Poway Girl Melts the Grinch's Heart at Old Globe

An 8-year-old Powegian is taking audiences to Whoville this holiday season. 

The Old Globe is presenting its 14th annual production of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” through Dec. 31, with Poway's Caitlin McAuliffe in a lead role. 

McAuliff plays Cindy-Lou Who in the whimsical musical based on the classic Dr. Seuss Christmas tale. At the Globe, it’s become a tradition as San Diegans celebrate the season in snow-covered Whoville.

She joins Remy Margaret Corbin, who debuted in the role last year. The show marks McAuliffe’s first professional performance after years of jazz and tap-dance competition and a few singing lessons.

She began singing in her church choir and dancing at the age of 4.

McAuliffe, a third-grade student at Francis Parker, is the youngest of four siblings, all of whom are performers.

Clearly, the apple didn’t fall far from the tree. Her three older brothers sing, dance and play instruments—a musically talented family.

“They are all very talented kids, gifted in different ways,” said Leigh Scarritt, a local voice and acting coach who works with Caitlin as well as two of her brothers, Corey and Chris.

Scarritt is no stranger to the "Grinch." She has worked with more than 85 kids over the years for the Old Globe’s annual production. She was also the original Grandma Who, while her daughter, Tiffany Jane, was the original Cindy-Lou Who, along with Vanessa Hudgens.

Jane is currently up for an LA Music Award as a singer/songwriter in the "Best Blues Album" category, which speaks to the talent bred in the San Diego area.  

There’s a delicate balance between allowing the kids to stay grounded and just be kids, while also putting together a quality product, explained Scarritt.

“The ante is really high at the Old Globe, and she recognizes that,” she added.

Caitlin’s favorite part in the show is “when we sing, ‘You’re a Mean One Mister Grinch.’”

But the Grinch isn’t the only thing that she looks up to. Caitlin admires singing sensation Celine Dion, who she saw live in concert in Las Vegas while attending a national dance competition.

“It’s been really fun, and everyone is really nice and supportive,” she said of the "Grinch" experience.

Especially "Miss Leigh." Caitlin's family credits Scarritt for securing her role in the production.

“I probably wouldn’t have been in the show without Miss Leigh,” said Caitlin, alongside her dad, Marty.

This might be her first taste of Who-hash, but it won’t be her last.

The Old Globe is one of the country’s leading professional regional theaters and has stood as San Diego’s flagship arts institution for 75 years. The Tony Award-winning Old Globe produces a year-round season of 15 productions of classic, contemporary and new works on its three Balboa Park stages.

Ticket prices for “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” start at $39 for adults and $24 for children 17 and under. The Old Globe is located in Balboa Park at 1363 Old Globe Way. For tickets and show times, call the box office at 619-234-5623.