by Noella Noelophile®
The cast of Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, 2025. Photo by Jim Cox.
Uh-oh. The Grinch snuck up on me, this year!
Performances of Dr. Seuss’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” are currently in full swing, at San Diego’s Old Globe Theatre.
The show runs from now through Wednesday, December 31st, on the Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage.
This is the 28th year of the beloved presentation, as our all-time favorite green Christmas villain learns the error of his ways.
Evening performances this week start at 7:00 pm, tomorrow, November 18th, and then this Wednesday and Thursday, the 19th and 20th.
There are also matinees, as well as early shows for attendees under the age of three.
But, I’ll get to that.
(from left) Andrew Polec as The Grinch and Arden Johnson as Cindy-Lou Who in Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, 2025. Photo by Jim Cox.
Contando la historia del Grinch
First, however? The world premiere Spanish translation of Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! , happening this Friday and Saturday, November 21st and 22nd!
Translated and adapted by Katya María Ojeda Iturbide and Luis Gerardo Villegas, this is a special concert presentation, as opposed to a fully-stage production.
The actors will take their places at music stands to reading the full play and sing all of the songs, in Spanish! They’ll be accompanied by a full orchestra, with touches of costuming and staging.
Children under age three will not be admitted, and every attendee must have a ticket. Here’s the link for more information. While my link to the calendar only shows tickets available online on Saturday, you may want to contact the Ticket Services Department, (619)234-5623, to see if seats are available on Friday, the 21st.
(from left) Andrew Polec as The Grinch and Tommy Martinez as Young Max in Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, 2025. Photo by Jim Cox.
Welcoming all to the show
Meanwhile, the Old Globe will once again be making the Grinch accessible to everyone.
On Friday evening, December 12th, the cast will present an American Sign Language-interpreted performance.
Audience and cast members following the 2018 sensory-friendly performance of Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, book and lyrics by Timothy Mason, music by Mel Marvin, original production conceived and directed by Jack O’Brien, original choreography by John DeLuca, and directed by James Vásquez, at The Old Globe. Photo by Rich Soublet II.
Then, at 8:00 on Saturday morning, December 13th, the Old Globe hosts its sixth annual sensory-friendly AXIS event, just before the performance at 10:00 am.
The sensory-friendly presentation will feature fewer loud noises and flashing lights than the standard performance. In addition, a quiet area in the theatre lobby is provided for children who need to leave their seat during the show.
Audience and cast members following the 2018 sensory-friendly performance of Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, book and lyrics by Timothy Mason, music by Mel Marvin, original production conceived and directed by Jack O’Brien, original choreography by John DeLuca, and directed by James Vásquez, at The Old Globe. Photo by Rich Soublet II.
On-site volunteer specialists will also be present to assist families, both as they arrive at the theatre and throughout the show.
Then, at 5:00 pm on Friday, the 19th, an open-caption performance will be presented.
While the Old Globe’s calendar lists 7 pm Grinch performances during the week and three on Saturdays and Sundays, please note that attendees under the age of three will be admitted ONLY to 10:30 am all-ages performances. Regardless of age, each audience member must have a ticket. Parents may request free lap tickets for any child under the age of three who will sit on the lap of a parent or guardian in attendance, by calling the Ticket Services Department at (619) 234-5623.
The Old Globe Theatre, located in San Diego’s Balboa Park, hosts their 28th season of Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! from now through Wednesday, December 31st. Here’s the calendar of performance dates, and the link for directions and parking.