By Charlene Baldridge | SDUN Reporter
Grinches among us would have us believe that the Old Globe’s annual “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas” is just for kids. A word to the wise for all aunts, uncles and parents out there—it is for kids, but it also packs an insider wallop or two for the adults.
For instance, when the Green One makes his first foray into Whoville dressed as a Hollywood producer, he surveys the scene, shudders and says, “What a dump!” Rest assured that writer/lyricist Timothy Mason has additional treats in store and that onlookers go home singing Mel Marvin’s melodies, which include “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch.”
Now in its 16th year, the original production was conceived and directed by Old Globe Artistic Director Emeritus Jack O’Brien, who’s just staged the Lincoln Center Theater’s “Macbeth” starring Ethan Hawke and featuring Byron Jennings, John Glover and Malcolm Gets as the Wicked Sisters. The reviews were mixed, with most agreeing that the Witches stole the show.
At the Globe, the Grinch’s witchiness steals the show. He’s everywhere, “One of a Kind,” sarcastic and narcissistic, out to steal joy from Whoville until Cindy Lou Who steals his shrunken heart (“Santa for a Day”). He is redeemed and discovers he’s a Who, too.
There was a dyed-in-the-wool skeptic outside the theater before curtain. An auntie crouched eye-level with a little boy, trying to convince him with the biggest spoiler of all time—the Grinch gives gifts to all the Who’s at the end of the show, his shriveled heart having grown three sizes. The Kid was unconvinced.
This kid has attended the show every year since its inception, sometimes dragging herself kicking and screaming to Balboa Park, yelling “I Hate Christmas,” but always uplifted when the snow begins to fall and all the Who families come down the aisles singing a reprise of “Welcome Christmas.”
You know the story penned by the late La Jollan Theodor “Dr. Seuss” Geisel: Old Max returns to Mt. Crumpet before his retirement and ponders his servitude as Young Max to the Grinch. He introduces the oddly shaped people who live in Whoville. They love Christmas. The Grinch steals their Christmas, gifts, roast beast and Christmas tree, and then discovers Christmas is about more than gift giving.
Since 2003, “The Grinch” has been directed by James Vásquez, whose Globe credits include “Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show” and whose work is frequently seen at Diversionary Theatre (“Pippin,” “She-Rantulas from Outer Space – in 3D!” and “Harmony, Kansas”). Broadway veteran Steve Blanchard returns for his third season as the Grinch. Taylor Coleman of Carmel Valley and Gabriella Dimmick of La Mesa alternate as Cindy-Lou Who. Marking his 11th appearance in “Grinch,” Steve Gunderson returns as Old Max, and Broadway performer Jeffrey Schecter debuts as Young Max. Their duet, “This Time of Year,” is a highlight of the show. Others in the company are Geno Carr as Papa Who, Bets Malone as Mama Who, Kürt Norby as Grandpa Who, and Eileen Bowman as Grandma Who. Music Director Elan McMahan conducts the nine-piece “Who-Chestra,” members of American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada.
As always, the show is played upon John Lee Beatty’s set, with costumes by Robert Morgan, lighting by Pat Collins, and sound by Paul Peterson. John DeLuca is the choreographer with additional choreography by Bob Richard and restaged choreography by Vásquez.
This year’s bonus vision was a wee girl seated on the aisle. She held up her Grinch doll to the performers as they came down the aisle, then looked up in wonderment, trying to catch the snowflakes falling around her. My heart expanded three sizes.
WHERE: Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage, Old Globe Theatre, Conrad Prebys Theatre Center, Old Globe Way, Balboa Park
WHEN: Two teams of Who youngsters alternate performances, which take place at 11am, 2pm, 5pm and 7pm Saturdays and Sundays. Weeknight curtain at 7pm, running through Dec. 28.
INFO: theoldglobe.org or 619-234-5623
Tickets: $37+ for adults, $24 for children (17 and under)
