Review Roundup: HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS at The Old Globe Theatre - What Did The Critics Think?

HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS runs at the Old Globe Theatre through December 24. It has a book and lyrics by Timothy Mason, and music by Mel Marvin.

THE GRINCH is a wonderful, whimsical musical based upon the classic Dr. Seuss book. Back for its 20th incredible year, the family favorite features the songs "This Time of Year," "Santa for a Day," 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.

The cast stars Edward Watts as The Grinch, Reese McCulloch and Abigail Estrella as Cindy-Lou Who, Dan DeLuca as Young Max, Robert J. Townsend as Papa Who, Larry Raben as Grandpa Who, Bets Malone as Mama Who, Nancy Snow Carr as Grandma Who, and Steve Gunderson as Old Max.

The cast also includes Gavin August, Emily Sade Bautista, Jacob Caltrider, Josette Candelaria, Sadie Tess Coleman, Taylor Coleman, Giovanni Cozic, Charlie Garton, Elisa Guerra, Krysten Hafso Koppman, Hayden Hartpence, Corey Jones, Breanna Laureti, Lindsay Mains, Levi Laden, Lauren Livia Muehl, Faith Nibbe, Kayla Pak, Viviana Peji, Daebreon Poiema, Claire Scheper, Edred Utomi, Kelsey Venter, and Josh Perry Wishchuk.

HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS is directed by James Vasquez, with original direction and conception by Jack O'Brien, original choreography by John DeLuca, additional choreography by Bob Richard, musical direction by Elan McMahan, scenic design by John Lee Beatty, costume design by Robert Morgan, lighting design by Pat Collins, and sound design by Paul Peterson.

Let's see what the critics had to say!

James Herbert, The San Diego Union-Tribune: But the cast - which includes several fresh faces - keeps things sharp and witty, and it's still a kick to marvel at Robert Morgan's elaborate costumes and John Lee Beatty's inventive, Seuss-ian set pieces that trundle onstage in veteran director James Vásquez's polished staging... It's also a treat to see Steve Gunderson - one of the cast's longest-serving members - back as wistful Old Max, narrating this memory play like some floppy-eared variation on Tom from "The Glass Menagerie." (Which would make some mash-up, come to think of it.)

E.H. Reiter, BroadwayWorld: As per usual with holiday traditions, it's hard to be the newcomer to them and make them your own. But Edward Watts' take on the Grinch is one that fits in perfectly. His portrayal is a bit more snarky, with a touch of subtle sweetness that keeps this Grinch from being too overblown (and probably makes him a bit more relatable). Watts has a strong voice, and the growl that keeps this character formidable right up until he is felled by that tiny tot Cindy-Lou Who.

Carol Davis, Carol's Theatre Reviews: Young Max (Dan DeLuca), the Grinch's one antler reindeer after a fashion, is playful and grabs lotsa attention. Bets Malone and Robert J. Townsend are Papa and Mama Who, and who could ask for a more talented two? Grandpa and Grandma Who are Larry Raben and Nancy Snow Carr a wonderful pair of elders by far. John Perry Wishchuk and Josette Candelaria are Boo and Annie Who and hopefully you get the get the picture, I hope you do!

Photo: Jim Cox

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