Jeff Skowron-Led HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS Opens at the Old Globe Tonight, 11/21

Jeff Skowron is set to star as the Grinch in the Globe's 12th annual production of Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas. The annual holiday musical, directed by Benjamin Endsley Klein with book and lyrics by Timothy Mason and music by Mel Marvin, will run in the Old Globe Theatre November 21 - December 27. Previews run from Nov. 21 - Nov. 26. Opening night is Nov. 27 at 7:00 p.m.

Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! is a wonderful, whimsical musical based upon the classic Dr. Seuss book. Back for its 12th incredible year, the family favorite features the songs "This Time of Year," "It's the Thought that Counts" and "Fah Who Doraze," the delightful carol from the popular animated version of How the Grinch Stole Christmas! Celebrate the holidays as the Old Globe Theatre is once again transformed into the snow-covered Whoville, right down to the last can of Who-hash.

Jeff Skowron is no stranger to Grinch, having performed in both the 2007 and 2008 Broadway productions as a citizen of Whoville. His Broadway credits also include The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, High Society and the workshop of The Boy From Oz ("Chris Bell" opposite Hugh Jackman). He has appeared Off Broadway in Debbie Does Dallas and Zombie Prom. Regionally he has played Hysterium in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum and Luther in the world premiere of Leap, both at Cincinnati Playhouse; and Hedwig in Hedwig and the Angry Inch at the Contemporary American Theatre. His films include New York City Serenade, The Narrows, How to Seduce Difficult Women, The Good Shepherd, A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints, Premium and Chapter 27.

Benjamin Endsley Klein directed the Globe's 2007 production of Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! and served as Assistant Director in 2005. On Broadway, he was the Assistant Director of The Coast of Utopia, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and Barefoot in the Park, and on London's West End he was the Associate Director of Hairspray. Klein is the recipient of the National Theatre Conference 2007 Paul Green Foundation Award and the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society's 2005-06 Mike Ockrent Fellowship.

The original production of Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! was conceived and directed by Jack O'Brien with original choreography by John DeLuca. This season's production features Musical Direction by Ron Colvard, Additional Choreography by Bob Richard and Choreography Restaged by James Vasquez. The Grinch creative team also includes John Lee Beatty (Scenic Design), Robert Morgan (Costume Design), Pat Collins (Lighting Design), Paul Peterson (Sound Design), Anita Ruth (Orchestrator), Joshua Rosenblum (Vocal Arrangements and Incidental Music), David Krane (Dance Music Arranger) and Leila Knox (Stage Manager).

The complete cast will be announced at a later date.

The fourth annual Globe Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place on Sunday, November 22 at 6:00 p.m. on the Globe's Copley Plaza. The ceremony will kick off the holiday season in conjunction with the presentation of Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! Designed by Grinch scenic designer John Lee Beatty, the unique tree will be located in the center of the Globe Plaza and remain for the run of the show. This fun family event will feature a special live performance by members of the Grinch cast and a delightful holiday snowfall on the Globe Plaza. Tickets to this free event are limited but may be obtained by subscribers and are included with the tickets to the November 20 performance at 4:30.

Grinch Family Day, an engaging family celebration for children of all ages, will take place on Sunday, December 20 from 10 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. The event includes an afternoon of Grinchy crafts, games, treats and merriment on the Globe's Copley Plaza and tickets to a live performance of Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! in the Old Globe Theatre at 11 a.m. or 2 p.m. Grinch Family Day tickets are $75 for children and $100 for adults. VIP tickets are $100 for children and $125 for adults. VIP ticket holders receive premium theatre seating. All proceeds support the Globe's education and community programs for young people. For tickets to Grinch Family Day, contact the Globe Box Office at (619) 23-GLOBE.

Tickets to Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! can be purchased online at www.TheOldGlobe.org, by phone at (619) 23-GLOBE or by visiting the box office at 1363 Old Globe Way in Balboa Park. Performances begin on Nov. 21 and continue through Dec. 27. Ticket prices range from $39 to $79 for adults and from $20 to $59 for children (3-17 years). Performance times: Previews: Saturday, Nov. 21 at 7:00 p.m., Sunday Nov. 22 at 4:30 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 25 at 7:00 p.m. and Friday, November 27 at 2:00 p.m. Regular Performances: Tues-Friday at 7:00 p.m., Saturday and Sunday at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., Saturday at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday at 5:00 p.m. No performances on Thanksgiving, December 3, 4 or 10, and Christmas, and no 8:00 performance on Saturday, December 5. Additional performances: Saturday, December 5, 12 and 19 at 5:00 p.m.

The Old Globe is located in San Diego's Balboa Park at 1363 Old Globe Way. There are numerous free parking lots available throughout the park. Valet parking is also available ($10). For additional parking information visit www.BalboaPark.org.

The Tony Award-winning Old Globe is one of the country's leading professional regional theaters and has stood as San Diego's flagship arts institution for 74 years. Under the direction of Executive Producer Louis G. Spisto, The Old Globe produces a year-round season of 15 productions of classic, contemporary and new works on its three Balboa Park stages: the 580-seat Old Globe Theatre, the 250-seat Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre and the 612-seat outdoor Lowell Davies Festival Theatre, home of its internationally renowned Shakespeare Festival. More than 250,000 people attend Globe productions annually and participate in the theater's education programs and outreach services. Numerous Broadway-bound premieres and revivals, such as The Full Monty, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, A Catered Affair, and the annual holiday musical, Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas!, have been developed at The Old Globe and have gone on to enjoy highly successful runs in New York and at regional theaters across the country.

 

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