As a longtime theater critic, it’s sometimes hard to find fresh ways, not to mention the enthusiasm, to review and write about the same plays and musicals over and over again.
But for some reason, I never get tired of the Old Globe’s “Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” which has just kicked off its 27th production. The whimsical “Grinch” musical is now so ingrained in San Diego culture that it hardly feels like Christmas without it.
It’s not just Mel Marvin’s familiar score or Timothy Mason’s book and lyrics, faithfully adapted from former La Jollan Ted “Dr. Seuss” Geisel’s 1957 book and a follow-up 1966 TV special. It’s the magic of the show’s stagecraft and costumes, the “snowfall” in the auditorium, the sing-alongs and the Grinch’s interactions with children in the audience.
Luckily for San Diegans, actor Andrew Polec, 35, has returned for his fourth year in the title role. His inexhaustible energy, multi-octave singing voice, and wild playfulness in the role — particularly with small children seated in the front rows and aisle seats — is the best part of the show. There’s not a single moment where Polec isn’t animated in body or voice to enhance the show.
For those not familiar with the “Grinch” story, it’s about an angry and lonely green-skinned creature who plots to steal all the Christmas presents and décor from the joyful Who residents of nearby Whoville. The intermissionless 80-minute show has the eye-candy appeal and story that children enjoy, but also the one-liners and topical humor that adults can appreciate.
The show is directed each year by James Vásquez, who never rests on his laurels. This year, there are numerous new lines (listen for a timely “Wicked” joke and a theater-insider reference about plot points and foreshadowing), new stage blocking and several new actors who bring their own personalities to their roles.
David Michael Garry, with a rich bass-baritone voice, makes an impressive debut as the narrator Old Max, the older version of the Grinch’s neglected dog Young Max (sweetly played once again by Tommy Martinez). Xavier Reyes, making his show debut as Papa Who, also has a very nice singing voice. On the night I attended, darling Arden Johnson was poised and perfect as Cindy-Lou Who, the tot who steals the Grinch’s heart (she alternates performances in the role with Sofia Barredo).
After all these years with the “Grinch,” San Diegans feel like the show belongs to them. Adults and children show up in costume and they’re giddy with excitement when the orchestra, conducted by musical director Elan McMahan, begins. The show’s final bows always end with the cast singing the words “Who likes Christmas?” and the audience almost always responds by shouting: “Me!”
‘Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!’
When: Now playing through Dec. 31. Show times vary
Where: The Old Globe, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, San Diego
Tickets: $73 and up
Phone: 619-234-5623
Online: theoldglobe.org