By Tihut Tamrat, Contributing Writer
The holidays in San Diego don’t officially begin until the Grinch skulks onto the Old Globe stage — green, grouchy, and gloriously larger than life. Now in its 28th year, Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! returns with all the sparkle, heart, and Whoville cheer that has made it a beloved local tradition. Under the direction of James Vásquez, who first joined the production 23 years ago as an ensemble member, took over the helm as director in 2010. This year’s Grinch, five-time returner Andrew Polec, glows brighter — both literally and emotionally.
The curtain rises to reveal a Whoville that feels familiar and new. With refreshed costumes, glittering set pieces, and a cast brimming with fresh energy (nine of the eleven Whos are newcomers this season), the production radiates joy. But it’s Vásquez’s deep affection for the material that makes this San Diego tradition feel timeless rather than repetitive. “It’s a show about community,” he says, “about inclusion and uplifting those who might be a little different — it’s the perfect time, now more than ever, for that story.”
The show, adapted from Dr. Seuss’ 1957 classic, remains faithful to the original tale while bursting with theatrical flair. Set high on snowy Mount Crumpit, the miserly Grinch plots to rob the Whos of their Christmas joy by stealing their presents, decorations, and feasts. Yet as he watches the townspeople celebrate Christmas morning with song rather than sorrow, he discovers that the true meaning of the season can’t be stolen — it must be felt.
Andrew Polec’s performance anchors the show with energy and depth. His Grinch is more than a cartoon villain — he’s oddly relatable, his loneliness wrapped in snark and swagger. His chemistry with little Cindy-Lou Who delivers the show’s emotional core, reminding audiences that even the smallest act of kindness can transform the hardest of hearts.
Visually, the production dazzles. Scenic designer John Lee Beatty’s candy-colored Whoville glimmers under soft Yuletide lights, while Robert Morgan’s costumes — from the Whos’ curly coiffures to the Grinch’s iconic green fur — are a feast of imagination. Lighting and sound effects create moments of true wonder, from the shimmer of falling snow to the Grinch’s sleigh soaring through the night sky.
The show’s heart beats in its music. With nostalgic numbers performed by the phenomenal Who-Chestra, conducted by musical director Elan McMahan, the audience remains captivated by every twist and turn. Beloved tunes like “Welcome, Christmas” and “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” invite both laughter and sing-alongs, transforming the theater into a shared celebration of joy.
This year, that celebration extends even further. For the first time, The Old Globe will present a Spanish-language concert version of The Grinch, a project Vásquez has spent years developing, as the son of a Mexican immigrant poet. The new adaptation offers Spanish-speaking families a chance to experience this cherished story in their own language.
That spirit of togetherness doesn’t end when the curtain falls. It spills out into the plaza, where a towering Christmas tree, joyful carolers, and family-friendly crafts transform the Old Globe into a holiday village as people await the annual tree lighting ceremony to begin. Vásquez invites everyone to take part, saying, “You need to grow your heart three sizes. Even if you think you’re not a theatergoer — come, let us change your mind!”
And indeed, it’s hard not to feel your own heart expand as the lights twinkle and laughter echoes through the crowd. For all its whimsy and rhyme, The Grinch reminds audiences that the real magic of the season doesn’t come from gifts or glitter but from compassion, connection, and shared joy. As snowflakes drift through the theater and children squeal in delight, San Diego once again proves that even a grump with a heart two sizes too small can’t steal the warmth of Whoville — or this city’s enduring love for a story that never grows old.
Visit theoldglobe.org to purchase your tickets today.