In the Old Globes long-running musical Dr. Seusss How the Grinch Stole Christmas! musical, the lonely Grinch ultimately discovers his inner Who self among the quirky but welcoming citizens of Whoville.

The same could be said of Andrew Polec, the 35-year-old Philly native who is now in rehearsals to play the Grinch at the Globe for the fourth holiday season in a row.

Actor Andrew Polec, who plays the Grinch, rehearses a scene from The Old Globe’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! as director James Vasquez watches on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024 in San Diego. (K.C. Alfred / The San Diego Union-Tribune)

Since 2021, Polec — who hopped around the globe from 2016 to 2019 as the star of Jim Steinmans rock musical Bat Out Of Hell — has built a large family of friends here in San Diego. They include Grinch assistant director Noelle Marion, who in true Grinch style has made Polecs heart grow three sizes.

Actor Andrew Polec, who plays the Grinch, rehearses a scene from The Old Globe’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024 in San Diego. (K.C. Alfred / The San Diego Union-Tribune)

They met in the Globe’s 2021 production of “Hair,” where they were set up by the musical’s director James Vásquez. Polec starred in the show as Berger and Marion was Vásquez’s assistant director. The couple married last April in Escondido with Vásquez (who also team-directs the Grinch with Marion each year) as their officiant.

Polec is now closing in on the record for playing the Grinch the most times at the Globe. Actor Guy Paul, who originated the role in 1998, played it five years in a row. Edward Watts played it three times. Polec, the youngest-ever Globe Grinch by nearly 20 years, is now on track to take the crown. In a recent interview, he said theres no place hed rather spend his holidays than in San Diego playing the Grinch.

Actors David Michael Garry (Old Max), left, Andrew Polec (Grinch) and Tommy Martinez (young Max) rehearse The Old Globe’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024 in San Diego. (K.C. Alfred / The San Diego Union-Tribune)

I love coming back every year. This is coming back to a home, to a family I know and love and I know every family member, he said. All the new energy of new little Who kidlets that come in every year — their energy is infectious. They really bring such joy to the project and they bring all their quirks and pizzazz. It’s so lovely to get to see the magic unfold year after year.

Actor Andrew Polec, who plays the Grinch, rehearses a scene from The Old Globe’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024 in San Diego. (K.C. Alfred / The San Diego Union-Tribune)

Polec said one of his favorite parts of the show is the warm holiday nostalgia it generates among audiences of all ages.

It reminds of us times we’re all together during a very happy occasion, he said. I love personally brining that joy to our audiences in San Diego. I love taking people on a journey through one character’s eyes who is very upset and angry and alone and he comes to realize that your friends and family and connecting to people is the most important thing in life.

Actors David Michael Garry (Old Max), left, Andrew Polec (Grinch) and Tommy Martinez (young Max) rehearse The Old Globe’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024 in San Diego. (K.C. Alfred / The San Diego Union-Tribune)

Polec may be a distinctive Grinch with his big eyes, wide smile, high energy and rock tenor voice, but the green makeup and furry costume he wears disguise his identity well. Out of costume and makeup, hes never been recognized as the man behind the Grinch, even when he mingles with post-show Grinch crowds on the Globes outdoor plaza.

His invisibility may have changed a little since he starred this past June in Moonlight Stage Productions Escape to Margaritaville musical in Vista. Or maybe after his Sept. 10 appearance on TVs Wheel of Fortune.

On a lark, he and a friend auditioned for the game show last May at Sycuan Casino. Each applicant had 30 seconds to convince the judges they were interesting enough to make a good TV contestant. Dressed in his signature brightly colored clothing, Polec sang a 30-second song he wrote about his passion for music and why he couldnt become a doctor because of his morbid fear of needles. It worked.

Actor Andrew Polec, who plays the Grinch, wears Grinch socks as he rehearses a scene from The Old Globe’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024 in San Diego. (K.C. Alfred / The San Diego Union-Tribune)

Although he came in third place on the TV show, Polec walked away with nearly $9,000 in prize money and said he had a blast. If you missed that episode of Wheel, youre not alone. It aired the same night as the Harris-Trump presidential debate on ABC.

After wrapping up this years Grinch, Polec said hell resume work on a new play with music being developed at Coffey Street Studio in Brooklyn. He co-wrote the music and plays the lead Dionysian rock band character whose songs help a family explore and question the dynamics of their relationships. He and his co-creators are hoping for an off-Broadway production in 2025.

Actors Andrew Polec (Grinch), left, and Tommy Martinez (young Max) rehearse The Old Globe’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024 in San Diego. (K.C. Alfred / The San Diego Union-Tribune)

Until then, hes happy to serve as San Diegos man in green.

I really am so grateful with how warmly and generously San Diego has received me and our whole show, he said. I couldnt imagine doing it anywhere else. I think the show is just kind of ingrained in the genes of San Diegans.

‘Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!’

When: Previews, Nov. 6-9; Opens Nov. 10 and runs through Dec. 31. Showtimes vary, but mostly evenings Tuesdays-Fridays and multiple shows on weekend days

Where: The Old Globe, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, San Diego

Tickets: $73 and up

Phone: 619-234-5623

Online: theoldglobe.org