Theater News

Steve Blanchard, Steve Gunderson, Amanda Naughton Set for Old Globe’s Grinch

Steve Blanchard in <i>Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas!</i>
Steve Blanchard in Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
(© Henry DiRocco)

Full casting has been announced for this year’s production of Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! at the Old Globe Theatre. James Vásquez will direct the family-friendly musical, which runs November 17-December 29.

The show features book and lyrics by Timothy Mason and music by Mel Marvin. The original production of the musical 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.

Broadway veteran Steve Blanchard, best known for his work in Beauty and the Beast, will play the title role. He will be joined by Jason Edward Cook (Young Max), Steve Gunderson (Old Max), Geno Carr (Papa Who), Kelsey Venter (Mama Who), Phil Johnson (Grandpa Who), and Amanda Naughton (Grandma Who).

In addition, the roles of the younger Whos will be alternated by Lilith Freund and Caitlin McAuliffe (Cindy-Lou 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).

The ensemble includes Luke Babbitt, Ava Maria Bunn, Jacob Caltrider, Nancy Show 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.

This season’s production features musical direction by Charlie Reuter, additional choreography by Bob Richard, and restaged choreography by Vásquez. The 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), and David Krane (dance music arranger).

Click here for more information and Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! tickets.

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