Growing up in Dayton, Joshua Woodie said his relationship with “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” is a familiar story. “We’d always watch ‘The Grinch’ and ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ back to back on television the day after Thanksgiving,” said Woodie, who plays the titular character in “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical,” which runs Dec. 10 through 14 at Playhouse Square’s KeyBank State Theatre in Cleveland. “That’s the moment when the holiday season had officially begun. Now, being able to portray that each season for thousands and thousands of families across the country is really special.” This year marks Woodie’s third season with the national tour. Joshua Woodie will be in town to portray the mean, green titular character in "Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical," which runs Dec. 10 through 14 at Playhouse Square’s KeyBank State Theatre in Cleveland. (Courtesy of Playhouse Square) However, the talented performer stressed during his two decades of professional work that this musical — let alone its titular character — was never on his radar for what in his mind was the most obvious reason. “Everybody says that when something is meant for you, it will not pass you by,” said Woodie, calling from Milwaukee. “I never thought in a million years that I was this kind of performer.” Great Lakes Theater’s unique ‘A Christmas Carol’ carries on And what kind of performer does it take to pull off a memorable portrayal of the Grinch? Woodie pointed to director Ron Howard’s 2000 live-action feature film, “Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” which tapped into actor Jim Carrey’s fast-paced, bombastic nature. “I always thought of myself as much more of a traditional vocalist performer, but I learned so much about myself doing the role,” he said. “I’ve had more fun doing this track than any other role, probably that I've had in my whole life. “It’s so much fun, and it's so rewarding to see the families and their reactions. It's really unexplainable. I don't think words do it justice how much I enjoy doing this role.” “Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical” tells the story of the Grinch, whose heart is “two sizes too small.” (Spoiler alert: After stealing Christmas from the holiday-loving Whos, he learns about the magic of the holiday.) Director returns for Cleveland Play House’s ‘A Christmas Story’ Naturally, the soundtrack features memorable songs “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas,” but Woodie stressed this production is different from the film. “This show is all about a story of acceptance, a story of redemption, a story of forgiveness,” he said. “But there's no love story — that was the Jim Carrey version. This is strictly based on the original book and television special. “It's just about his turnaround from being The Grinch and thinking that he's not accepted, no one likes him and being angry and resentful about that. And then understanding that not only was he wrong, but that the adult Whos were wrong, too. So the heart of the original piece is definitely still intact.” Actors perform in a touring company of “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical,” which runs Dec. 10 through 14 at Playhouse Square’s KeyBank State Theatre in Cleveland. (Jeremy Daniel) That heart speaks directly to children, who Woodie described as being the best audience for the emotions being channeled on stage, which require a certain energy. And if the performers aren’t bringing it, those youngsters will let them know it. Karamu House producing ‘A Motown Christmas’ at Playhouse Square “Sometimes, I'll come out, and the kids will just start booing — it's great,” he laughed. “But here's the truth: Those are the most fun performances because you already have a relationship with that audience and you can draw on them as the show goes on. “And the kids will let you know if they're having a good time,” he adds. “They’ll let you know if they're bored. They're the most honest, wonderful audience. They keep your heart in the right place. And if it's not, if you’re maybe not quite in a good, openhearted position to tell this kind of a family story that day, they'll get you there real quick.” ‘Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical’ When: Dec. 10 through 14. Where: Playhouse Square’s KeyBank State Theatre, 1519 Euclid Ave., Cleveland. Tickets: $36 to $135. Info: 216-241-6000 or PlayhouseSquare.org. ...read more read less