Dr. Seuss’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” first hit bookshelves in 1957. In his signature whimsical style, the author told the tale of a beautiful, peaceful town known as Whoville and the resentful Grinch who lived in self-exile — particularly annoyed by the Christmas cheer — until young Cindy-Lou Who extended him compassion, causing the Grinch’s heart to grow three whole sizes. Seuss’ book first came to animated life with a 1966 television special, which also turned the story into a musical. But it wasn’t until 1994 that “The Grinch” ever took to the stage.
Minneapolis’ Children’s Theatre Company adapted the title into a children’s musical, with Christmas carols serving as the score. Fast-forward to 1998, when Tony Award-winning director Jack O’Brien — then the artistic director of San Diego’s Old Globe premiered a new musical version. The Old Globe iteration featured Seuss’ story (in a script by Timothy Mason), songs from the TV special (with music by Albert Hogue and lyrics by Seuss) as well as new tunes (with music by Mel Marvin and lyrics by Mason) and choreography by John DeLuca. The show returned to the Old Globe each Christmas season. In 2006, this “Grinch” — helmed by O’Brien — bowed on Broadway. Between San Diego and New York City is when now-Grinch-longtimer Bob Richard entered the scene.
Richard was tasked with staging DeLuca’s original choreography while DeLuca was unable to be in New York. In 2007, the show returned to Broadway, but with revisions, additional songs and some new choreography by Richard, earning him the title of co-choreographer. Every holiday season for the last 19 years (with the exception of the COVID shutdown), “The Grinch” has played the Main Stem, London or on tour — and Richard has been there to mount every major production alongside director Matt August.
No matter the production, the foundation of the stage musical lies in the pages of Seuss’ original storybook — starting with the show’s design. “The original book is three colors — like the printer you would’ve had back then — red, white and black,” explained Richard. “And then shades in between so you get pinks and grays.” All of Whoville is built in this color palette. The Grinch is intentionally and aesthetically separate from the Whos, delineated by his kelly green fur — a choice the musical adopted from the TV special.
