Written by Ben Cox – This weekend, in Brownwood High School’s auditorium, there will be a play perfect for those of us who refuse to take their Christmas decorations down. 

The Brownwood High School Theatre Department is presenting their version of “The Grinch that Stole Christmas”, directed by BHS senior Josh Lawson.

The Grinch, played in this cast by Hayden McAfee and his dog Max, played by Alyssa Salazar.

The show, which is double cast, will have four performances, two for each set of actors. The show opens Friday night, there will also be a matinee and evening performance on Saturday and the run will close with a Sunday matinee.

Cindy Lou Who, played in this cast by Caitlyn Tucker, interviews other Who’s about the Grinch.

Lawson, who was most recently seen onstage in the BHS production of Newsies as Jack Kelly, says switching from acting to directing was a bit of a challenge. “Being a director and not being everyone’s friend is a challenge. Everyone has been really really good! I talk with the cast and they all respect me, we’re all good friends with each other. We have a really good show going on!”

Cindy Lou, played by Sarah Boyette, is teased by her big brother and sister, John Monson and Becca Church.

The decision for a student to step out and direct this show was partially out of necessity. Lawson says “Mrs Lee was very busy planning and scheduling our (UIL) One Act show for this spring, and decided that I should direct this show. She said I show a little promise and we went from there with it.”

The show is a fundraiser, as well. Lawson says they are putting on the show “to raise money for ITS, the International Thespian Society. We made state, and we are raising money to get there.”

Tickets for the show are $7 for adults, and $5 for students and can be purchased at the door. The curtain opens at 7 p.m. Friday night, at 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday and at 2:30 p.m. Sunday.