Our mole backstage at The Old Globe’s production of Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! is the Grinch himself, actor Jeff Skowron. Here’s his latest dispatch in this occasional blog from backstage:
What’s been the big news this week?
Well, last week I woke up to exciting news on Nikki Finke’s site. The Independent Film Channel announced my show, “Greg and Donny”, in their development slate.
Any hiccups?
All is going well. We have the whole cast now, which is very fun.
Who are some of the interesting people you’re meeting backstage?
Last week we were still in the rehearsal room, but we go into the theatre this week. It will be most of the same crew as when I did it last year which I’m very happy about. I love the crew of the Grinch. It’s a whole other thing when you move into the theatre with the crew. I can’t wait.
Does playing this role again give you any ideas about the kind of theatre you want (or don’t want) to do in the future?
Playing this role again reminds me that even though a role may seem daunting at first, I can eventually figure it out. Last year it was hard to conceive how I would be able to pace myself to play this role. All those fears were faced last year and conquered. I have a lot more confidence this year about it. There are times in rehearsal where I think of how full of self-doubt I was last year. Now I know how it works and it just reminds me that in any future role of this size, I just need to be patient with myself and trust things will be figured out.
Jeff Skowron writes occasional posts from backstage while he plays the Grinch at The Old Globe. Have a question of your own for him? You can leave a comment or send me an email at kelly.bennett@voiceofsandiego.org or 619.325.0531. You can follow me on Twitter: @kellyrbennett.