The colorful Whos of Who-Ville are headed back to the Children’s Theatre stage for the upcoming holiday season, and a familiar face to southwest metro theatergoers has been cast in a key role.
Matthew Hall, a 2010 graduate of Southwest Christian High School in Chaska, was tapped for the role of J.P. Who, the father of the more famous Cindy Lou Who, in this year’s musical rendition of Dr. Suess’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
In an interview the week after rehearsals for the show began, Hall says he’s excited to be part of the troupe bringing the classic Christmas story to life. This year’s theatrical run begins Nov. 4 and finishes Jan. 4, 2026.
It’s the 13th time that the Children’s Theatre Company has produced the Grinch show, which they first commissioned and premiered in 1994.
“I loved the show when I first saw it,” Hall says of his latest exciting acting challenge. “The show was written for this theater company and it’s a part of Minnesota theater history. I’m excited to play a part in the latest run. And this is my ‘dad’ debut. I’ve never played a dad before.”
J.P. Who, as Hall describes the role, is the father of five children and a mover-and-a-shaker in Who-Ville.
“He’s very much the moral center of the town,” Hall explains.
Hall will portray the elder Who in 10 shows per week over two months. He says the schedule will be a busy one, but he’s looking forward to the opportunity to continue his acting career in the Twin Cities.
Unexpected Path
Hall caught the theater bug in high school, appearing in student shows “Bye, Bye Birdie,” “Harvey,” “Our Miss Brooks” and “Southern Fried Murder” while attending Southwest Christian.
He went on to attend Normandale Community College with no thought of pursuing his passion of acting as a job.
“It didn’t seem like a viable idea to me,” he recalls.
But a few years later, after considerable soul searching, Hall decided to give local theater a try. “I wanted to live my life with no regrets,” he admits.
His big break came in 2019 when he landed a spot as a regular performer on Carnival Cruise Lines. But the pandemic shut down theatrical performances for months, temporarily sidelining Hall from pursuing his dream job.
As theatergoing ramped back up again, by 2022 Hall’s main source of income was coming from roles in regional plays.
He has appeared in many recent musicals at Chanhassen Dinner Theaters, including Footloose; Beautiful: The Carole King Musical; Jersey Boys; and The PROM. In addition, he was cast in the role of Tom Collins in the Artistry Theater production of RENT.
Most recently he was cast as Kristoff the snowman in Disney’s Frozen: The Broadway Musical at Children’s Theatre.
“Those were two of my dream roles,” Hall says of the Frozen and RENT opportunities. “RENT was one of the first musicals I ever loved.”
Hall says he hopes his upcoming role as J.P. Who ranks among his favorite theater experiences as well.
Future Plans?
Hall says he feels blessed to be working as an actor in the Twin Cities these past few years, but he’s open to new possibilities going forward.
“I’m very appreciative of the work I’ve received,” he says. “But I’m going to keep my options open in the future. It does feel like anything can happen.”
He’s contemplating a move to New York city or elsewhere if the right theatrical opportunities present themselves.
“My mama doesn’t want me to move,” he chuckles, “but she did a good job of raising my two sisters and me to follow our dreams. She will support me in whatever I decide to do with my life.
“I can’t picture myself doing anything else with my life now. I’ve been a much happier person because of acting.”
The Show
The musical’s lead character, The Grinch, will be played by CTC Acting Company member Reed Sigmund, who is starring in the lead role for the eighth time.
“This will be my 8th time sourly strutting ‘round Whoville, and I’m still as anxious and giddy as I was the first year I blanketed myself in the green carpet,” said Reed Sigmund. “This character and story are so rich and timely, and I never tire from exploring and playing in their gorgeous world.”
Director Dean Holt says he’s excited to be a part of the production as well.
“The opportunity to share this beloved story and bring heart and humor to the holiday season, to remember our Christmases past as we live in the excitement of Christmas to be,” Holt says. “It is a story of community, onstage and off, and the joy we find in that togetherness.”
Ticket Information
Tickets may be purchased online at childrenstheatre.org/grinch or by calling the Ticket Office at 612-874-0400.
Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! has a run time of two hours with one 20-minute intermission.
This production is best enjoyed by all ages. Lap passes are available for children 3 years and younger.
