“Every Who down in Who-ville Liked Christmas a lot. But theGrinch, who lived just north of Who-ville DID NOT!!”
— Dr. Seuss, from “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas!”
Dr. Seuss may have died, but one of his most famous characters,The Grinch, lives on in the Old Globe Theater’s production of “Howthe Grinch Stole Christmas!”
This marvelous production tells the classic story of the maliciousChristmas-hating Grinch, who learns the true meaning of the seasonfrom his archenemies, the Whos.
The tale is set and narrated by the Grinch’s aging and newlyretired dog, Max, who looks back on this as his “favorite story totell.” He takes the audience through a Christmas past, down into thetown of Who-ville, where the sound of happiness and carols ringthrough the air.
The stage is decorated with huge props that move throughout thescenes to create everything from a quaint village to a loomingmountaintop. Vibrant colors and oddly-shaped costumes adorn theperformers, bringing to life the illustrations that can be mistakenfor none other than those of Dr. Seuss.
The cast is composed of adult and child performers, and the Grinchis portrayed perfectly by the talented Guy Paul. His facialexpressions and evil demeanor make for the perfect villain, but withhis subtle jokes — which keep the parents in the audience laughingand the kids entertained — and his memorable number, “One of aKind,” it becomes difficult for the audience to not find a place intheir heart for him.
An added feature of the performance comes as the Grinch makesvisual as well as physical contact with those sitting near theaisles. The rest of the cast occasionally does the same, creating agreat effect of including the crowd in the action. Without beingoverbearing, the actors give everyone a close view of their costumesand personalities.
One of the highlights comes during the finale, as the Grinchactually takes a seat in the middle of the house. Conversing with thecrowd, he asked, “Don’t they sing great? I just love to hear themsing!” With that, the actors remaining onstage yell for him to getback, and he arrives just in time for the final pose. An interestingtactic to say the least, but very effective in comedic terms.
The children in the production are fantastic, especially MaryFrances McClay, who plays Cindy-Lou Who, and practically steals theshow from under the Grinch’s feet. It is Cindy-Lou’s song, “Santa Fora Day,” that truly makes the audience’s mouths drop and eventuallymakes the Grinch realize that he, too, can be a Who.
The best part of the show comes during the finale, when theaudience is asked to sing along with the cast to “Deck the Halls.”Little snowflakes fall from the ceiling, and the house is sooncovered, as everyone begins to participate in the festivities. Withthis, the message of the musical becomes clear: all you need in lifeare some good friends.
So head out to see “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” at the
Old Globe Theater. Guaranteed, he may not end up getting away withstealing Christmas, but the Grinch will surely steal your heart.
“How The Grinch Stole Christmas!” runs though December 31 at theOld Globe Theater in Balboa Park. For schedule and ticketinformation, call (619) 231-1941.
