Old Globe’s ‘Grinch’ breaks his foot, but the show will go on

San Diego-based actor Andrew Polec has been stealing Christmas from the Whos for the past five years in The Old Globe’s musical “Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” But now his favorite Christmas role has been stolen out from under him.

In a social media post on Tuesday, Polec wrote: “Whelp … I have broken my foot.” He posted a photo of himself on crutches and wearing his famous scowl to announce that he has broken his left foot and doctors have advised him to not put any weight on it. As a result, he has been forced to drop out of the production, with nine days left in the show’s run.

Fortunately for upcoming San Diego audience members who consider a visit with the Globe’s “Grinch” musical a holiday tradition, the show goes on.

Oceanside actor Lance Arthur Smith, Polec’s understudy and a longtime regular in the show’s grown-ups Who ensemble, has stepped in to fill the Grinch’s oversize red shoes. Performances continue through Dec. 31.

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In a post on Instagram and social media where he included photos of his swollen foot and X-ray, Polec wrote:

“I am devastated. At the the peak of Grinch season, my foot has stolen Christmas from me!

With this news — I am sad to announce that I have to end my run early. The Doctors have told me I cannot walk on my left foot for a while…

I say farewell to Whoville with a very heavy heart… If you know me, this is my favorite production. The team who works on this show consists of some of my most favorite people in the world. They are my holiday family. They are all so kind and work so hard to keep the holiday magic alive. They fill this production with love and I could not ask for a better group.

I still have leftover Grinch videos that I am going to post throughout the week, however, I will unfortunately not be on the stage telling the story that I love so much.

Shout out to the incredible SM Jess and ASM Amanda who took care of me throughout the run, coached me through finishing the show (with adjustments) when I broke my foot, and wheeled me out of the theatre at the end. Shout out to my dresser Kelly Marie and wig and makeup-er Jazmine who carried me through so many shows. Shout out to my two hardworking dogs Tommy and David who bring me so much joy on and offstage. Shout out to James and Lance who are stepping in to take over the duties of the Grinch and everything involved. Shout out to every single person at The Old Globe who makes this show possible. And a final huge shoutout to my wife Noelle who is caring for me in this extreme time of need. I am very grateful.

Coincidentally, I had this same break on my right foot at the end of the NYC run of Bat when the motorcycle ran over my foot. Kismet?”