You’re a mean one, Mr. Grinch. Well, maybe not Salt River Elementary School’s Grinch, student Larry Gates IV. 

Gates gave a stellar performance as the titular character in the school’s holiday Christmas program.

Whether you’re a fan of classic carols or modern holiday hits, students and staff showcased a fun performance for families amidst this holiday season. 

On Wednesday, December 11, students in grades 3-6 shared a feature of holiday songs followed by an exciting performance by the Theater Class Eagles Club who delivered a rendition of the famous book and movie, How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss.

Popular Christmas hits like “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas,” and “Jingle Bell Rock,” were performed by each grade with third graders singing a special version of “Jingle Bells” in O’odham before the Grinch stole the show.

The Eagles Club’s performance opened with their own rendition of “Welcome Christmas” from the movie soundtrack where some of the lyrics were translated to O’odham and sung throughout. 

“We have a packed house – what a great problem to have,” said SRES Principal Amanda Guerrero during the intermission. 

A special thanks was also given to those who contributed to the making of the program, including Salt River Elementary School administrators, The Home Depot at the Talking Stick Pavilions, SRPMIC IT, and the Accelerated Learning Academy. The Eagle’s Club is funded by the 21^st Century Community Learning Centers Grant.

The holiday program ran twice: once for the school, and again later for family and the Salt River Community. 

How the Grinch Stole Christmas Cast

The Grinch – Larry Gates IV
Cindy Lou Who – Skye Spencer 
Mayor Augustus Who – Albert Gonzalez
Narrator 1 & Police – Sayla Valenzuela
Narrator 2 – Hannah Patrick 
Narrator 3 – Raedyn Lewis 
Martha May & Storekeeper – Lily Belvado 
Lou Lou Who – Serenity Wendell
Betty Lou Who – Aiyana Taylor 
Young Martha May – Leariq Hayes
Young Mayor – Cecrett Percy 
Teacher & Clarnella Who – Lovell Enos 
Rose Who – Layonia Acosta 
Drew Lou Who – Cash Garza
Stu Lou Who – Littlehawk Macias
Christina Who – Shea Milford 

Director – Lindsay Sandoval 
Assistant Director – Dr. Candace Adams
Music Director – Benjamin Bush 
Costumer – Dr. Lynette Stant 
Set Design – Sage Waters
Prop Master – Erica Richardson