After a year of absence due to COVID-19 restrictions, The Grinch makes his return to the Old Globe at Balboa Park.
Since November 7th, Dr. Seuss's How The Grinch Stole Christmas has been back in town for the holiday season, eager to bring back the Christmas spirit that comes with the show.
This holiday season marks the 24th anniversary since the launch of the show, a traditional show that has made Christmas extra special for San Diego locals, and tourists visiting the city during the holidays.
However, last year was the exception, as the show had to be presented through radio as a result of COVID-19 preventing physical appearances.
Director of How The Grinch Stole Christmas James Vasquez says, that all staff members involved with the show were eager to bring the holiday spirit back to San Diegans.
“The actors are so happy, because it feels like a Christmas gift to all of us, but also we feel like we are able to give that gift back to San Diego again.” Vasquez says.
Vasquez has been director for 11 of the 24 years of the show's existence, and he says seeing the joy in families is what makes the project worthwhile every year.
“I think what’s wonderful is, because it is a family friendly show, it is a perfect opportunity for everyone to come. From grandparents to the youngest of each family. What’s amazing is looking at the audience and seeing fathers wondering why they are at a Christmas show mainly for kids, but by the end of the show, there’s a chance they are also crying.”
The traditional project also has separate shows for families that have children on the autism spectrum, where the show makes adjustments with its production, mainly with lighting, to prevent any jarring for children with autism in attendance.
Vasquez says it is necessary to spread this kind of holiday joy to as many families as possible in today's day in age, as an attempt to make the world a more inclusive and overall better place.
“As I look around the world, I see humanity struggling a little bit, and what I take away from the kids that visit this show, is the generous loving kids that want to go out and make change in the world.”
