Actor Michael Castillejos will take on the role of the Grinch in the first-ever Spanish-language version of the holiday classic Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, a special production by The Old Globe that aims to bring the spirit of the holidays closer to Spanish-speaking families in this border region.
The project, titled ¡Cómo el Grinch robó la Navidad!, will feature two concert-style performances on Friday, November 21, at 7 p.m., and Saturday, November 22, at 10 a.m. at The Old Globe in Balboa Park. The adaptation and translation are by Katya Ojeda Iturbide and Luis Gerardo Villegas, and the show is directed by James Vásquez.
Castillejos, who has built most of his career in New York, said that performing the Grinch in Spanish carries special meaning. “Most of my work has been in English, so doing this story in Spanish fills me with excitement. Our culture isn’t always represented in American theater, and this is a chance for Latino audiences to see themselves reflected in a story that also belongs to them,” he said.
The actor believes that theater has the power to unite people beyond their differences. “The stage erases barriers of language and origin. A moving story is a universal gift. It’s important for audiences to hear it in their own language, but also to realize that there’s something magical that transcends cultures — and that’s what theater achieves,” he affirmed.
For Castillejos, bringing the Grinch to life in Spanish is also a way to reconnect with his roots. “I come from a Mexican family, and being in San Diego, where there’s such a strong Mexican community, makes me feel close to my family and my culture. It’s different doing it here than in New York. There’s a special energy, a shared joy,” he said.
The actor also reflected on the role of theater in a world increasingly shaped by technology. “Today, with artificial intelligence and social media, we’re losing real connections. Theater is a sacred space, a place where we can gather and be truly present. That’s what makes it so necessary,” he commented.
The Old Globe estimates that more than 800,000 people in the region speak Spanish at home, and with this production, it hopes to expand access to its programming. “The Grinch is a character that transcends cultures — he has no country or language. We all identify with him because, in the end, he reminds us of the importance of being together and finding joy in the little things,” Castillejos concluded.
¡Cómo el Grinch robó la Navidad! will be performed on November 21 and 22, 2025, at The Old Globe in Balboa Park (1363 Old Globe Way). Tickets are available at TheOldGlobe.org or by phone at (619) 23-GLOBE (234-5623). Prices start at $23 for children and $29 for adults.