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PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: October 5, 2023
Media Contact:
Jonathan White
612.872.5110
Children’s Theatre Company Announces Complete Cast and Creative Team for
Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
Back by popular demand, the smash-hit holiday crowd-pleaser returns to CTC
November 7, 2023-January 7, 2024
Minneapolis— October 5, 2023 — Children’s Theatre Company (CTC) is thrilled to announce the
complete cast and creative team for the hotly-anticipated return engagement of Dr. Seuss’s How the
Grinch Stole Christmas!, which will run from November 7, 2023-January 7, 2024 on the UnitedHealth
Group Stage. Opening night is Saturday, November 11, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. Featuring a book and lyrics
by Timothy Mason and music by Mel Marvin, the production will once again be directed by CTC’s
Artistic Director Peter C. Brosius with choreography by Linda Talcott Lee. The production is adapted
from How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss.
This is the 11th time CTC has produced this show, which they originally commissioned and premiered in
1994. It also marks the sixth time CTC Company Member Reed Sigmund will portray The Grinch. This will
also be the final production of Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! for director Peter C. Brosius, who
will be departing CTC after 27 years, on June 30, 2024 at the conclusion of the 2023-2024 Season.
“We are thrilled to bring back to the stage Dr Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!,” said Artistic Director
Peter Brosius. “This nationally acclaimed musical which was commissioned and then premiered at
Children’s Theatre Company has delighted millions with its story of the possibility of change and the power
of community. Dr Seuss showed us that we all have the possibility of opening our hearts, welcoming others
and creating a holiday that is all about the joys of coming together. We are so excited to share this hilarious
and moving tale with you all.”
A miserly and miserable, ever-so-cantankerous Grinch has observed the despicable Christmas joy of the
Whos with disdain, from a distance, for decades. Enough! In this beloved holiday favorite, filled with music
and Seussian rhymes, he plots the greatest heist imaginable—stealing the very thing they love the most!
Until, that is, the smallest of the Whos, tiny Cindy Lou, extends a hand. Through the combination of
kindness and community, we witness not only a change in the course of Who-History, but the size and
capacity of the old green guy’s heart.
“11 years ago, Peter Brosius and I set off on our first joyous joint journey to Whoville,” said Reed Sigmund.
“And it has now become a tradition and adventure that I eagerly await, and hope for, each holiday season.
The entire experience is one of thrilling and complex transformation! I get to transform from a Christmas-
loving, middle-aged man into a green, hairy, hateful beast! And that grinchy beast gets to transform into a
loving soul possessing more humanity than many humans. I’m so proud to be a part of this story and so
excited to share it with families once again! I hope to see you near the home of the Who’s soon!”
Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! runs November 7, 2023, through January 7, 2024, in the
UnitedHealth Group Stage. This show is best for all ages. Tickets can be purchased at
childrenstheatre.org/grinch or by calling the ticket office at 612.874.0400. Ticket prices start at $15.
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The Adult Cast of Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! features Reed Sigmund* as The Grinch,
Dean Holt* as Old Max, Mitchell Douglas* as JP Who, Autumn Ness* as Mama Who, Adam Qualls*
as Grandpa Who, Suzie Juul* as Grandma Who, and Janely Rodriguez* as Betty Lou Who.
The Adult Who Ensemble includes Antonisia Collins, Jerry Drake*, and Keegan Robinson.
The Student Cast of Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! features Audrey Mojica and
Matthew Woody alternating as Young Max, Elsa Dungan-Hawks and Monica Xiong alternating as
Cindy Lou Who, Dallas Downey as Danny Who, Mollie Allen as Annie Who, Evey Chadwick as
Brother Boo/Mini Max, and Chloe Hu as Who Ensemble/Mini Grinch.
The Student Who Ensemble includes Amir Byrd, Evan Decker, Chloe Lou Erickson, Maya Haugen,
Mena Koch, El Kost, Brooks Hugstad-Vaa Leer, Junia Morrow, Liam Beck O’Sullivan, and Kaitlyn
Ann Rudolf.
The Adult Understudies include Ronnie Allen, Angela Steele, Jack Strub, and Abigail Walker.
The Student Understudies include Ariana Calzadillas, Cameron Foster, Cortez Foster, Adelyn Frost,
and Luciana Mayer.
In addition to Timothy Mason, Mel Marvin, Peter C. Brosius, and Linda Talcott Lee, the Creative Team
and Production Staff for Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! includes Victor Zupanc (Music
Director/Conductor/Sound Designer), Sonja Thompson (Music Director), Tom Butsch (Scenic
Designer), David Kay Mickelsen (Costume Designer), Nancy Schertler (Lighting Designer), Sean Healey
(Sound Designer), Craig Gottschalk (Projection Designer), Leah Jensen (Assistant Director), Katie
Taintor (Assistant Choreographer), Ellie Simonett (Assistant Lighting Designer), Nate Stanger* (Stage
Manager), Kenji A. Shoemaker* (Assistant Stage Manager), and Janae Lorick (Stage Management
Fellow/PA).
*Member of Actors' Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers.
Ticket Information
Tickets may be purchase online at childrenstheatre.org/grinch or by calling the ticket office at
612.874.0400. Ticket prices start at $15.
School groups interested in attending Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! can contact
schools@childrenstheatre.org for more information.
Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! has a run time of 2 hours with one 20-minute
intermission.
This production is best enjoyed all ages. Lap passes are available for children 3 years and younger.
Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
Based on the book How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss
Book and lyrics by Timothy Mason
Music by Mel Marvin
Choreography by Linda Talcott Lee
Directed by Peter C. Brosius
A Children’s Theatre Company Original Production
November 7, 2023-January 7, 2024
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UnitedHealth Group Stage
Best enjoyed by all ages!
Creative Team & Production Staff
Scenic Designer | Tom Butsch
Costume Designer | David Kay Mickelsen
Lighting Designer | Nancy Schertler
Sound Designer | Sean Healey
Projection Designer | Craig Gottschalk
Assistant Director | Leah Jensen
Assistant Choreographer | Katie Taintor
Assistant Lighting Designer | Ellie Simonett
Stage Manager | Nate Stanger*
Assistant Stage Manager | Kenji A. Shoemaker*
Stage Management Fellow/PA | Janae Lorick
Adult Cast
The Grinch | Reed Sigmund*
Old Max | Dean Holt*
JP Who | Mitchell Douglas*
Mama Who | Autumn Ness*
Grandpa Who | Adam Qualls*
Grandma Who | Suzie Juul*
Betty-Lou Who | Janely Rodriguez*
Adult Who Ensemble
Antonisia Collins
Jerry Drake*
Keegan Robinson
Student Cast
Young Max | Audrey Mojica
Young Max |Matthew Woody
Cindy-Lou Who | Elsa Dungan-Hawks
Cindy-Lou Who | Monica Xiong
Danny Who | Dallas Downey
Annie Who | Mollie Allen
Brother Boo/Mini Max| Evey Chadwick
Who Ensemble/Mini Grinch | Chloe Hu
Student Who Ensemble
Amir Byrd
Evan Decker
Chloe Lou Erickson
Maya Haugen
Mena Koch
El Kost
Brooks Hugstad-Vaa Leer
Junia Morrow
Liam Beck O’Sullivan
Kaitlyn Ann Rudolf
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Adult Understudies
Ronnie Allen
Angela Steele
Jack Strub
Abigail Walker
Student Understudies
Ariana Calzadillas
Cameron Foster
Cortez Foster
Adelyn Frost
Luciana Mayer
*Member of Actors' Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers.
ADULT CAST
The Grinch
Reed Sigmund*
Reed Sigmund (he/him) is gleeful to be savagely strutting onto the CTC stage as "The Mean Green
One” for the 6th time! Reed has been a Company Member at CTC since 2000, appearing in dozens
of productions. He’d love to thank Peter Brosius for the tremendous opportunities he’s received
over those many years.
Old Max
Dean Holt*
Dean is a member of CTC’s Core Acting Company (1994-present), appearing in more than 100
memorable productions in his time at CTC. He is a two-time Ivey Award winner and recipient of
the St. John's University Alumni Achievement Award for outstanding work in his field.
JP Who
Mitchell Douglas*
Mitchell Douglas (they/them) is elated to be making their CTC debut in Dr. Seuss’s How The Grinch
Stole Christmas! Other credits include: Kinky Boots with Duluth Playhouse; The Prom, Footloose,
and The Music Man for Chanhassen Dinner Theatres; and Mama Mia at The Zephyr Theatre.
Mama Who
Autumn Ness*
Autumn Ness (she/her) is celebrating her 23rd season as a member of the CTC Acting Company! A
few of her favorite CTC shows include An American Tail the Musical, Corduroy, Annie, Cinderella,
Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical, The Biggest Little House in the Forest, The Jungle Book, and
Romeo and Juliet. Autumn is a recipient of the 2018 TCG Fox Foundation Fellowship, the 2020
MRAC Next Step Fund, and the 2022 MN State Arts Board Creative Support Grant. Autumn’s first
show as a playwright, Babble Lab, premieres at CTC in the winter of 2024!
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Grandpa Who
Adam Qualls*
Adam Qualls (he/him) has appeared in Shrek the Musical, Alice in Wonderland, Jackie & Me, and
Buccaneers at CTC. He has performed at such local staples as History Theatre, Theater Latte Da,
The Ordway, Park Square Theatre, and Artistry. He holds a B.F.A. in Acting from Millikin University.
Grandma Who
Suzie Juul*
Suzie is filled with Christmas cheer to be back at CTC! Her last performance was Dr. Seuss’s How
the Grinch Stole Christmas! Her other work includes: Into the Woods (Guthrie Theater); Glensheen,
Defeat of Jesse James (History Theatre); The Music Man, Grease (Chanhassen Dinner Theater); The
Sound of Music, Pirates of Penzance, A Christmas Story (The Ordway); A Gentleman’s Guide to Love
and Murder (Old Log Theatre); Marie Antoinette, The Coward (Walking Shadow Theatre Co.); Man
Of God, A Little Night Music, Into the Woods (Theater Mu). Suzie sends <3 to her Mom and Dad for
their constant support!
Betty-Lou Who
Janely Rodriguez*
Janely Rodriguez (she/they/he) has enjoyed roles in Annie, Cinderella;, and Diary of a Wimpy Kid
the Musical at Children’s Theatre Company. They’ve had the pleasure of working with other
organizations throughout the Twin Cities including Theater Latté Da (Hello Dolly); Ten Thousand
Things (Iphigenia at Aulis); and Artistry Theater (Shrek the Musical, Songs for a New World). She
holds a B.F.A. from Brenau University.
ADULT WHO ENSEMBLE
Antonisia Collins
Antonisia Collins is from Montgomery, Alabama. She has enjoyed roles in Into the Woods (Auburn
University Department of Theatre and Dance/Gouge Performing Arts Center); Detroit’ 67 (AUTD),
and Four Little Girls (Alabama Shakespeare Festival). She holds a B.F.A. from Auburn University.
Jerry Drake*
Jerry Drake has been a member of CTC’s Acting Company for 48 years. Among his favorite roles
are the Stepmother in early productions of Cinderella; Long John Silver in Treasure Island; Fagan in
Oliver Twist; Mr. Toad in Wind in the Willows; Lord Capulet in Romeo and Juliet; and Afar the Angel
in A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings. Gerald has toured to and performed in Munich, Seoul,
Hong Kong, Tokyo and Moscow. He is a recipient of a McKnight Theatre Artist Fellowship. Married
50 years to his wife Kathie, they have two daughters, Kelly and Kristina, and he lives out his
drumming fantasy by watching his son, Bobby, play in The Hold Steady. His grandson Leo has
already seen several productions and has a costume closet of his own creations.
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Keegan Robinson
Keegan Robinson (he/they) is excited to be back at Children’s Theatre Company (now as a PA!),
having previously enjoyed roles in Diary of a Wimpy Kid the Musical, Dr. Seuss’s The Sneetches The
Musical, and Corduroy. He holds a B.A. from the University of Minnesota.
STUDENT CAST
Young Max
Audrey Mojica
Audrey is excited to be back on the CTC stage and doing her best to keep old Grinchy in line as
Young Max. Theater credits include: Children’s Theatre Company: Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole
Christmas! (2022, 2018), Annie (2021), Matilda The Musical (2019); Theater Latte Da: Next to
Normal (2023), Next Festival: Love Them First (2023); Minnesota Opera: The Song Poet (2023),
Carmen (2022); Ordway Center for the Performing Arts: Annie (2017). Audrey is an 11th grader at
St. Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists and hopes you enjoy the mischief!
Young Max
Matthew Woody
Matthew is a 7th grader in Farmington. His love of acting began at the age of ten in The Little
Mermaid at Farmington High School. Since then he has been blessed to join the cast of Diary of A
Wimpy Kid the Musical and Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! at CTC and he had the time
of his life closing out CTC’s 22-23 season in An American Tail the Musical. Matthew is excited to
return to Whoville, one of the happiest places on earth!
Cindy-Lou Who
Elsa Dungan-Hawks
Elsa Dungan-Hawks is excited to return to the role of Cindy Lou Who in Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch
Stole Christmas! She previously appeared as Molly in Annie at CTC. Other credits include Tiny Tim
in A Christmas Carol (Guthrie Theater) and Matilda in Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical (SACT). Elsa
enjoys improv, performing songs from the Great American Songbook, and tap dancing.
Cindy-Lou Who
Monica Xiong
Monica Xiong is shaking with excitement to be back in Whoville! She was recently in Dr. Suess’s
How The Grinch Stole Christmas! and An American Tail the Musical last season at CTC. Monica is
also passionate about playing piano, dancing, singing, and expanding her knowledge of writing and
storytelling.
Danny Who
Dallas Downey
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Dallas Downey (he/him) is grateful to be back at CTC for the second time in Dr. Seuss’s How the
Grinch Stole Christmas! Credits include: Once on this Island and Detect the Story (Stages Theatre
Company); Legally Blonde. (Hopkins High School); Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical and Shrek, Jr.
(North Junior High), and Seussical the Musical (Perpich Arts High School).
Annie Who
Mollie Allen
Mollie Allen (she/her) has enjoyed playing the role of Lily in Locomotion here at Children’s Theatre
Company. She has performed with several organizations, including Guthrie Theater, Lakeshore
Players, and Ashland Productions. She is a Sophomore at SPCPA where she is studying musical
theatre.
Brother Boo/Mini Max
Evey Chadwick
Evey Chadwick is ecstatic to make their Children’s Theatre Company debut after performing in
Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical at Chaska Valley Family Theatre and Mary Poppins Jr. at Blue
Water Theatre. Evey started a drama club at school and enjoys reading and all things theatre –
plus writing plays of their own!
Who Ensemble/Mini Grinch
Chloe Hu
Chloe Hu (she/her) is thrilled to be back at CTC! Her past credits include Something Happened in
Our Town (CTC), A Christmas Carol (Guthrie), The Little Mermaid Jr. (Chippewa Middle School), The
Lion King Jr., and The Little Mermaid Jr. (Lundstrum Performing Arts). She is thankful for her voice
teacher, dance teachers, and family for supporting her.
STUDENT WHO ENSEMBLE
Amir Byrd
Amir Byrd is excited to be returning back to the CTC stage and being able to have the opportunity
to be a part of the Grinch cast. He has done a good amount of shows in his community theater
such as: Elf the Musical, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Little Shop of Horrors,
Newsies Jr., and most recently Head Over Heels with Ashland Productions. Amir is very excited to
share the story of The Grinch with his amazing cast mates and he hopes you enjoy the show!
Evan Decker
Evan Decker (he/him) Is jumping with joy to be back at CTC for his third season in a row! Previous
CTC productions include Dr. Suess’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (Who Man) and Annie
(Ensemble). Evan has also performed with SteppingStone Theatre, Stages Theatre Company,
Lakeshore Players Theatre, and ETC Productions. He is currently a senior at Washburn High School
in South Minneapolis and thanks his family and friends for their constant love and support.
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Chloe Lou Erickson
Chloe Lou Erickson (she/her) is so excited to be back at CTC! She has also been seen in roles in
Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical and Annie (Children’s Theatre Company), Head Over Heels and
Be More Chill (CTC TAT Summer Intensive) and The Sound of Music (The Ordway). In addition to
theatre, she is passionate about ballet and vocal performance.
Maya Haugen
Maya Haugen (she/her) is thrilled to return to CTC, previously appearing in Carmela Full of Wishes.
She has recently performed with Stages Theatre Company, 4CT, and Orono schools. Maya is in the
10th grade at Orono High School, where she competes in Speech. Maya is ranked in the top 10 in
the nation in Storytelling.
Mena Koch
Mena Koch (she/her) is so excited to be returning to Whoville for her 2nd show at Children’s
Theatre Company. Past credits include Little Shop of Horrors; Elf the Musical; Shrek the Musical;
and Head Over Heels. She is in 10th grade attending Two Rivers High School. Mena would like to
thank her friends and family for their endless support.
El Kost
El Kost has enjoyed being in 2 prior Children’s Theatre Company Productions, An American Tail the
Musical and Dr. Seuss’s How The Grinch Stole Christmas! This is El's 2nd production of The Grinch.
They have also performed with Ashland Productions in Shrek The Musical, Mary Poppins, and
Urinetown.
Brooks Hugstad-Vaa Leer
Brooks Hugstad-Vaa Leer has performed in Shrek Jr. the Musical and Matilda Jr. the Musical
(Paradise Center for the Arts in Faribault, Minnesota); and Miss Nelson Is Missing (Little Theatre of
Owatonna). Brooks is a 6th grader at Owatonna Middle School in Owatonna, Minnesota.
Junia Morrow
Junia Morrow is thrilled to be returning to the Children's Theatre stage after being a Swing in An
American Tail the Musical. She is a junior at SPCPA. Some recent credits include Buddy! The Buddy
Holly Story (History Theatre); Ragtime (SPCPA). She hopes you enjoy the show and have a
wonderful holiday season!
Liam Beck O’Sullivan
Liam Beck-O’Sullivan (he/him) is thrilled to return to Whoville and CTC this holiday season!
Additional credits include A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Des Moines Metro Opera); The Music Man
(Chanhassen Dinner Theatres); Disney’s Mary Poppins, Our Town (Artistry Theater); Albert Herring,
The Barber of Seville (Minnesota Opera); and roles with Six Points Theater, Twin Cities Ballet, and
CastleCo Theatre.
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Kaitlyn Ann Rudolf
Kaitlyn Ann Rudolf (she/her) is excited to return to Whoville for a second year! She has also
enjoyed roles in Head Over Heels and Be More Chill at Children’s Theatre Company. She has loved
playing roles through multiple organizations such as Mankato Playhouse and Mankato Ballet
Company. She hopes you enjoy the show!
ADULT UNDERSTUDIES
Ronnie Allen
Ronnie Allen (he/him) has enjoyed roles in Thunder Knocking on the Door, Merrily We Roll Along,
and We Shall Someday. He is a former member of the 3x Grammy Award winning Sounds of
Blackness, and has performed for many different organizations including the Ordway and the
Fargo Moorhead Symphony Orchestra.
Angela Steele
Angela is thrilled to be back at CTC after appearing in Cinderella in 2019! Other credits include The
Prom, Footloose, Music Man, Holiday Inn (Chanhassen Dinner Theatre); Legally Blonde, Footloose,
Drowsy Chaperone;, Hairspray (Artistry); Oliver! (Theater Latte Da), Orphan Train (History Theater).
She would like to thank her family for all their support!
Jack Strub
Jack Strub (he/they) is thrilled to be returning to Whoville with Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole
Christmas! this season. Credits include Something Rotten!, The SpongeBob Musical (Lyric Arts); and
Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (Children's Theatre Company). When not on stage, he
is a community theatre director and set designer.
Abigail Walker
Abigail Walker (she/her) is thrilled to be heading to Whoville this winter. Her previous credits
include The Queen’s Ball: A Bridgerton Experience, The Wizard of Oz, Ghost Quartet, and Christmas
Carol: A Ghost Story. She holds a B.F.A. from North Dakota State University.
STUDENT UNDERSTUDIES
Ariana Calzadillas
Ariana Calzadillas (she/her) is thrilled to be making her main stage debut at CTC! She has enjoyed
performing in Willie Wonka (SteppingStone Theatre) Wizard of Oz, Descendants (Ashland
Productions); Head over Heels (CTC’s TAT intensive). Ariana is a 9
th
grader at SPCPA. Ariana is
grateful for her parents' support.
Cameron Foster
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Cameron Foster is fresh off his run as a dancer in The Day You Begin at Stages Theater Company.
Other acting credits include Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical and The Wizard of Oz (VISTA
Productions); and The Wiz (Camp Capri). Cameron is an 8th grader at Eagle Ridge Academy with
his twin brother Cortez, who is also understudying. In addition to acting, Cameron is a graffiti
artist, enjoys skateboarding, and competes in snowboarding, basketball, football, and baseball.
Cortez Foster
Cortez Foster is making his CTC debut in Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! He recently
completed a run as a dancer in The Day You Begin at Stages Theater Company. He is an 8th grader
at Eagle Ridge Academy and performing alongside his twin brother, Cameron, who is also in the
ensemble. Cortez has also performed with Camp Capri as the Scarecrow in The Wiz. Cortez finds
joy in singing.
Adelyn Frost
Adelyn Frost (She/her) is thrilled to return to Children's Theatre Company. Recent credits include
An American Tail the Musical and Annie (CTC); The Little Mermaid Jr., You're a Good Man Charlie
Brown (Stages Theatre Company); SpongeBob The Musical (Lakeville North Theatre). She would
like to thank her family, friends, and directors for all their support.
Luciana Mayer
Luciana Mayer (she/her) is thrilled to be back at CTC for the second time! Luci is passionate about
dancing, singing, acting, and reading. Some favorite shows include: Corduroy (Children’s Theater
Company) and School of Rock (The Zephyr Theatre). Luci is currently a seventh grader at St. Croix
Preparatory Academy. She hopes you enjoy the show!
CREATIVE TEAM & PRODUCTION STAFF
Book and Lyrics
Timothy Mason
Timothy Mason's musical adaptation of Dr. Seuss's How The Grinch Stole Christmas! (music by Mel
Marvin) has become a seasonal hit on Broadway and on tour. His plays have been produced in
New York by Circle Rep (including The Fiery Furnace starring Julie Harris and Babylon Gardens with
Mary-Louise Parker and Timothy Hutton). Other plays have been produced by the Actors Theatre
of Louisville, South Coast Rep, Seattle Rep, Victory Gardens, Portland Stage, the Jungle Theatre
and the Guthrie Theatre Lab. Mason had a long collaboration with A.C.T.'s Young Conservatory,
(Ascension Day, The Less Than Human Club, Time On Fire, Mullen's Alley and, in progress, My Life
In The Silents). Mason's first novel, a fantasy-adventure for kids called The Last Synapsid is being
published by Delacorte Press. He won the Kennedy Center Fund for New American Plays Award,
the W. Alton Jones Foundation Award, the Berilla Kerr Award, a National Endowment for the Arts
Award and the National Society of Arts and Letters Award.
Music
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Mel Marvin
Mel Marvin (Composer) Broadway; Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, Cymbeline, A
History of the American Film, Tintypes (Tony Award® nomination), Yentl, Fascinating Rhythm.
Innumerable scores for productions of plays, from Shakespeare (Lincoln Center Theater, Guthrie,
A.R.T., Arena Stage, Hartford Stage, McCarter, etc.) to Kushner (world premiere, Angels in
America). Musicals for young audiences: Little Miss Hollywood, Madeline’s Rescue, Strega Nona
Meets Her Match, Mr. Popper’s Penguins, A Cricket in Times Square, Gold. Opera: Guest From the
Future, premiered at Bard Summerscape in 2004, and Buwalsky, Holland’sOpera Spanga,, Yale, the
Skirball Center NYC. New work: Truth and Reconciliation, O’Neill Theater Center and Opera
America; Perfec 36, workshops in Nashville and NYC; In process: Lives of the Artists, an album;
The Invisible Drunk, a musical with Rachel Sheinkin. Head Faculty Composer and Director of
Production, Graduate Musical Theatre Writing Program, Tisch School of the Arts, NYU.
Director
Peter C. Brosius
Peter C. Brosius (Director) Since 1997, Peter has directed the world premieres of Dr. Seuss’s The
Sneetches the Musical!; The Last Firefly; Seedfolks; The Scarecrow and His Servant; The Snowy Day
and other stories by Ezra Jack Keats; Animal Dance; Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy; Reeling;
Anon(ymous); The Biggest Little House in the Forest; Balloonacy; and others, all of which were
commissioned and workshopped in CTC’s new play development lab, Threshold. He has directed
across the country including South Coast Repertory, Arizona Theatre Company, South Street
Theatre on Theatre Row, Off Broadway for Pan Asian Repertory, as well as Finding Nemo the
Musical for the Disney Company. His awards and honors include TCG’s Alan Schneider Director
Award, the L.A. Drama Critics Circle Award, Drama-Logue, College of American Fellows of the
American Theatre, Sara Spencer Award for Artistic Achievement and an Ivey Award for Best
Director. Peter is married to writer Rosanna Staffa and is the father of Daria and Gabriel.
Music Director/Conductor/Sound Designer
Victor Zupanc
Victor grew up in Victoria, British Columbia. Since 1989, Victor has been the resident Music
Director/Composer at Children’s Theatre Company composing music and conducting orchestras
for many of your favorite productions. He has worked on over 300 plays at countless theatres
across the country. He also composes for orchestras, choirs, and films and his music has been
performed in over a dozen countries around the world. victorzupanc.com
Sonja Thompson
Music Director
Sonja Thompson enjoys performing, teaching, coaching, collaborating, and developing new work.
Credits include Frank Theatre; History Theatre; Nautilus Music-Theater; Theater Latte-Da; Theatre
de la Jeune Lune; Minnesota Opera; Minnesota Orchestra; SPCO; VocalEssence; Augsburg
University; University of Minnesota; New Dramatists (NYC); Alliance for New Music-Theatre (DC);
Florida Grand Opera (Miami).
Linda Talcott Lee
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Choreographer
Linda Talcott Lee (Choreographer) Linda’s choreographic credits include Mulan; Dr. Seuss’s How the
Grinch Stole Christmas!; Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical; Cinderella (Children’s Theatre Company);
Romeo and Juliet (Guthrie Theater); Beauty and the Beast (Ordway Center for the Performing Arts);
A Servants’ Christmas; Hormel Girls (History Theatre). She has an Emmy award for her choreographic
work and is a Broadway Veteran.
Scenic Designer
Tom Butsch
1971 to 1985, Resident Scenic Designer at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres; productions at many
other regional theaters. TV credits include Art Director for Diff’rent Strokes; Silver Spoons. As
Senior Art Director for Disneyland Creative Entertainment from 1987 to 2011, he designed events,
parades, film premieres and shows including Fantasmic! And Snow White.
Costume Designer
David Kay Mickelsen
David Kay Mickelsen (Costume Designer) has designed more than 450 productions at many
theaters, including the Guthrie Theater, Denver Center Theatre Company, The Cleveland Play
House, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Ford’s Theatre, Williamstown Theatre Festival, Berkeley
Repertory Theatre, The Geffen, Pasadena and Laguna Playhouses, The Old Globe, Studio Arena
Theatre, The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis and The Oregon, Utah, Colorado and Illinois
Shakespeare Festivals. He has a B.A. from Western Oregon University, and an M.F.A. from
California Institute of the Arts, Originally from Canby, Oregon, David now makes his home in Palm
Springs, California.
Lighting Designer
Nancy Schertler
Nancy Schertler (Lighting Designer) has designed the Broadway productions of Bill Irwin’s Fool
Moon and Largely New York (Tony nomination). Nancy’s CTC designs include productions of The
Jungle Book; Charlotte’s Web; Ramona Quimby; Madeline and the Gypsies; Dr. Seuss’s Seussical
The Musical; Reeling; and Korczak’s Children. She has designed for regional theatres across the
country, including the American Conservatory Theater, Arena Stage, Portland Center Stage and
Seattle Repertory Theatre. World premiere opera productions include Shadowboxer; Clara; and
Later the Same Evening, all commissioned by the University of Maryland Opera Studio.
Sound Designer
Sean Healey
Sean Healey (Sound Design) Sean has designed numerous productions at Children’s Theatre. Local
theaters include Jungle Theater, Guthrie Theater, Open Eye, and Theater Latté Da. Regional
Theaters: The Old Globe, Dallas Theatre Center, The New Victory Theater, Arizona Theatre
Company, Seattle Children’s Theatre, Mark Taper Forum, Cornerstone, and ZACH Theatre. B.F.A.
CALARTS, 1997.
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Projection Designer
Craig Gottschalk
Craig Gottschalk (Projection Designer): Projection Design credits include Roald Dahl’s Matilda The
Musical, Dr. Seuss’s How The Grinch Stole Christmas!, The Wiz, Cinderella, and The Wizard of Oz.
Other CTC credits include lighting designs for The Best Summer Ever, Corduroy, and Animal Dance.
Regional credits include Jelly's Last Jam (Theater Latte Da); Mary Poppins (Artistry); Blues in the
Night, Always Patsy Cline, Bombitty of Errors, and Route 66 (Milwaukee Repertory Theater).
Assistant Director
Leah Jensen
Leah is elated to be back at CTC to work on Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! Her
previous directing credits include The Sound of Music (Off Broadway Musical Theatre), A Doll's
House, Frankenstein 1930 and Medea (East Ridge High School). Offstage, Leah is a Teaching Artist
at CTC and Lyric Arts. Leah would like to thank her family, the staff at CTC and Santa the Cat.
Assistant Choreographer
Katie Taintor
Katie Taintor (she/her) has enjoyed working on Cinderella; Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical; and
Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! at Children’s Theatre Company. Some other favorite
credits include Dance Til You Drop (History Theatre/Collide Theatrical); Dracula, Le Petit Moulin
(Collide Theatrical); Mary Poppins, Thoroughly Modern Millie (Artistry); and The Blue Jar (Cherry
Lane Theater). www.katietaintor.com
Assistant Lighting Designer
Ellie Simonett
Ellie Simonett (she/her) worked on An American Tail the Musical, Locomotion, Dr. Seuss’s How the
Grinch Stole Christmas! (2022); Bina’s Six Apples; and Diary of A Wimpy Kid the Musical at
Children’s Theatre Company and is excited to return. Her other credits include Anonymous Lover
and Edward Tulane (Minnesota Opera) and Beauty and the Beast (The Ordway).
Stage Manager
Nate Stanger*
Nate Stanger (he/him) is returning to Whoville for the 3rd time having stage managed the
productions in 2017 & 2018. Favorite CTC credits include Corduroy; Cinderella; The Abominables;
Dr. Seuss’s The Sneetches The Musical; Diary of a Wimpy Kid the Musical; and The Jungle Book. He
has worked with such companies as the Guthrie Theater, the Ordway, and Perseverance Theatre in
Juneau, Alaska.
Assistant Stage Manager
Kenji A. Shoemaker*
Kenji Shoemaker (he/they) is a freelance Stage Manager and Props Designer. Other recent credits
include: Theater Mu, Guthrie Theater, American Players Theatre, Stages Theatre Company, and
Pillsbury House Theatre, among others. When not in Whoville, Kenji also works in the shop at MN
Opera, and teaches at Macalester College.
14
Stage Management Fellow/PA
Janae Lorick
Janae Lorick (they/them) has created onstage, offstage, and now outside in The Buddha Prince
(TigerLion Arts). Just finishing Fargo Allegro (Nightfall Productions), they are excited to work with
Children's Theatre Company for their 2023-2024 season. They hold a B.A. in Theater and Race and
Ethnic Studies from St. Olaf College.
*Member of Actors' Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers.
Children’s Theatre Company (CTC) is the nation’s largest and most acclaimed theatre for young people and
serves a multigenerational audience. It creates theatre experiences that educate, challenge, and inspire for
more than 250,000 people annually. CTC is the only theatre focused on young audiences to win the coveted
Tony Award® for regional theatre and is the only theatre in Minnesota to receive three Tony® nominations
(for its production of A Year with Frog and Toad). CTC is committed to creating world-class productions at
the highest level and to developing new works, more than 200 to date, dramatically changing the canon of
work for young audiences.
CTC’s engagement and learning programs annually serve more than 93,000 young people and their
communities through Theatre Arts Training, student matinees, and early childhood arts education
programs. ACT One is CTC’s comprehensive platform for access, diversity, and inclusion in our audiences,
programs, staff, and board that strives to ensure the theatre is a home for all people, all families, reflective
of our community. childrenstheatre.org
FOR CALENDAR EDITORS:
WHAT: Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
Based on the book How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss
Book and lyrics by Timothy Mason
Music by Mel Marvin
Choreography by Linda Talcott Lee
Directed by Peter C. Brosius
A Children’s Theatre Company Original Production
November 7, 2023-January 7, 2024
UnitedHealth Group Stage
Best enjoyed by all ages!
WHEN: November 7, 2023 – January 7, 2024 (Opening Night is Saturday, November 11, 2023 at 7:00pm)
WHERE: CTC’s UnitedHealth Group Stage (2400 Third Avenue South Minneapolis MN 55404)
AGE RECOMMENDATION: This production is best enjoyed all ages. Lap passes are available for
children 3 years and younger.
RUNNING TIME: 2 hours with one 20-minute intermission.
TICKETS: Starting at $15 and available at childrenstheatre.org/grinch by calling the ticket office at
612.874.0400.
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