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

 

The Grinch is directed 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.

As previously announced, Steve Blanchard reprises his role as The Grinch, which he played last year in his Globe debut. Blanchard has appeared on Broadway in Beauty and the Beast, Camelot, The Three Musketeers and A Christmas Carol and can be heard on the original recordings of Johnny Guitar, Sundown, Frankenstein and Northbound Train.

Alternating in the role of Cindy-Lou Who are Caitlin McAuliffe of Poway and Lilith Freund of University City. McAuliffe played Cindy-Lou Who in last year's production, and she has performed locally at Moonlight Amphitheatre, Starlight Musical Theatre and Birch North Park Theatre. Freund has appeared in numerous productions of The Nutcracker in San Diego and on the television show "I Kid with Brad Garrett."

Local favorite Steve Gunderson returns as Old Max and marks his 10th appearance in The 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. Jason Edward Cook plays Young Max, following his recent appearances in With Glee Off Broadway, Big River at PlayMakers Repertory Company and Academy at the New York Musical Theatre Festival.

Rounding out the cast of The Grinch are Geno Carr (Papa Who), Kelsey Venter (Mama Who), Phil Johnson (Grandpa Who), Amanda Naughton (Grandma Who), Annie Buckley and Kaitlyn O'Leary (Annie Who), Sydney Rose Horowitz and Madison Pyle (Betty-Lou Who), Dylan Nalbandian and Jordi Bertran (Boo Who) and Aaron Acosta and Liam James Brandt (Danny Who) with Luke Babbitt, Ava Marie Bunn, Jacob Caltrider, Nancy Snow Carr, Kevin Davison, Sophia Dimmick, Randall Dodge, Katrina Heil, Brooke Henderson, Kyle J. Johnson, Gabi Leibowitz, Alison Grace Norwood, Carly Nykanen, Allison Spratt Pearce, Avalon Robbins and Maxine Sutton (Ensemble).

This season's production features Musical Direction by Charlie Reuter, 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) and Leila Knox (Stage Manager).

For tickets and more information, visit:  www.TheOldGlobe.org.

Photo Credit: Henry DiRocco

Lilith Freund, Steve Blanchard and Caitlin McAuliffe

Lilith Freund

Caitlin McAuliffe

Lilith Freund, Steve Blanchard and Caitlin McAuliffe

Lilith Freund, Steve Blanchard and Caitlin McAuliffe

Lilith Freund, Steve Blanchard and Caitlin McAuliffe

The Cast

Steve Blanchard

Steve Gunderson

Jason Edward Cook

Jason Edward Cook and Steve Gunderson

Jason Edward Cook, Lilith Freund, Steve Blanchard, Caitlin McAuliffe and Steve Gunderson

James Vásquez

Geno Carr, Kelsey Venter, Amanda Naughton and Phil Johnson