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November 8 – December 31, 2023
(Opening night: Sunday, November 12, 2023)
Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage
Old Globe Theatre
Conrad Prebys Theatre Center
Book and lyrics by Timothy Mason
Music by Mel Marvin
Original production conceived and directed by Jack O’Brien
Additional lyrics by Theodor S. Geisel
Additional music by Albert Hague
Original choreography by John DeLuca
Directed by James Vásquez
Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! is a wonderful, whimsical musical based upon the classic Dr. Seuss book. Back for its 26th 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 Who-ville, right down to the last can of Who-hash.
Subscriber and donor priority pre-sale for Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! starts September 12, and single tickets for the general public will be available online September 20; and on September 22 by phone at (619) 23-GLOBE (234-5623) and in person at The Old Globe’s Box Office in Balboa Park.
Running time: One hour and 25 minutes. There is no intermission.
For Ages 3+: For Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, children under the age of three are not permitted. Each individual attending the show must have a ticket for admission.
Children under the age of three will be admitted to 10:30 a.m. performances only, which are open to all ages. At the 10:30 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. Free lap tickets for children under two must be obtained from the Ticket Services Department at (619) 234-5623. (Please note: free lap tickets are not available for three-year-olds.)
As in years past, The Grinch will be performed on Saturday, December 9 at 10:00 a.m. 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. There will also be a free AXIS event before the performance for all to enjoy!
More on Sensory-friendly Performances
Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! is supported by Major Production Sponsors Elaine and Dave* Darwin and Edelman, and Artist Sponsor George C. Guerra (for the actor playing The Grinch). *In memoriam.
Dr. Seuss Properties TM & © 1957 and 2023. Dr. Seuss Enterprises, L.P. All Rights Reserved.
Summer Broyhill (Grown-Up Who Ensemble) The Old Globe: Lady Montague in Romeo and Juliet, Amiens in As You Like It. Globe/USD Shiley Program: Feste in Twelfth Night, Calpurnia and Lepidus in Julius Caesar. Broadway: Hairspray. National tours: Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella, Hairspray. Off Broadway: Killer Therapy (Players Theatre), The Independents (Soho Playhouse), The Day Before Spring (York). Favorite regional: The Last Five Years (Virginia Stage, Weathervane), Jane in Tarzan (Tuacahn), Lilli/Katharine in Kiss Me, Kate opposite Davis Gaines (concert). Education: M.F.A from Globe/USD Shiley Program, B.M. from FSU. Other: member of the Writers Pool for Playground-LA. summerbroyhill.com, @summerbroyhill on Instagram.
Jacob Caltrider (Swing) The Old Globe: Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, Rocky Horror. Other performances: 33 1/3 – House of Dreams, Manifest Destinitis, Violet (San Diego Rep), Rocky Horror, Spring Awakening, Assassins, Parade, Little Shop of Horrors, Cabaret, Sweeney Todd, A Christmas Carol, The History Boys (Cygnet Theatre), West Side Story (San Diego Musical Theatre), Homos, or Everyone in America, Marry Me a Little, Harmony, Kansas, Twist, Yank!, The Daddy Machine (Diversionary Theatre), Spelling Bee, A Christmas Carol (North Coast Rep), An American Christmas, Les Misérables, Twelfth Night, The Festival of Christmas (Lamb’s Players).
Nia Castro (Betty-Lou Who, Pink Team) Regional: Olaf in Frozen Jr., Pua in Moana Jr., Narrator, Vulture in Jungle Book, Munchkin in The Wizard of Oz. Television: Bonnie in “Adventure Time: Fionna and Cake.” Commercial: Disney Junior, Pfizer. @itsniacastro on Instagram.
Esme Cuaresma (Little Who Ensemble, Pink Team) Fourth grader, grateful and delighted for her professional theatre debut in Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! Enjoys all types of dance, singing, Legos, and playing with her new dog Beauty. Credits: Swan Lake, The Nutcracker (The Dance Academy Del Mar), Grace for President (San Diego Junior Theatre). Thank you to The Old Globe for this incredible opportunity, lots of love to Maisy, Mommy, Daddy, and all of her supportive teachers, friends, and family. Wishing everyone in Who-ville a very merry Grinchmas!
Maisy Cuaresma (Little Who Ensemble, Pink Team) Thrilled to be returning to The Grinch for an even more exciting season with little sister Esme joining the ensemble. Recent: San Francisco Ballet summer intensive, Royal Academy of Dance program at The Dance Academy Del Mar. Credits: Swan Lake, The Nutcracker (TDA). Thanks to The Old Globe and their talented cast and crew for another amazing trip to Who-ville, special thanks to her teachers, coaches, friends, and family for their support and guidance. Merry Grinchmas! @maisylisette.
Berto Fernández (Grown-Up Who Ensemble) Thrilled to return to The Old Globe in Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! Favorite credits: Kinky Boots, Ragtime (Moonlight), Evita, La Cage aux Folles, Rock of Ages (Cygnet), Head Over Heels (Diversionary), The Addams Family (Welk), In the Heights, Catch Me If You Can, Sister Act (SDMT), Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage (Disney World), O Wondrous Night (SeaWorld), Jesus Christ Superstar, Little Shop of Horrors (Lyric Theatre of Puerto Rico). Honors: 2022 Craig Noel Actor of the Year Award from the San Diego Theatre Critics Circle. bertoworld.com.
Gia Glenn (Little Who Ensemble, Red Team) Excited to make her professional theatre debut with The Old Globe! Other media credits: Coca-Cola, Hallmark, Disney, Chex, Dhar Mann, more. Representation: Exclusive Artists Agency, AE Talent for commercial and film. In fourth grade, competitive dancer at Signature Dance Academy, loves the stage. Thanks to her family and friends for always being her cheerleader, and The Old Globe for giving her this amazing opportunity!
Steve Gunderson (Old Max) The Old Globe: Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, A Trip to Chinatown, Suds, Hadrian VII. National tour: The Grapes of Wrath. Off Broadway: Suds, Back to Bacharach and David, Forever Plaid. Regional: His Girl Friday, Memphis, The Nightingale (La Jolla Playhouse), Dirty Blonde (Laguna Playhouse), Sweeney Todd, Parade (Cygnet Theatre), Baby (NCRT), Romance, Detroit (San Diego Rep), Into the Woods (New Village Arts), Hairspray, Damn Yankees (SDMT), 1776 (Cabrillo), Birds of a Feather (Diversionary). Television: “King of the Hill,” “Beavis and Butt-Head.” Love and thanks to Kaore.
Jacob Haren (Grown-Up Who Ensemble) Broadway/national tour: The Book of Mormon (2015–2020). Las Vegas: Rock of Ages. Regional: Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (The Old Globe), Up Here (La Jolla Playhouse), Frank Abagnale Jr. in Catch Me If You Can (Musical Theatre West, Moonlight Stage Productions), Terk in Tarzan (Moonlight Stage Productions). Television:“Bunk’d,” “Alternatino.”Currently: Principal Vocalist for Disney in Concert performing with symphonies around the world, Dapper Dan of Disneyland. Education: B.F.A. in Musical Theatre from UC Irvine. @jacobdharen on YouTube, Instagram, Twitter.
Kennedy Harrington (Annie Who, Pink Team) Excited to be making her professional debut in Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! Other credits: Matilda in Matilda (Star Theatre), Matilda in Willy Wonka Jr. (MYT). Training: Danceology Performing Arts Campus in all styles of dance; singing, acting. Thank you to everyone at The Old Globe for this amazing opportunity, and to her family and friends for all their love and support. Merry Grinchmas! @Kennedyharrington5678 on Instagram.
Logan Hollis (Danny Who, Pink Team) Credits: Friend #3 in Friendship Apocalypse (Silver Gate Elementary School), Hans in Frozen, Mary’s Paramour, Adventure Dave in Everyone Gets Eaten by Sharks, Sebastian in The Little Mermaid, Roger in 101 Dalmatians (Kroc Junior Theatre).
Patricia Jewel (Grown-Up Who Ensemble) The Old Globe: Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, Hair. Regional: Once on This Island, King John (Oregon Shakespeare Festival), Tarzan, Gems of Stage and Screen, The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Moonlight Stage Productions), The Bodyguard (Welk Theatre), Chicago (Plan B Entertainment), OLIVÉRio: A Brazilian Twist (MainStreet Theatre Company), Little Shop of Horrors (New Village Arts), Ragtime (Candlelight Pavilion), Shrek (Center Stage Theater), Sister Act, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Hairspray (Performance Riverside). Other selected credits: commercials for Stella Rosa, Fujifilm, Aimmune, OpenTable. Education: B.A. in Music and Psychology from University of Redlands. Och Tamale! patriciajewel.com, @iampatriciajewel on Instagram.
Arden Elise Johnson (Cindy-Lou Who, Pink Team) Blessed to be a part of Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! Eight years old. Credits: singer, dancer, actress in Why the Angels Sing, Gretl Von Trapp in The Sound of Music, The Candy Man, Oompa Loompa in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (The Rock Academy Theatrical Productions).Honors: Breakout Actress Award from The Rock Academy.Phenomenal gymnast, dancer, junior cheerleader, and artist, loves spending time going on adventures with her family.
Ariella Kvashny (Mama Who) The Old Globe: Destiny of Desire, Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! Recent credits: Eva Peron in Evita (Cygnet Theatre), Gloria Estefan in On Your Feet! (Moonlight Stage), Cindy Lou Huffington in The Marvelous Wonderettes (Welk Theatre), Ana Hernandez in Living Out, Catherine in the West Coast premiere of Parliament Square, Rosa, Rebecca, Junior in Plumas Negras (UCI), Menas in Antony and Cleopatra (Shakespeare Orange County), Brooklyn the Musical (MOXIE). Education: graduate of UC Irvine with a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre and Honors in Acting. Merry Grinchmas! ariellakvashny.com, @ariellakvashny on Instagram.
Faizi Mahalingam (Boo Who, Red Team) Twelve years old and in seventh grade at La Mesa Arts Academy. The Old Globe: second year in Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! Stage work: Little Zazu in The Lion King Jr. (Kroc Theatre), Young Frog in A Year with Frog and Toad, Young Mowgli in The Jungle Book (San Diego Junior Theatre), Fletcher in The Bodyguard (Welk Theatre). Thanks to his family, past directors and coaches, and the Grinch cast for their support and encouragement.
Bets Malone (Grandma Who) Off Broadway: The Marvelous Wonderettes (also cast recording). International: Fame, 42nd Street. Regional: Ragtime, Beauty and the Beast, Victor/Victoria, 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, Children of Eden. Voice-over: Barbie as the Island Princess, Scooby-Doo! Music of the Vampire. Proudly married to Steven Glaudini, Artistic Director of Moonlight Stage Productions, and mom to Sami the wonder dog.
Iris Manter (Cindy-Lou Who, Red Team) Excited to be making her professional debut in Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! Musical Theatre: Molly in Annie Jr., Young Anna in Frozen Jr., Mowgli in Jungle Book Jr., Guard in Shrek, ensemble in Moana Jr., ensemble in High School Musical Jr. (Junior Actors Company), Bowery Brigade in Newsies Jr. (J*Company). Dance: lyrical and jazz competition teams (Fusion Dance Solana Beach). Big thanks to her always supportive family and friends, vocal coach Amber Bartlett, The Children’s School, and furry sidekick, golden retriever Rainbow Butterfly Gumdrop.
Jad Marrewa (Teen Who, Red Team) Excited to be making his debut at The Old Globe! Credits: Young Tarzan in Tarzan (Moonlight Stage Productions), Rising Stars 2023 (CCAE Theatricals), Mary Poppins (Moonlight Youth Theatre). Student at Creative Performing Media Arts Middle School. When he is not singing, dancing, acting, playing piano, violin, harmonica, trumpet, or drums, you will find him reading, writing, composing, or running around doing flips at parkour. Thanks to The Old Globe for this amazing opportunity, heartfelt gratitude to his teachers, friends, and family. @jadmarrewa on Instagram.
Tommy Martinez (Young Max) Thrilled to be back at The Old Globe—life is a dream here! Broadway: Newsies, world premiere of Summer Stock (Goodspeed Musicals), NBC’s Hairspray Live! Hollywood Bowl/national tour/Off Broadway/Canada: Kinky Boots, Katy Perry, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Baa Baa the Sheep in Little Baby Bum Live! Thanks to Nimmy, Mom, Nana, Dad, Cricket, James, and everyone at the Globe. @atleastimfunny on Instagram, @iwasbornperfect on TikTok, Tommy Martinez on YouTube.
Alina Mari Panganiban (Little Who Ensemble, Pink Team) Credits: Water Nymph in A Mermaid’s Tale (2023), Snow Flurry Lead, Lemon Drop in The Nutcracker (2022), Starry Night Fairy in Journey to Neverland (2022), Soldier, Flower Bud in The Nutcracker (2021), Clara’s Dream, Russian in The Nutcracker (2020), Party Child, Bon Bon in The Nutcracker (4S Dance Academy), Little Anna in Frozen (Deer Canyon Elementary).
Eli Pletner (Little Who Ensemble, Red Team) Local theatre productions: Crutchie in Newsies Jr. (La Canada Junior Theater), JoJo in Seussical (Act Live Now), Wolf in The Trial of the Big Bad Wolf, Salome in Hi, Ho, Robin Hood (Warren Walker School). Musical performances with School of Rock cover bands (as drummer, percussionist, lead vocalist): The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, Guardians of the Galaxy Soundtrack (Music Box), Led Zeppelin, David Bowie (The Holding Company). Honors: Presidential Award for Achievement in Music. Enjoys fishing, skiing, wakeboarding, and playing ukulele and guitar. Many thanks to The Old Globe, family, and friends for their support!
Melvin Matthew Pluciennik (Little Who Ensemble, Pink Team) Excited to make his debut with The Old Globe. Previous roles: JoJo in Seussical Jr., Brucein Matilda Jr., Charlie in Willy Wonka Jr., Young Simba in The Lion King Jr., Aladdin in Aladdin Jr., Hans in Frozen Jr. (STAR Repertory Theatre), ensemble in Moana Jr. (Moonlight Youth Theatre). Special thanks to his parents, his brother Dwight, his family, Scott and Meredith Kolod at STAR Repertory for encouraging him to explore his love of acting, his voice tutor Rebecca Huber, and his piano teacher Dmitry Kirichenko.
Andrew Polec (The Grinch) Three times a Grinch! Other Globe: Berger in Hair, Crime and Punishment, A Comedy. West End: Strat in Bat Out of Hell (London Coliseum, Dominion Theatre; Joe Allen Best West End Debut Award). Off Broadway: The Beautiful Lady (La MaMa), The Fantasticks (Theatre Center). Regional: Legacy of Love (Bucks County Playhouse), The General from America (Hudson Valley Shakespeare), Ivanov, A Christmas Carol (Trinity Repertory), Where the Wild Things Are (Providence Fringe). Film/television: “Katy Keene,” “Prodigal Son.” Music: Disillusioned Funk. Other: 2021 First Prize winner of the Lotte Lenya Competition. Education: B.A.s in English, Music from University of Rochester, M.F.A. in Theatre from Brown University. @andrewpolec.
Jayden Polliard (Boo Who, Pink Team) is thrilled to be making his professional theatre debut at The Old Globe! Recent local productions: Bruce in Matilda (Star Theatre), Les in Newsies, Scuttle in Little Mermaid (Kids Theatre Network), dancer in Willy Wonka (Moonlight Youth Theatre). Recently moved here from Kailua, Hawaii, now resides in Rancho Bernardo, 10-year-old fifth grader at St. Michael’s School. Huge mahalo to vocal coach Corey LeMaster-Hable and wonderful training at San Diego Musical Theatre. And mahalo for all the aloha and support from his ’ohana, school, and friends! @Jayden.Polliard on Instagram.
Ellis Quesada (Understudy) Musical theatre: Little Who Ensemble in Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (The Old Globe), Donkey in Shrek Jr., Escapologist, Big Kidin Matilda Jr., soloist, ensemble Annie (Inspire School of Ballet). Concert visuals: Young J.Lo in Jennifer Lopez’s It’s My Party World Tour. Commercial: Rise of the Resistance (Disneyland). Ecstatic to be returning to Who-ville! Merry Grinchmas!
Larry Raben (Grandpa Who) The Old Globe: Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, Sparky in the original Forever Plaid, Mr. Roberts. Broadway: Leo Bloom in The Producers (also the entire Las Vegas run). Other: Dirty Blonde, Bright Ideas (Laguna Playhouse), Art, Boeing-Boeing (Coyote StageWorks), Young Frankenstein (Moonlight), I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change (Off Broadway), The Andrews Brothers (Ovation Award), Spamalot (Musical Theatre West), Bye Bye Birdie (Music Circus), Curtains, Betty Blue Eyes (Music Theatre Wichita), Forbidden Broadway Greatest Hits: Vol. 1 (Ovation Award), Vol. 2 (Ovation nom). Film: Forever Plaid: The Movie. Other: Artistic Director of Theatre at The Welk Resort, author of children’s book Ibby Makes a Wish.
Noah Rivera Current: member of The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Band, Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons with Frankie Valli himself. Recent: choreographer for the world premiere of Scream’d: An Unauthorized Musical Parody. Broadway: Tin Man in Wicked, Sonny in In the Heights, White Rabbit in the original Broadway cast of Shrek (also Netflix, Blu-ray, original Broadway cast recording). Las Vegas: original Vegas cast of Hairspray, Jersey Boys. Television/commercial: “CSI: Las Vegas,” Barnes & Noble with Jane Lynch, “The Wade Robson Project,” “Homewrecker,” The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Tony Awards, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, “The View,” “Live with Regis and Kelly,” “Good Morning America.” For Alora and Eliana. @MrNoahRivera on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, @NoahRivera on Twitter.
Liliana Rodriguez (Grown-Up Who Ensemble) The Old Globe: Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! Regional: Sunday in the Park with George (CCAE Theatricals), An American in Paris (MTW), The Wedding Singer, Something Rotten!, On Your Feet! (Moonlight Stage Productions), Evita (Cygnet Theatre), In the Heights, Catch Me If You Can, All Shook Up (SDMT), I, Too, Sing America, 1968: Revolution Remastered (Goodman Theatre). Education: A.A. in Musical Theatre from Grossmont College. Other: DDO Agency artist. @lilianarodriguez_10 on Instagram.
Bethany Slomka (Swing) The Old Globe: Hair, Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! New York: Toughest Girl Alive (Fringe). Regional: Tarzan, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, regional premiere of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Tuacahn), Hairspray (SD Rep, Welk, SDMT; Craig Noel Award nomination), Sister Act (Moonlight, SDMT), world premiere of 33 1/3 – House of Dreams (SD Rep), Sunday in the Park with George (CCAE), Rent, Grease, How to Succeed… (Welk), Sunset Boulevard (Moonlight), Suds (NVA), Joseph…, 9 to 5, Ragtime, Man of La Mancha (SDMT). Television: “Encore!” on Disney+. @beeslom on Instagram.
Lance Arthur Smith (Grown-Up Who Ensemble) The Old Globe: October Sky, Life After. San Diego: Spamalot, The Bodyguard, My Fair Lady, Mamma Mia! (Welk), Million Dollar Quartet, Around the World in 80 Days (Lamb’s Players), La Cage aux Folles, Bed and Sofa (Cygnet), Victor/Victoria, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Mamma Mia!, Guys and Dolls (Moonlight), Intimate Apparel (San Diego Rep), Tomfoolery, Romance/Romance (North Coast Rep), A Piece of My Heart (Mo`olelo), Tuesdays with Morrie (Vista’s Broadway Theater). Regional: Julius Caesar (Kingsmen Shakespeare Festival), The Merry Wives of Windsor, The Merchant of Venice (ARK Theatre Company), Carousel, Grease (PCPA).
Amani Solorio (Betty-Lou Who, Red Team) (she/her/ella) Thrilled to be making her Old Globe debut. Theatre: Junie B. in Junie B. Jones the Musical, Chip in Beauty and the Beast, Matilda, Jingle All the Way (Young Actors’ Theatre), The Lion King Jr. (Francis Parker Drama Club). Film: Luna in Bye Luna (2019 Cannes Film Festival short film selection), Caroline in Forgetting Caroline, Silent Memory. Voice-over: Alex in Alex and Friends (2023 Comic-Con short film selection). Thankful for this wonderful opportunity and to all who made it possible.
Milla Toker (Teen Who, Pink Team) Thrilled to return to The Old Globe in Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! Upcoming: Matilda in Matilda (2024; SDJA). Credits: Little Who Ensemble in Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (2022), Soloist in In This Together, Jasmine in Aladdin (J*Company), Tweedledum, Caterpillar in Alice in Wonderland (Kids on Stage Productions), brand ambassador (TruChef), ambassador (InMotion Photo Studio), jazz, lyrical, hip-hop, contemporary, tap, and acro dancer (RAD/YAGP Ballet), The Nutcracker (The Dance Academy Del Mar). Thank you to everyone at The Old Globe for this wonderful opportunity, Becky Cherlin Baird, Francine Garton, and her always supportive family, friends and teachers. Merry Grinchmas!
Kyle Tucker (Danny Who, Red Team) Thrilled to be making his professional debut at TheOld Globe. Musical theatre: Thing 1 in Seussical, James in Willy Wonka Jr., Neleus in Mary Poppins (Moonlight Youth Theatre), John Darling in Peter Pan Jr. (Junior Actors Company). Training: tap, jazz, ballet, lyrical, contemporary, hip-hop at Evolution Dance Center. Thank you to everyone at The Old Globe for this amazing opportunity and experience! Merry Grinchmas! @kyle.tucker.official on Instagram.
Landon Tweet (Understudy) Theatre: Danny Who in Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (The Old Globe),Robin in Something Rotten!, Lord Farquaad in Shrek Jr. (TYP), Mr. Mayor in Seussical Jr., Sultan in Aladdin Jr. (Pershing Middle School). Excited to be back at The Old Globe for another year in Who-ville—it’s the most wonderful time of the year!
Ella Washington (Little Who Ensemble, Red Team) The Old Globe: Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! Other credits: Classmate in Matilda, Wacky in Annie (Blue Rose Theatre Project), Fluff in Honk Jr. (Trinity Theatre). So grateful to be part of Who-ville again this year! Special thanks to family and friends for their love and support. Merry Grinchmas!
Juliet Weaver (Little Who Ensemble, Red Team) Thrilled to be making her professional theatre debut with The Old Globe! San Diego Ballet: Sheep, Sugarbabe, Candy Cane, Party Girl in The Nutcracker, A Midsummer Night’s Dream. San Diego Civic Youth Ballet: Soldier in The Nutcracker. SDCCS: Beauty in Beauty Is a Beast, Titania in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. San Diego Children’s Choir: Wonderful Winter Concert. Training: dance at San Diego Ballet School, San Diego Civic Youth Ballet; vocal, theatre at Theatre Arts School of San Diego, San Diego Junior Theatre, San Diego Children’s Choir. Thank you to The Old Globe for this incredible opportunity and to her family for all their support.
Kaia Wood (Annie Who, Red Team) Thrilled to be making her professional debut as Annie Who. Began musical theatre at age four with J*Company. Credits: 20 shows; Matilda, Annie, Schoolhouse Rock!; title/lead roles in Mean Girls, Spamalot, Peter Pan, Puffs, Alice in Wonderland. Seventh grader at The Bishop’s School who enjoys singing, dancing, and playing ukulele and electric guitar. So thankful to The Old Globe for this incredible opportunity! Special thanks to her parents, grandparents, little sister Katie, and theatre/dance/vocal coaches Amber Bartlett and Joey Landwehr (J*Company) and Kayla Schaffroth (Project Performer).
Timothy Mason (Book and Lyrics) (1950–2023) The Old Globe: Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! Broadway: Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! Circle Repertory: Levitation, Only You, Babylon Gardens, The Fiery Furnace. Actors Theatre of Louisville: In a Northern Landscape. American Conservatory Theater’s Young Conservatory: Ascension Day, The Less Than Human Club, Time on Fire, Mullen’s Alley, My Life in the Silents, The Life to Come. Other titles: South Coast Repertory, Seattle Rep, Victory Gardens, Jungle Theatre, Royal National Theatre. Novel: The Darwin Affair, The Nightingale Affair (Algonquin Books).
Mel Marvin (Composer) The Old Globe: Tintypes, Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! Broadway: Yentl, A History of the American Film, Tintypes (Tony nomination), Fascinating Rhythm, The Grinch, Cymbeline. Theatre: 11 Off Broadway shows, dozens of scores, from Shakespeare to Kushner, for America’s best-known regional theatres, including Lincoln Center, Arena Stage, Guthrie Theater, ART, ACT, La Jolla Playhouse, Mark Taper Forum (where he wrote the original music for the world premiere of Angels in America). Opera: Guest from the Future, Buwalsky, Truth and Reconciliation, Isolation. Other: Head Faculty Composer, Graduate Musical Theatre Writing Program, Tisch School of the Arts, New York University.
Jack O’Brien (Conceived and Directed Original Production) The Old Globe: Artistic Director, 1981–2007. Broadway: Shucked, 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, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Henry IV, Hairspray, The Invention of Love, The Full Monty, more. Other work: national tours, West End, Metropolitan Opera, San Diego Opera, PBS’s “American Playhouse.” Awards: three Tony Awards, six additional nominations, 2008 Theatre Hall of Fame inductee. Books: Jack in the Box, Jack Be Nimble: The Accidental Education of an Unintentional Director.
James Vásquez (Director) The Old Globe: Resident Artist; The Merry Wives of Windsor, Under a Baseball Sky, Hair, American Mariachi (world premiere), Hurricane Diane, Tiny Beautiful Things, Rich Girl (West Coast premieres), The Rocky Horror Show, Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! Regional: Cabaret (Goodspeed Musicals), Damn Yankees (Marriott Theatre), Hair (Two River Theater), American Mariachi (Denver Center Theatre Co.), In the Heights (Dallas Theater Center, Moonlight Stage Productions), Dr. Seuss’s The Lorax (associate director, Children’s Theatre Co.), West Side Story, Cats (SD Musical Theatre), Pageant, Hedwig... (Cygnet Theatre Co.), Next Fall, Pippin (Diversionary Theatre). Education: The Juilliard School, Drama Division. jamesvasquez.com.
John DeLuca (Original Choreography) Film: The Little Mermaid (2023), Mary Poppins Returns, Into the Woods, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, Nine, Memoirs of a Geisha, Chicago, The Terminal. Television: Tony Bennett: An American Classic, “The 75th Annual Academy Awards,” “The Kennedy Center Honors.” Awards: two Emmys, three Golden Globe Best Film noms, three AFI Top Ten Best Films, three National Board of Review Top Ten Films, four Critic’s Choice Best Film noms, BAFTA nom, Choreography Media Honors, two American Choreography, Hamilton Behind the Camera, Humanitas Writing, Chita Rivera Award. Theatre director/choreographer: Broadway, Off Broadway, City Center’s Encores!, The Public Theater, regionally.
Bob Richard (Additional Choreography) Broadway/tour: Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! for the past 15 years. Off Broadway: directed/choreographed Inventing Mary Martin: The Revue of a Lifetime (Joseph A. Callaway Award nomination), The Road to Qatar! As director: North Shore Music Theatre, Ordway Center, Theatre By The Sea, 5th Avenue Theatre, Theatre Under The Stars, Pioneer Theatre Company. International: Shanghai, Beijing, Singapore, Tokyo, London, Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival. Awards: Footlight Award, Gypsy Rose Lee Award, Ivey Award, Ernie Award, San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle Award. Coming soon: new national tour of An American in Paris, South Pacific.
Elan McMahan (Music Director) The Old Globe: Dr. Seuss’s The Lorax, As You Like It, Inherit the Wind, Midsummer Night’s Dream, Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! Regional: Ragtime, In the Heights, West Side Story, Titanic, Big Fish, Sweeney Todd, A Little Night Music, 50 more productions (Moonlight Stage Productions), Sunday in the Park with George (CCAE), Forbidden Broadway (North Coast Rep), Into the Woods (New Village Arts). Education: B.Mus. in Piano Performance from Brigham Young University, M.Mus. in Piano Performance from St. Louis Conservatory of Music. Awards: San Diego Theatre Critics Circle Craig Noel Award for Outstanding Musical Direction (2012, 2015, 2017). Other work: associate faculty at MiraCosta College.
John Lee Beatty (Scenic Design) The Old Globe: The Underpants, Much Ado, Richard II, Picasso at the Lapin Agile, Love’s Labor’s Lost, Redwood Curtain. Broadway: 118 productions; Plaza Suite, Sweat, Disgraced, The Nance, Good People, Venus in Fur, Other Desert Cities, 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, Crimes of the Heart. Off Broadway: The Whipping Man, Sylvia, The Substance of Fire, A Life in the Theater, Lips Together…, MTC, Circle Rep, Encores! Awards: Tonys, Obies, Drama Desks, Outer Critics Circles, Theater Hall of Fame. Education: Brown, Yale School of Drama.
Robert Morgan (Costume Design) The Old Globe: Associate Artist. Broadway: Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, The Full Monty, Imaginary Friends, I’m Not Rappaport, Sherlock’s Last Case. Off Broadway: Pride’s Crossing, Saturn Returns (Lincoln Center), The Loves of Anatol (Circle in the Square). Television: American Playhouse’s The Skin of Our Teeth, A Christmas Carol. West End: The Full Monty. Regional: Ahmanson, American Conservatory Theater, American Players Theatre, Denver Center, Guthrie, Huntington, John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, McCarter, Milwaukee Rep, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Portland Center Stage, Seattle Rep, Studio Arena Theater, Williamstown. Awards: two Drama Desk nominations, 12 Drama-Logue Awards.
Pat Collins (Lighting Design) (1932–2021) The Old Globe: Camp David, Twelfth Night, Cymbeline. Broadway: Orphans, Good People, Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, Doubt (Tony 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), Ain’t Misbehavin’, The Threepenny Opera (Tony nomination), Once Upon a Mattress, An American Daughter. Other work: Off Broadway, Lincoln Center, Mark Taper Forum, McCarter, Berkeley Rep, Seattle Rep, Hartford Stage, Alley, Center Stage, Long Wharf, Guthrie, Goodman, ART, Actor’s Theatre of Louisville, over 100 international opera productions.
Melanie Chen Cole (Sound Design) (she/her) The Old Globe: The Merry Wives of Windsor, Twelfth Night, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Noura, Tiny Beautiful Things, The Imaginary Invalid. Regional theatre: Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Alley Theatre, Alliance Theatre, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Cleveland Playhouse, Dallas Theater Center, Denver Center, Geffen Playhouse, Goodman Theatre, Huntington Theatre, Indiana Rep, La Jolla Playhouse, Milwaukee Rep, Northern Stage, PlayMakers Rep, South Coast Rep, Studio Theatre, Utah Shakespeare Festival. Education: M.F.A. in Theatre and Dance from UC San Diego. melaniesound.com, @melaniechencole.
Anita Ruth (Orchestrator) As orchestrator/arranger/musical director: over 150 musicals in the last 30 years. As musical director: Chanhassen Dinner Theatres (1968–1988). As freelance music director/orchestrator: Children’s Theatre Company, Bloomington Civic Theatre, Theatre Mu, others. Guthrie Theater: three Shakespeare productions (as arranger/music director), A Christmas Carol for many years (as music director). Other work: orchestrated two operas composed by Mel Marvin: one presented in Holland, one at Bard College (2004).
Joshua Rosenblum (Vocal Arrangements and Incidental Music) Broadway, as conductor: Miss Saigon, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, Wonderful Town, The Music Man, Falsettos, Anything Goes. Off Broadway, as composer/lyricist: BUSH IS BAD, Fermat’s Last Tango, Einstein’s Dreams (Drama Desk nomination). As guest conductor: Brooklyn Philharmonic, New Jersey Symphony, American Repertory Ballet. As pianist: New York Pops (Carnegie Hall), City Center Encores! Faculty member: NYU (conducting), Yale University (composition). Music director: Pit Stop Players. Contributing writer: Opera News. Education: B.A. in Music from Yale (summa cum laude), M.Mus. in Piano from Yale School of Music. Wonderful family: Joanne, Julian, Phoebe.
David Krane (Dance Music Arranger) (he/him/his) Film/television: Best Picture Oscar winner Chicago, Nine, Into the Woods with Meryl Streep, My Week with Marilyn with Michelle Williams, Mrs. Santa Claus with Angela Lansbury, Cinderella with Whitney Houston, Annie with Kathy Bates, Mary Poppins Returns with Emily Blunt and the newlive-action The Little Mermaid with Melissa McCarthy. Broadway: 35 shows including Cabaret with Alan Cumming, Kiss of the Spider Woman with Chita Rivera, Victor/Victoria with Julie Andrews, She Loves Me with Laura Benanti. Original shows: Aspire, The Road to Qatar!; his latest, Goin’ Hollywood,premiered to raves in Dallas this past summer. goinhollywood.com, davidkrane.com, @davidkranemusic on Twitter and Instagram.
Caparelliotis Casting (Casting) The Old Globe: Exotic Deadly, Under a Baseball Sky, What We Talk About…, Dial M for Murder, Mala, Shutter Sisters, Hurricane Diane, Noura, They Promised Her the Moon, Tiny Beautiful Things, Barefoot in the Park, The Wanderers, Picasso at the Lapin Agile, Skeleton Crew. Select Broadway: Grey House, Ohio State Murders, Macbeth, The Minutes, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, King Lear, Hillary and Clinton, Ink, The Waverly Gallery, Three Tall Women, Meteor Shower, A Doll’s House, Part 2, Jitney, The Glass Menagerie, Blackbird, Disgraced. Additional theatre: MTC, Signature, Atlantic, Vineyard. Television: “New Amsterdam” (NBC), “American Odyssey” (NBC).
Jess Slocum (Production Stage Manager) The Old Globe: Twelfth Night, Under a Baseball Sky, Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, Dial M for Murder, El Borracho, Hurricane Diane, Noura, They Promised Her the Moon, Familiar, 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, Robin and the 7 Hoods, over 30more. Regional: The Untitled Unauthorized Hunter S. Thompson Musical; Kristina Wong, Sweatshop Overlord; Indecent; Side Show; Ruined; The Third Story; Memphis (La Jolla Playhouse), Noura (Shakespeare Theatre Company). Education: Vanderbilt University.
Amanda Salmons (Assistant Stage Manager) The Old Globe: Cabaret, Destiny of Desire, Come Fall in Love, Life After, The Blameless, October Sky, Rain, The Metromaniacs, The White Snake, Inherit the Wind, over 40 more productions. Regional: Blueprints to Freedom: An Ode to Bayard Rustin (La Jolla Playhouse), Kiss Me, Kate (Hartford Stage), The Foreigner, See How They Run, The Rivalry (Lamb’s Players Theatre), The Gondoliers, The Pirates of Penzance, Candide, Trial by Jury (Lyric Opera San Diego). Education: UC San Diego.
Lyndon Pugeda (Associate Music Director) Part of The Grinch since 2014. Music direction: Dr. Seuss’s The Lorax, Picasso at the Lapin Agile (The Old Globe), Jesus Christ Superstar, Memphis (Moonlight Stage Productions), Gutenberg! The Musical! (Backyard Renaissance), Forever Plaid: Plaid Tidings (New Village Arts). Associate: Benny & Joon (The Old Globe), The Untitled Unauthorized Hunter S. Thompson Musical, Bhangin’ It (La Jolla Playhouse). Honors: Craig Noel Award nomination and three National Youth Arts Awards for Outstanding Musical Direction, 2020 Who-ville Hall of Fame inductee. Education: B.A. in Music: Interdisciplinary Computing and the Arts from UC San Diego. @lyndonpugeda on Instagram.
