The Old Globe opened its 12th annual “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” Nov. 27. The annual feast for children of all ages continues through Dec. 27 at the landmark Balboa Park Theatre. Each year, the critic attends kicking and screaming, “Oh, no! Not again!” Each year she experiences what can only be described as Grinch nostalgia. Having watched the eyes of little children fill with wonder, she comes away inspired and resolved to be less jaded in the New Year. John Lee Beatty’s Who-Ville set is unchanged. Each costume created by Globe associate artist Robert Morgan remains essentially the same, setting up memories of performances past, bygone portrayals of Young Max, Old Max and the furry green Grinch himself. Only Grandma Who (silvery soprano Eileen Bowman) is still played by the woman who created the role in 1998. The most amazing phenomenon and legacy is the stream of Cindy-Lou Whos who have graced the production over the years. Mel Marvin’s music is not simple and has a big range for a youngster, who must hold her own in the show’s hit song “Santa for a Day.” This year’s Cindy-Lou, 5-year-old Shea Starrs Siben, stole every heart opening night. Shea first saw “Grinch” at 3, when her elder sister Skylar played Cindy-Lou. Shea now plays Cindy-Lou, sharing the role with 9-year-old Anna Bahen, who plays alternate performances. All the Who children are double cast. Many readers know the story written by Dr. Seuss, Theodor “Ted” Geisel, who lived in La Jolla. After his death, Geisel’s widow, Audrey, gave the children of San Diego the gift of this “Grinch.” The show, which has since proliferated, premiered in its present form at the Globe in 1998, under the childlike direction of then artistic director Jack O’Brien. Old Max (the Grinch’s dog), who wanted to see the place once more, returns to Who-Ville, and as he tells the tale encounters his youthful self as well as all the citizens of Who-Ville, from whom the Grinch (“You’re One of a Kind”) determines to steal Christmas. Having taken all the toys, trees and roast beasts, the Grinch, whose heart has already been touched by Cindy-Lou, hears the Whos celebrating anyway. He realizes that Christmas is about something more than its accompaniments. The current production, directed for the third year by Benjamin Endsley Klein, is excellent. Music director John Samorian conducts the large company, and his eight-piece Who-Chestra lends excellent support, especially to the youngest singer/performers, who find their pitches and are well-heard, thanks to Paul Peterson’s excellent sound design. Favorite musical moments are “Who Likes Christmas,” “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and the elder Whos’ quartet “This Time of Year.” It’s guaranteed that one goes home singing “Santa for a Day.” In his Old Globe debut as the Grinch, Broadway veteran Jeff Skowron is a keeper, pitch perfect, vocally interesting and not too scary. Martin Van Treuren, returning as Old Max, is the absolute best, dramatically and vocally, and Logan Lipton’s second outing as Young Max is a joy. The critic was accompanied by a friend three years older than she. It was her first experience of the show, and she was absolutely captivated. It’s fun for the experienced “Grinch”-goer to see wonder reflected in the eyes of newbies, whether youthful or aged. “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas” continues through Dec. 27, with performances scheduled at times that accommodate families with small children and grownups as well. See the detailed schedule at www.theoldglobe.org or call (619) 23-GLOBE.