Dr. Seuss's How The Grinch Stole Christmas! Is Back with in Person Performances Until December 31

The 2021 production definitely has a more artistic vibe both in interpretation and delivery. 
Andrew Polec as The Grinch brings it to a new level

A Blog View by Alejandra Enciso-Dardashti

Andrew Polec as The Grinch in Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, 2021.
Photo by Rich Soublet II.
2021 marks the 24th year of Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!  at The Old Globe in Balboa Park. After a 2020 pause due to the P-word, theatre goers happily came back to revisit their favorite Christmas meanie. This show can go different ways. It is a San Diego tradition for sure so, either people go and see it year after year and enjoy it just the same, or it is a one and done kind of experience. It has been a couple of years since the cast has been changing for each season and that I believe, has spiced things up.

Andrew Polec comes back to The Globe campus as The Grinch after his performance as Berger in the production of Hair, The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical. Really good production with a very talented cast so, I was pretty curious as to what Andrew would bring to the table. He is not the only Hair cast member to pivot on to the holiday fave, Christopher M. Ramirez is debuting as Papa Who and Bethany Slomka as a swing. MFA Alumna Bibi Mama is in the ensemble as well. 

John Lee Beatty's Scenic Design shines bright like every year with gleaming reds contrasting with baby pinks and whites. The red team graced the stage in that Wednesday performance and as happy as I was to see Leila Manuel as Cindy-Lou Who, I have noticed that the kids in that role need a bit more volume and word articulation because, for most of the performance, it is difficult to understand what they are saying. Still, the show is as lovable and cute as always. The production this year definitely has a more artistic vibe both in interpretation and delivery. Andrew Polec brings The Grinch to a new level following the well-known goofy grumpiness of the furry, pot-bellied creature in an elegant manner. He gave me Cirque du Soleil, what can I say. Polec put his artistic mark on the Grinch and set the bar even higher showcasing his skills and creativity as well as his training. It is impressive and worth seeing. Christopher M. Ramirez also does his part -literally- bringing a younger flare to the family man displaying wonderful vocals and a more tender side to Who.
Leila Manuel as Cindy-Lou Who and Andrew Polec as The Grinch in
Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, 2021. Photo by Rich Soublet II.
Another wonderful surprise is Ali Nelson as Danny Who also printing her essence into the character with hip-hopish moves and skate shoes. I saw that I did! Awesome addition. And who does not fall in love with both Young (Tommy Martinez) and Old Max (John Treacy Egan)? the Grinch's loyal yet questioning companion turned one-horned reindeer. 

John Treacy Egan as Old Max and Tommy Martinez as Young Max in
Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, 2021. Photo by Rich Soublet II.
The live music led by Music Director Elan McMahan, brings that lovely fuzzy feeling that makes audiences smile.

Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! is definitely the starting flag for the holidays. A lovely evening for both kids and adults. Performances are currently running until Friday, December 31.

There is also a sensory-friendly performance on Saturday, December 11 at 10:00 a.m. For tickets, please call the Box Office at (619) 234-5623.

Before the show from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. the third annual Sensory-Friendly AXIS event will take place. This all-ages event will offer Grinch-inspired activities and a performance by the coLAB workshop with neurodiverse artists.  

Check out the Instagram Live we had with Andrew Polec who plays the Grinch Here 







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