Photo Flash: THE GRINCH Begins Tonight at The Old Globe, Starring J. Bernard Calloway

The Old Globe's 18th annual production of DR. SEUSS' HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS, starring J. Bernard Calloway in the title role, will run on the Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage in the Old Globe Theatre, part of the Globe's Conrad Prebys Theatre Center, tonight, November 7, through December 26 -- one week earlier than usual -- in order to give more San Diego families the chance to attend affordably priced performances. Opening night is November 12 at 7:00 p.m. Get a sneak peek at the cast below!

THE GRINCH is directed by James Vásquez with book and lyrics by Timothy Mason and music by Mel Marvin. The original production of DR. SEUSS' HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! was conceived and directed by Jack O'Brien with Additional Lyrics by Theodor S. Geisel, Additional Music by Albert Hague, and original choreography byJohn DeLuca.

DR. SEUSS' HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! is a wonderful, whimsical musical based upon the classic Dr. Seuss book. Back for its 18th incredible year, the family favorite features the songs "Santa for a Day," "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch," and "Welcome, Christmas (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.

J. Bernard Calloway makes his Old Globe debut as THE GRINCH. Calloway was an original cast member of two Tony Award-winning shows: Memphis (2010 Best Musical) and All the Way (2014 Best Play). His many Off Broadway and regional credits include The Good Negro (The Public Theater), Dreamgirls (Fox Theatre), The Cider House Rules (Trinity Repertory Company), and the world premiere of Memphis (La Jolla Playhouse).

Returning for her third year is Taylor Coleman of Carmel Valley, alternating in the role of Cindy-Lou Who with Mikee Castillo of Serra Mesa, making her Globe debut. Coleman most recently played Young Fiona in Shrek The Musical and Gracie Shinn in The Music Man (Moonlight Stage Productions) and Minnie Oakley in Annie Get Your Gun (San Diego Musical Theatre). Castillo's recent credits include CATS: A New Day 2015 (California Youth Conservatory) and the independent film Driving While Black (Anthem Films).

Three-time San Diego Theatre Critics Circle Award winner Steve Gunderson returns as Old Max and marks his lucky 13th appearance in THE GRINCH at the Globe. The local favorite has also been seen Off Broadway in Suds: The Rocking '60s Musical Soap Opera, Forever Plaid, Back to Bacharach and David, Butley, and Street Scene. Blake Segal will scale Mt. Crumpit as Young Max. He recently appeared at the Globe in Ken Ludwig's Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery. His extensive stage credits also include the recent national tour of Mary Poppins and the Off Broadway production of Bones in the Basket.

Rounding out the cast of THE GRINCH are Robert J. Townsend (Papa Who), Bets Malone (Mama Who), Geno Carr(Grandpa Who), Nancy Snow Carr (Grandma Who), Emily Sade Bautista and Breanna Laureti (Annie Who), Hourie Klijian and Gabriela Marin (Betty-Lou Who), Giovanni Cozic and Levi Laddon (Boo Who), and Brandon Saldivar andElliot Weaver (Danny Who); ensemble members Scotty Atienza, Jacob Caltrider, David Kirk Grant, Elisa Guerra, Kyrsten Hafso-Koppman, Ava Harris, Katrina Heil, Brooke Henderson, Kennedy Nibbe, Clay Stefanki, Hannah Tasto,Jill Townsend, Kelsey Venter, Max Wieczorek, Braelyn Willis, and Catalina Jewel Zelles; and James Vásquez (Swing).

This season's production features Musical Direction by Elan McMahan, Additional Choreography by Bob Richard, and Restaged Choreography by James Vásquez. 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),Caparelliotis Casting (Casting), and Leila Knox (Production Stage Manager).

Ticket prices start at $37 for adults and $24 for children (17 years and under). Children under age 3 will be admitted to 11:00 a.m. performances only, which are open to all ages. At the 11:00 a.m. performances only, children under the age of two are free, but must occupy the same seat and sit on the lap of a parent or guardian in attendance. Regardless of age, each audience member, including babes in arms, must have a ticket to be admitted into the theatre. Tickets can be purchased online at www.TheOldGlobe.org, by phone at (619) 23-GLOBE, or by visiting the Box Office.

Photo Credit: Jim Cox

J. Bernard Calloway stars as The Grinch and (from left) Taylor Coleman and Mikee Castillo as Cindy-Lou Who

J. Bernard Calloway stars as The Grinch

Taylor Coleman and Mikee Castillo star as Cindy-Lou Who

Taylor Coleman stars as Cindy-Lou Who

Mikee Castillo stars as Cindy-Lou Who

Taylor Coleman and Mikee Castillo star as Cindy-Lou Who

J. Bernard Calloway stars as The Grinch and (from left) Taylor Coleman and Mikee Castillo as Cindy-Lou Who

Cast members of the 18th annual production of DR. SEUSS' HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS!

Blake Segal appears as Young Max, J. Barnard Calloway as The Grinch, and Steve Gunderson as Old Max