the world premiere of Kingdom City (La Jolla Playhouse), Sophie in Mamma Mia!, Betty in Sunset Boulevard, and Kate McGowan in Titanic (Moonlight Stage Productions), Anne in A Little Night Music andMelody in Bad Jews (Cygnet Theatre Company), Gloria in Damn Yankees (San Diego Musical Theatre; Craig Noel Award nomination), Dyanne in Million Dollar Quartet andJune in Smoke on the Mountain (Lamb’s Players Theatre), Brenda in Catch Me if You Can (Musical Theatre West), and Ivy in bare: A Pop Opera and Nancy in A New Brain (Diversionary Theatre). She received her B.A. in Musical Theatre from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. She dedicates this show to her brother, the ultimate Grinch fan, Stevenson. katiesapper.com.

Lance Arthur Smith (Grown-Up Who Ensemble) is an actor, writer, and fight choreographer who was last seen at The Old Globe as Frank understudy in Life After and Otis (and also fight director) in October Sky. His local credits include San Diego Repertory Theatre, Cygnet Theatre Company, North Coast Repertory Theatre, Mo`olelo Performing Arts Company, Starlight Musical Theatre, ion theatre company, Intrepid Theatre Company, Vista’s Broadway Theater, Scripps Ranch Theatre, New Village Arts, San Diego Musical Theatre, Lamb’s Players Theatre, Moonlight Stage Productions, and Welk Resort Theatre. His other regional credits include Kingsmen Shakespeare Festival, The Ark Theatre Company, Pacific Conservatory Theatre, Musical Theatre Southwest, and African American Theatrical Ensemble. Mr. Smith is the author of the book Princess Geek. His commissioned plays include The Price of Peace (New Village Arts) and Miracle on 34th Street: A Live Musical Radio Play (with Jon Lorenz, San Diego Musical Theatre). lanceasmith.com.

Stella Grace Wahl (Little Who Ensemble, Pink Team) is overjoyed to be returning to Whoville this holiday season. She is 11 years old and in sixth grade at Francis Parker School. Her previous theatre credits include Annika in Pippi Longstocking (San Diego Junior Theatre), JoJo in Seussical, James and the Giant Peach, High School Musical, and Shrek The Musical (Christian Youth Theater San Diego), and Les Misérables (J*Company Youth Theatre). When she is not performing, she enjoys playing guitar and piano, traveling, playing with her dogs, and spending time with her family. She would like to thank her vocal coach Karyn Overstreet, acting coach Shauna Markey, and dance teacher Tamlyn Shusterman for teaching and inspiring her. She gives a big thank you to The Old Globe for this amazing experience, and to her family and friends for all of their support and encouragement. Merry Grinchmas!

Jaydn Washington (Boo Who, Pink Team) is nine years old and in the fourth grade. Over the summer he appeared as Young Romeo in The Old Globe’s Romeo and Juliet. He is grateful to return to the Globe for his first year in Whoville. His love for theatre started at the age of six. He has been in six other productions, including The Lion King as Young Simba, Peter Pan as Tootles, and The Little Mermaid. He has also been featured in two commercials and has starred in Switchfoot’s music video for “All I Need.” In addition to acting, he loves to play basketball, be a master Lego engineer, and be a worship leader in hopes of being a preacher one day. Mr. Washington would like to thank the entire Old Globe team for this amazing opportunity, his acting coach Shauna Markey, his voice coach Jessica Cuoto, Christian Youth Theater San Diego, his supportive family and friends, and God.

Edward Watts (The Grinch) is honored and delighted to be returning as The Grinch for his third time. Since last year, he revisited two of his favorite roles: Harold Hill in The Music Man at Goodspeed Musicals (Connecticut Critics Circle Award nomination for Outstanding Actor – Musical), and Sky Masterson in Guys and Dolls at Broadway Sacramento/Music Circus, where he shared the stage with his amazing wife Sarah Meahl, who is in this production! His Broadway and New York credits include Robert and David in Scandalous, Superman 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, Enjolras in Les Misérables, and King Triton in The Little Mermaid. 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 and Trevor Graydon in Thoroughly Modern Millie (Goodspeed Musicals), and Miles Gloriosus in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (Shakespeare Theatre Company; 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, @Watts5th.

Audrey Simone Winters (Little Who Ensemble, Red Team) is honored to make her debut at The Old Globe. Originally from New York City, she began her love of ballet, theatre, and music at a very young age. She was most recently in The Nutcracker with California Ballet.She hopes to one day attend The Juilliard School and realize her dream of performing on Broadway. Outside of theatre and dance training, she loves to read and play piano, guitar, and drums. She thanks Papi, Mommy, and friends for their constant support and love, with a special thanks to Becky.

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), In a Northern Landscape (Actors Theatre of Louisville), and 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). His further credits include South Coast Repertory, Seattle Repertory Theatre, Victory Gardens Theater, Jungle Theater, and Royal National Theatre in London. His historical thriller, The Darwin Affair, came out this year, published 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 scores for 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 world 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. Their new opera, Truth and Reconciliation, will be performed at Manhattan’s OPERA America in January 2020. 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 All My Sons, 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 the live-action feature The Little Mermaid.Film: Mary Poppins Returns, 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.” He has received two Emmy Awards, three Golden Globe Award nominations (Best Film), two American Film Institute Top Ten Films, National Board of Review Top Ten Films, an American Musical Theatre Award, Choreography Media Honors, two American Choreography Awards, a Hamilton Behind the Camera Award, an Annie Award, a Humanitas Writing Award, and the Chita Rivera Award. As a director and choreographer, Mr. DeLuca’s work has been seen on Broadway, Off Broadway, at City Center’s Encores!, at The Public Theater, and regionally.

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 (Music Director) happily returns for her eighth season in Whoville. Her other Globe productions include Dr. Seuss’s The Lorax and the 2012 and 2013 Summer Shakespeare Festivals. She is 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 The Underpants, Much Ado About Nothing, King Richard II, Picasso at the Lapin Agile, Love’s Labor’s Lost, Cornelia, Dancing in the Dark, 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, The Royal Family, The Color Purple, Rabbit Hole, Doubt, Chicago, Proof, 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 smash hit revue Bush Is Bad, as well as the musicals Fermat’s Last Tango, Stage Door, Garbo and Me, The Haunted Hotel, and Mark Felt, Superstar. His musical Einstein’s Dreams, based on the bestselling novel by Alan Lightman, is currently running Off Broadway at 59E59 Theaters.As a pianist, Mr. Rosenblum has appeared with The New York Pops at Carnegie Hall, with the Encores! Orchestra at New York City Center, and in solo recitals at Symphony Space. He is a faculty member of the Yale University Department of Music, a contributing writer for Opera News, and the founder/music director of Pit Stop Players. 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 most recent credits include Disney’s Mary Poppins Returns and his own new original musical Goin’ Hollywood. Goinhollywood.com, davidkrane.com.

Caparelliotis Casting (Casting) has cast for The Old Globe for the past five seasons, including Noura, The Underpants, They Promised Her the Moon, Tiny Beautiful Things, Barefoot in the Park, The Wanderers, Picasso at the Lapin Agile, and Skeleton Crew. Their Broadway credits include King Lear, Hillary and Clinton, Ink, The Waverly Gallery, The Boys in the Band, Three Tall Women, Junk, Meteor Shower, A Doll’s House Part 2, The Front Page, The Glass Menagerie, Jitney, The Little Foxes, Blackbird, Fish in the Dark, Disgraced, Holler If Ya Hear Me, Casa Valentina, The Trip to Bountiful, Stick Fly, Good People, Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo, The House of Blue Leaves, Fences, Lend Me a Tenor, and The Royal Family. They also cast for Manhattan Theatre Club, Atlantic Theater Company, Signature Theatre Company, Ars Nova, Goodman Theatre, Berkeley Repertory Theatre, McCarter Theatre Center, Arena Stage, and Seattle Repertory Theatre. Their film and television credits include “New Amsterdam” (series casting, NBC), “American Odyssey” (series casting, NBC), “How to Get Away with Murder” (pilot, ABC), “Ironside” (NBC), and Steel Magnolias (Sony for Lifetime).

Jess Slocum (Production Stage Manager) has worked on over 40 productions at the Globe, including Noura, As You Like It, They Promised Her the Moon, Familiar, Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, The Imaginary Invalid, Picasso at the Lapin Agile, Love’s Labor’s Lost, tokyo fish story, In Your Arms, Bright Star, Othello, Water by the Spoonful, Pygmalion, A Room with a View, and Robin and the 7 Hoods. 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.