The Globe to Present Autism-Friendly GRINCH Performance on 12/15

The Old Globe will offer an autism-friendly performance of the holiday musical Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! on Saturday, Dec. 15 at 10:30 a.m. Following in the footsteps of successful autism-friendly performances of The Lion King and Mary Poppins on Broadway, The Grinch will be performed in a friendly and supportive environment for children on the autism spectrum and their families.

Slight adjustments will be made to the production including fewer loud noises and flashing lights that may be challenging for some audience members. Tickets to the Dec. 15 autism-friendly performance go on sale Sept. 9. Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! will run Nov. 17 – Dec. 29 on the Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage in the Old Globe Theatre, part of the Globe's Conrad Prebys Theatre Center. For additional information, visit www.TheOldGlobe.org/autism.

In addition to the adjustments made to the show, additional features will help make the experience safer and more enjoyable for children with autism and other sensitivity issues. To better prepare children for the performance, a pre-show visit to the Globe will be offered to familiarize children with Balboa Park and the Old Globe Theatre. An online social story will also be available for parents to view and print at home that will outline in words and pictures the experience that families will undergo during their trip to see Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The lobby of the theatre will serve as a quiet area if a child needs to leave their seat during the show. On-site volunteers will be on hand to assist families as needed as they arrive at the Old Globe Theatre and throughout the performance. Theatre Development Fund's (TDF) Autism Theatre Initiative serves as an advisor for The Old Globe's autism-friendly Grinch performance (www.tdf.org/autism).

Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! is a wonderful, whimsical musical based upon the classic Dr. Seuss book. Back for its 15th incredible year, the family favorite features the songs "This Time of Year," "Santa for a Day" and "Fah Who Doraze," the delightful carol from the popular animated version of How the Grinch Stole Christmas! Celebrate the holidays as the Old Globe Theatre is once again transformed into the snow-covered Whoville, right down to the last can of Who-hash.

Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! features book and lyrics by Timothy Mason and music by Mel Marvin. The original production of Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! was conceived and directed by Jack O'Brien with additional lyrics by Theodor S. Geisel, additional music by Albert Hague and original choreography by John DeLuca. James Vasquez returns to direct this year's production.

LOCATION: The Old Globe is located in San Diego's Balboa Park at 1363 Old Globe Way. There are numerous free parking lots available throughout the park. For additional parking information visit www.BalboaPark.org.

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