An Old Globe Christmas
By Johnny McDonald

The Grinch with the snowglobe. Photos courtesy of the Old Globe Theatre

The Old Globe has found that even the most successful Christmas shows need a few alterations.

The 10th annual production of Dr. Seuss' "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" - which runs Nov. 25 through Dec. 30 - will feature a number of revisions, including three new songs.

Among them will be a duet between Young Max and Old Max titled, "This Time of Year," a full company number titled, "It's the Thought that Counts," as well as the delightful carol, "Fah Who Doraze," from the popular animated version.

Other changes include expanded dance sections in the children's song, "Whatchamawho," a redesigned costume for the Grinch, and other significant changes.

The cast will feature Kevin Bailey as the "Grinch," Martin Van Treuren as "Old Max" and James Royce Edwards as "Young Max." Reprising the roles they created in the Globe's inaugural production are Melinda Gilb and Steve Gunderson as "Mama Who" and "Papa Who," respectively.

Cindy-Lou Who and the Grinch in the Old Globe production of How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

Eileen Bowman and James Vasquez return as "Grandma Who" and "Grandpa Who."

Returning as "Cindy-Lou Who" is Skylar Starrs Siben, who will alternate in the role with newcomer Gaby Greenwald.

"The 10th year celebration gives the Globe an opportunity to make these exciting improvements and give the show new life," said executive director Louis G. Spisto. "Over the summer, Jack O'Brien and the entire original creative team came together for an intensive two-week workshop at the Globe, where they developed the new material."

The Globe's family favorite has played to over 350,000 children and adults.

"It has established a permanent place in the hearts of San Diegans," added Spisto. "We thank Audrey Geisel (a.k.a. "Mrs. Dr. Seuss") for her generous support of this production, which has become a timeless holiday classic in the San Diego community."

The Globe will have its second annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony on Nov. 25 on the Globe Plaza.

Additionally, the Globe will host its annual Seussabration event, which brings 600 first-graders from county schools to attend the show on Nov. 28.

Also, it will return to Broadway this fall, following last year's sold-out success, running at the St. James Theater. The original creative team has joined forces again for the Broadway production, including O'Brien, who served as production creator and supervisor, scenic designer John Lee Beatty, costume designer Robert Morgan, lighting designer Pat Collins and choreographer John DeLuca.