Stefan Karl is the "Mean One" in L.A. Grinch, With Larroquette, Gurwin, Edwards and Zagnit

By Allison Klamkin
08 Nov 2009

Grinch stars John Larroquette and Stefan Karl
Grinch stars John Larroquette and Stefan Karl

Stefan Karl will be the title grouch in the Los Angeles premiere of Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical, beginning performances Nov. 10 at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood.

Karl, who recently replaced Christopher Lloyd in the role, will don green fur and makeup, reprising the part that he played in Baltimore and Boston in 2008.

Official opening in L.A. is Nov. 14. Performances run through Jan. 3, 2010.

Theatre, film and television star John Larroquette will play the role of Old Max, and James Royce Edwards plays Young Max — the Grinch's persecuted pooch.

Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical features the beloved songs "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch" and "Welcome Christmas" from the original animated TV special. Max the Dog narrates as the mean and scheming Grinch, whose heart is "two sizes too small," decides to steal Christmas away from holiday-loving Whos of Whoville.

Karl, Larroquette and Edwards will be joined by Kayley Stallings and Issadora Tulalian (sharing the role of Cindy Lou Who), Melinda Gilb as Mama Who, Danny Gurwin as Papa Who, Rosemary Loar as Grandma Who, and Stuart Zagnit as Grandpa Who. Adult ensemble members include Eric Anthony, Heather Barr, Alex Chester, Janet Dickinson, Antoinette DiPietropolo, Jennie Ford, Dennis Kenney, Shanon Mari Mills, Candice Nicole, Josephine Rose Roberts, Joe Souza, and Pearl Sun. Child ensemble members include Michael William Arnold, Isabella Briscoe, Maddie Levy, Molly Livingston, Quinton Lopez, Terren Mueller, Lindsay Ryan, Molly Ryan, Gracie Stover and Terrance Thomas.

Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical plays Hollywood's Pantages Theatre, 6233 Hollywood Boulevard at Vine Street.

Tickets range in price from $25-$90. Performance schedules vary and tickets can be purchased online at BroadwayLA.org or by calling (800) 982-ARTS (2787).