Christopher Lloyd withdraws from 'Grinch' at the Pantages
The upcoming production of "Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical" at Hollywood's Pantages Theatre has just lost its Grinch.
Actor Christopher Lloyd -- best known for playing Doc in the "Back to the Future" movies -- has withdrawn from the lead role due to a family illness, according to the show's promoters.
Lloyd will be replaced by Stefan Karl, who has performed in the musical in Boston and Baltimore.
Still scheduled to appear in the show are Emmy-winner John Larroquette (NBC's "Night Court"), who will play the role of Old Max, and James Royce Edwards, who will play Young Max.
"Grinch," which is presented by Broadway / LA and co-produced by Nederlander Presentations and Running Subway, is set to open Nov. 10 at the Pantages and run through Jan. 3.
The musical would have been the second holiday-themed stage production for Lloyd. Last year, he played Ebenezer Scrooge in an ill-fated production of "A Christmas Carol" at the Kodak Theatre.
As Culture Monster reported, "Carol" was a financial flop that suffered from cast defections and technical problems.
-- David Ng
Photo: Christopher Lloyd. Credit: Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times
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Sunday conversation: Christopher Lloyd
Is Stefan Karl the guy who plays Robbie Rotten? Not a bad replacement if you ask me,
Posted by: Tracy Kelly | October 27, 2009 at 11:41 PM
That's correct. I saw him as the Grinch this weekend, and he did a fantastic job.
Posted by: Daniel | November 16, 2009 at 09:50 AM