The story of “How The Grinch Stole Christmas” is well known, as more than 10 million copies of the original Dr. Seuss book have been sold in North America alone, on top of multiple movie adaptations.
Fans of the festive story in Lewis County will have a chance to see a new original parody of it next week.
On Thursday, Dec. 12, at 6 p.m., a cast and crew of 25 local children between the ages of 6 and 17 will be at McFiler’s Chehalis Theater for the one-time, free-to-attend debut performance of “The Bigfoot Who Stole Christmas” by the Dandelion Children’s Theatre.
McFiler’s Chehalis Theater is located at 558 N. Market Blvd. in downtown Chehalis.
The Dandelion Children’s Theatre is a part of Dandelion Creative Space, which was founded in 2022 by middle and high school art teacher Jennifer Kinsman to help give both children and adults in the region easier access to supplies and space for the arts.
“This original play, a delightful parody of ‘The Grinch Who Stole Christmas,’ was written specifically for our town and this program,” Kinsman, who also wrote the script, said in the release. “Every aspect of what you’ll see on stage, from the set design to the performances, has been touched and created by the participants.”
In addition to the performers, the production crew includes two additional high school volunteers and Kinsman, who is co-directing the show with another parent, Tara Phillips, “all working together to bring this story to life.”
“In today’s fast-paced world of technology and instant information, opportunities for creative engagement, critical thinking and collaboration are more important than ever. This theater program exemplifies the magic that happens when a community comes together to create something meaningful,” Kinsman said.
The cast and crew of “The Bigfoot Who Stole Christmas” is composed of:
• Lilly Wickert, Bigfoot
• Ava Armistead, Mayor Evergreen
• Claire Kinsman, Bobby
• Sarah Phillips, Sammy
• Jude Burya, Mick
• Maycee Sons, Holly
• Morgan Hemmert, Grandma Pine
• Cassius Samples, Ranger Cedar
• Kinsley Haller, Townsperson one
• Nova Weismiller, Townsperson two
• Winona Huffier, Townsperson three
• River Bailey, Raccoon
• Raigen Rosenborg, Raccoon
• Sophie Johnson, Deer
• Kairie Smith, Deer
• Margaret Johnson, Bunny
• Delaney Smith, Bunny
• Elliot Redborg, Fern
• Eliza Phillips, Narrator
• Grace Kinsman, prop and costume designer, stage crew
• Scarlett Schlicker, set designer
• Rhylee Sweetingham-Rouska, prop artist and stage crew
• Decima Dietzen, prop and set artist
• Ayn Mann, prop and set artist, high school student volunteer
• Bella Eslick, activities lead, high school student volunteer
• Tara Phillips, co-director, parent volunteer
• Jennifer Kinsman, co-director and administrator
Community partners who helped contribute to the production of “The Bigfoot Who Stole Christmas” include McFiler’s Chehalis Theater, Bigfoot Treasure, PackageHub Business Centers’ Mail Plus Chehalis, the City of Chehalis Parks and Recreation Department and the James Augustus Smith Charitable Performing Arts Trust.
For more information on Dandelion Creative Space and the Dandelion Children’s Theatre, visit https://www.dandelioncreativespace.org/ or email Jennifer Kinsman at info@dandelioncreativespace.org.
