The Old Globe's "How the Grinch Stole Christmas!" is in its twelfth year performing during the holiday season in San Diego. It has proven to be a hit among families with young children, and I'm happy to report that no one's resting on their laurels: the 2009 version is a delight.

Dr. Seuss' classic story replaced annual productions of "A Christmas Carol," but there is some similarity between the two tales. Like Ebenezer Scrooge, the Grinch is lonely and crotchety and plots to ruin Christmas for those around him. And, like Scrooge, the Grinch learns that Christmas doesn't depend on spending and presents to be a merry occasion. But, while "A Christmas Carol" is essentially a ghost story, "Grinch" is aimed squarely at children.

Timothy Mason and Mel Marvin's version is narrated by a dog named Old Max (Martin Van Treuren) who recalls a time in his youth when his master, the Grinch (Jeff Skowron) devised a plan to steal Christmas from his neighbors in Whoville. The Grinch considered Christmas to be loud and annoying, so he thought that if he disguised himself as Santa Claus he could take away all of the Christmas presents and trimmings and Christmas would go away. The Grinch rigged a sleigh and disguised his dog, Max (Logan Lipton), as Prancer, the reindeer. When they got to Whoville, however, they had to contend with little Cindy-Lou Who (Shea Starrs Siben alternating with Anna Bahen), a little girl who woke up and discovered that Santa was actually in the house. Even though the Grinch managed to cart all of Whoville's Christmas up to his mountain lair, Whoville still celebrated. Observing the celebration, the Grinch decided to return what he had taken and join in the fun.

There's not a lot of plot, and what there is of it is expressed in Dr. Seuss' trademark rhymed couplets. Mr. Mason and Mr. Marvin fill the rest of the 90 minute running time with songs, twenty in all, counting reprises, and including "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch," which was written for the Chuck Jones animated version that is shown regularly on television. The production team helps, too, with colorful and constantly shifting sets (by John Lee Beatty), fun costumes (by Robert Morgan), clever props (by Neil A. Holmes' crew) and even real snow (I know it's real because some fell on me).

Jeff Skowron as The Grinch

Photo credit: Craig Schwartz

There are also plenty of children in the cast (who are divided into a Red Group and a White Group - the Red Group played the performance I saw). All of the children in the cast come from San Diego County, and it's a great opportunity for kids who want to sing, dance, and act above a recreational level, as all of the adults are professional actors, including Eileen Bowman (Grandma Who), the only cast member to perform in each of the twelve productions of the show.

Old Globe Artistic Director Emeritus Jack O'Brien conceived and directed the original production, but it has evolved along the way, resulting in lots of credits. This year's version is ably directed by Benjamin Endsley Klein, who is back for his third season in that role, while James Vasquez, who has been associated with the show since 2003, has restaged the choreography (original by John DeLuca, with Bob Richard providing additional choreography).

The cast brings it all to life in an energetic and vocally disciplined manner, and Mr. Lipton gets to do a lot of crowd-pleasing moves as Young Max. But, it is clear that everyone is most anxious to see the Grinch, and while Jeff Skowron performed in the Broadway version he's playing his first Grinch this season. Mr. Skowron does not disappoint: he is grouchy when needed, he interacts well with the audience, and his transformation is quite believable.

With a strong cast, tuneful music, and lots of color, "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" puts everyone (even a mean old reviewer) into the holiday spirit.

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