Photo Flash: Sneak Peek at Steve Blanchard, Steve Gunderson and More in Old Globe's HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS

by BWW News Desk Nov. 1, 2013

The Old Globe presents the 16th annual production of Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The holiday musical will run on the Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage in the Old Globe Theatre, part of the Globe's Conrad Prebys Theatre Center, Nov. 16 - Dec. 28. Previews run from Nov. 16 - Nov. 20. Opening night is Nov. 21 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' 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. Ticket prices start at $37 for adults and $24 for children (17 years and under). Performances are restricted to children 3 years and up except for the 11:00 a.m. performances for which tickets can be purchased for children of all ages. Everyone must have a ticket. Tickets can be purchased online at www.TheOldGlobe.org, by phone at (619) 23-GLOBE or by visiting the Box Office. BroadwayWorld has a sneak peek below!

Steve Blanchard returns to his role as The Grinch for his third consecutive season. Blanchard has appeared on Broadway inBeauty and the Beast, Camelot, The Three Musketeers and A Christmas Carol and was seen in the Off Broadway productions of Orphan Train, Johnny Guitar, Frankenstein, Treasure Island, Moby Dick and An Oak Tree.

Alternating in the role of Cindy-Lou Who and making their Globe debuts are Taylor Coleman of Carmel Valley and Gabriella Dimmick of La Mesa. Coleman has trained with San Diego's Royal Dance Academy, performing numerous times at Mandeville Auditorium, and recently appeared in a production of Rainbow Fish. Dimmick was most recently seen in San Diego Musical Theatre's production of The Sound of Music at Birch North Park Theatre and has performed for several years with The California Ballet Company.

Three-time San Diego Critics Circle Award winner Steve Gunderson returns as Old Max and marks his 11th appearance inThe Grinch at the Globe. His Off Broadway credits include Suds: The Rocking '60s Musical Soap Opera, Forever Plaid, Back to Bacharach and David, Butley and Street Scene. Playing Young Max is Jeffrey Schecter, who previously appeared at the Globe in the world premiere musical Robin and the 7 Hoods. His extensive Broadway credits include Nice Work If You Can Get It, Anything Goes, A Chorus Line and The Pajama Game among others.

Rounding out the cast of The Grinch are Geno Carr (Papa Who), Bets Malone (Mama Who), Victor Morris (Grandpa Who), Eileen Bowman (Grandma Who), Isabelle Simone Pizzurro and Kaitlyn O'Leary (Annie Who), Caitlin McAuliffe and Remy Margaret Corbin (Betty-Lou Who), Brandon Saldivar and Imahni King-Murillo (Boo Who) andLuke Babbitt and Dylan Nalbandian (Danny Who) with Jacob Caltrider, Megan Carmitchel, Nancy Snow Carr,David Coffey, Kevin Davison, Sophia Dimmick, Randall Dodge, Krysten Hafso-Koppman, Brooke Henderson,Katelyn Katz, Hourie Klijian, Gabi Leibowitz, Nathan Riley, Kendall Skye, Isabella Walther-Meade and Elliot Weaver (Ensemble).

This season's production features Musical Direction by Elan McMahan, Additional Choreography by Bob Richard and Restaged Choreography by James Vásquez. 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 Leila Knox (Stage Manager).