THE GRINCH WHO STOLE CHRISTMAS Launches National Tour in in Providence, RI

Stefan Karl reprises his acclaimed performance ("'Grinch' star steals the show", Dallas Morning News) when the 2011 National Tour of Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas! - The Musical launches November 15, 2011 at the Providence Performing Arts Center. For a second consecutive holiday season, Big League Productions, Inc. presents this record breaking Broadway musical production in theaters across America.

After its opening engagement in Providence, RI (11/15 - 11/20), this iconic, whimsical tale will enchant audiences for 6 more weeks with engagements in: Pittsburgh, PA (Benedum Centre, 11/22-11/27); Atlanta, GA (Fox Theatre, 11/29-12/4); St. Louis, MO (Peabody Opera House, 12/6-12/18); and San Francisco, CA (Golden Gate Theatre, 12/21-12/31).

The Grinch broke box office records for two consecutive years on Broadway during its limited holiday engagements at the St. James (2007) and Hilton (2006) theatres in New York City. Since then, thousand of families across America have been delighted by this heart-warming holiday musical, which The New York Times praised as "100 times better than any bedside story" and the Gannett papers hailed as "A genius of a show! A total delight for both kids and adults."

Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical features the hit songs "You're A Mean One Mr. Grinch" and "Welcome Christmas" (written by Albert Hague and Dr. Seuss) from the original animated series. Max the Dog narrates as the mean and scheming Grinch, whose heart is "two sizes too small," decides to steal Christmas away from the Holiday loving Whos. Magnificent sets (John Lee Beatty, ...'Grinch' Broadway designer) and costumes (Robert Morgan, ‘Grinch' Broadway designer) inspired by Dr. Seuss' original illustrations help transport audiences to the whimsical world of Whoville, while the Music and Book of Mel Marvin and Timothy Mason breathe new life into this timeless story of the true meaning of Christmas. The 2011 production is directed by Matt August, who has directed the show since its arrival on Broadway in 2006. Choreography is by Bob Richard who co-choreographed the original production with John DeLuca. The production was originally conceived and directed by Tony Award® winning director, Jack O'Brien.

Stefan Karl is a veteran stage, film and TV actor. Stefan has starred as the Grinch at Los Angeles' famous Pantages Theater as well as in previous Broadway touring productions; and is also widely known to audiences for his portrayal of the villain Robbie Rotten on Nickelodeon's popular TV program LazyTown. He is the recipient of the Thorbjorn Egner Award (2000) for outstanding new actor, and Bessi Award (2004). Icelandic Press Association chose Stefan as "Man of the Year (2003)" for his acting, and contribution to the arts and children's charities. Stefan is the founder of Icelandic nonprofit organization Rainbow Children, a charity which raises funds to address the problem of child bullying. For his work in the music industry as a singer and performer (piano, accordion, and drums), Stefan has two gold and two platinum records. Stefan is a member of The National Theatre of Iceland.
The cast also features Old Max played by Bob Lauder, Seth Bazacas as Young Max, and Bailey Ryon and Clara Young alternating as Cindy Lou Who. They are joined onstage by Jenavene Bazacas, Brooke Lynn Boyd, Serena Brook, Brance Cornelius, Lauren Devine, Kyle Garvin, Ariana Gibb, Maggie Gomez-Madonia, Garret Hummel-Esparza, Jayson Kerr, Lauren King, Ryan Knowles,?Eric B. Mota, Jacqueline Nguyen, Rebecca Prescott, Danielle Strauss, David Thornton, Willow Grey, Joseph C. Townsend, and Jennifer Wilcove.
Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical is produced by Big League Productions, Inc.. Led by Daniel Sher, as owner and Executive Producer, Big League is celebrating its 22nd season of producing, general managing and booking Broadway musicals and special attractions for touring throughout North America.

Big League collaborated with Disney Theatricals in creating its new production of Elton John and Tim Rice's Aida which toured in North America and China. Among Big League's other highlights was a new touring production of Miss Saigon developed in collaboration with Cameron Mackintosh, which toured the U.S. and Canada for four years. Other noteworthy productions were the Japanese and North American touring productions of 42nd Street with the creative team from the Tony Award®-winning
Broadway revival as well as a three-year tour of Meredith Willson's The Music Man as newly conceived by Susan Stroman.

Others have included Footloose (Las Vegas, Atlantic City, North American tour), tours of Titanic, 1776, Peter Pan, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum starring Rip Taylor and the unique spectacular Blast! Big League's renowned production of The Who's Tommy has been seen throughout North America, South America, and Europe, and most recently in Tokyo.

In recent seasons, Big League produced the 30th Anniversary national tour of the Tony Award®-winning musical Ain't Misbehavin' starring "American Idol" winner Ruben Studdard and the first national tour of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang which proved to be the company's most technically dynamic production to date. The booking department at Big League, helmed by Vice President John Starr, is among the most respected in the industry. Current Productions include national tours of Guys and Dolls, My Fair Lady, the dance show Groovaloo which recently premiered Off-Broadway, and Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! which the company is proud to be executive producing.

 

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