It’s a story that apparently has no end – “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” It first made its appearance in book form in 1957 courtesy of Theodor “Dr. Seuss” Geisel. The story, written in rhymed verse with illustrations by the author, criticizes the commercialization of Christmas.
Baby Boomers will recall the beloved 1966 animated TV special with Boris Karloff providing narration — and the voice of The Grinch. Geisel wrote the songs and lyrics himself.
The book was adapted into a 2000 live-action film directed by Ron Howard starring Jim Carrey as the Grinch. It won awards for best movie and best movie actor at the 2001 Kids Choice Awards.
The Old Globe Theatre is currently presenting its 19th annual production of “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” The whimsical holiday musical, based on the classic Dr. Seuss book, runs through Dec. 26.
Guests will once again see the Old Globe Theatre transformed into the snow-covered Whoville, right down to the last can of Who-hash.
Two Chula Vista youths are cast in ensemble roles in this year’s production: Emily Sade Bautista and Ava Harris.
Bautista (Little Who Ensemble, Pink Team) is an 11-year-old sixth grader who is excited to be returning to Whoville after playing Annie Who in last year’s production. Most recently she played Baby Louise in Gypsy (Cygnet Theatre Company).
Bautista also had the opportunity to perform the national anthem for Chula Vista Mayor Mary Salas’s State of the City address, and she gave solo vocal performances at several other community events.
Some of Bautista’s favorite credits include Mouse in “A Year with Frog and Toad” (Coronado Playhouse/Pickwick Players), Lamb in “Charlotte’s Web” (Pickwick Players) and Mini Lucy/Ginger Blanket in “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” as well as “Schoolhouse Rock!,” “Shrek The Musical” and “The Little Mermaid” (Christian Youth Theater San Diego South County).
She is also part of this year’s JT on Tour group. She takes private tap, ballet, and jazz and studies voice in her free time. Bautista would like to thank God, her family, all her supporting friends and the entire casting team at The Old Globe for this amazing opportunity.
Harris (Annie Who, Red Team) is a fifth grader at Nazareth School San Diego and is delighted to be returning to the “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” cast.
Her past performances include “Big River” (New Village Arts), “Charlotte’s Web” (Pickwick Players), “Annie Jr.” (California Youth Conservatory), “Summer Sessions Cabaret” (Karyn Overstreet Vocal Studio), “Beauty and the Beast”(Christian Youth Theater San Diego Central), “The Wizard of Oz” (Nazareth School) and December Nights (Balboa Park).
She has been a student with Karyn Overstreet Vocal Studios for the past three years. Harris would like to thank director James Vásquez for the amazing opportunity to return to Whoville.
Family favorite songs include “Santa for a Day,” “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome, Christmas (Fah Who Doraze),” the delightful carol from the popular animated version of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!”
- Bernard Calloway returns after making his Globe debutin2015 as The Grinch. Returning for her second year is Mikee Castillo, alternating in the role of Cindy-Lou Who with Mia Davila, who is making her Globe debut.
Two-time San Diego Theatre Critics Circle Award winner Steve Gunderson returns as Old Max and marks his 14th appearance in “The Grinch” at the Globe.
Ticket prices start at $37 for adults and $24 for children (17 years and under). Children under the age of three will be admitted to 11 a.m. performances only, which are open to all ages. There is no performance on Christmas.
Tickets can be purchased online at www.TheOldGlobe.org, by phone at (619) 23-GLOBE, or by visiting the box office.
