If the Grinch stole Chanukah…

By Eric George Tauber

If the Grinch had stolen Chanukah,
Only a handful of whos would’ve noticed.
In the midst of the the Whoville mish-mosh
Were there Jew-Whos making a minyan
For a kosher Beis Midrash?
With no candles lit, would they have still said their brochos,
Or shlumped in despair sitting down on their tuchus?
Would they have still sung and shpieled with neither dreidls nor gelt,
Or would they have shried, “It’s the end of the Velt !?”
But the Grinch didn’t steal our Chanukah, but that other one
While clad in red velvet, a cap and a robe
Selling millions of books, a movie and a musical
Now playing down at the Old Globe.

The classic story of the Grinch who stole Christmas was written by our own Dr. Seuss (aka Ted Geisel) who lived the latter half of his life in San Diego. And his lovely wife, Audrey Geisel continues to be one of our city’s greatest patrons of the arts. This musical has been a longtime holiday favorite of the Old Globe for nineteen years, but this was the first time for me.

The story is narrated by Max, the Grinch’s beleagured pooch, now an old dog reminiscing. Understudy Larry Rabin led us like a guide dog into Whoville. Scenic Designer John Lee Beatty beautifully captured the magic of a child’s pop-up book with cupcake shaped houses dotting the hills.

The whos scurry about their holiday shopping singing “It’s the thought that counts” … as if anyone really believes that. Costume Designer Robert Morgan presents a parade of bottle-bodied people brightly dressed like pieces of peppermint candy. But he really outdid himself with the Grinch. Not the monochrome character from the book, this Grinch is a textured menage of swamp-colored fur. Understudy Gerry McIntyre gave him a vivaciously cartoonish performance, loud, but just silly enough not to be too scary. During “One of a kind,” the Grinch reminded me of Sammy Davis Jr’s treatment of “Me and my shadow” in an homage to old-school Broadway.

There are two rotating teams of kids, Red and Pink, playing whos. Mikee Castillo of the Red Team is precious as Cindy-Lou Who, melting even the iciest heart as she sings “Santa for a day.”

Old Max sings a duet with his younger self -the much more spry and energetic Tyrone Davis Jr.- in “This time of year” and the two had some very nice chemistry. While the Grinch ransacks the homes of Whoville, Old Max sings the iconic cartoon favorite, “You’re a mean one, Mr. Grinch” inviting us to sing along.

Many in the house were little ones having their first live theatre experience, and it’s an experience many will never forget. Likewise for the little whos in the cast making their professional debuts, their rosy faces beaming with joy and pride.

Is roast beast kosher? Who knows? But you and the little ones in your life will surely be enchanted by the Grinch. And for those on the Autism Spectrum, the Globe has worked with experts to create a sensory-friendly performance on Saturday, December 10. For more on that, go to www.TheOldGlobe.org/GrinchSocialStory.

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Tauber is a freelance writer specializing in coverage of the arts.  He may be contacted via eric.tauber@sdjewishworld.com