SYRACUSE, N.Y.— The magic of Broadway began in Syracuse and continues today! Once again, the Redhouse Arts Center was selected as the official rehearsal home for a major national touring production — this time, for “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical,” produced by Crossroads Live North America.For several weeks this fall, nearly 100 actors, musicians, designers and technicians from two touring companies of The Grinch called Syracuse home as they prepared for performances across the country.
Although the show does not perform locally, the cast and crew rehearsed, trained, and fine-tuned every element of the production at Redhouse, transforming its facilities into a launching pad for the tour.Crossroads Live North America — one of the largest theatrical producers in the country — has brought multiple touring productions to Redhouse for rehearsal in recent years, including Pretty Woman: The Musical in 2023 and 2024.“The facilities at Redhouse are top-notch,” said Jayna Neagle, executive producer of the two tours of Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical. “There are large spaces for staging the entire show, smaller rooms for scene and vocal work, and fully equipped shops for working on costumes and wigs — which are critical for a production like The Grinch. Redhouse covers all of our space and equipment needs, which makes it a dream one-stop option.”
The three-week rehearsal period for the Grinch production delivered a significant economic boost to Central New York. Visit Syracuse estimates the local impact exceeded $1,726,000, generated through expenditures like rehearsal space rental, hotel stays, dining, transportation, and local shopping. Furthermore, production contributed $40,000 in local tax revenue.
The recent cast and crew, who traveled from across the United States and abroad, immersed themselves in Syracuse during their stay. Favorite local spots included Salt City Market, Pastabilities, Oh My Darling, and Funk ‘n Waffles, with daily coffee runs to Café Kubal.
On days off, company members explored Onondaga Lake Park, Thornden Park, Green Lakes State Park, the Rosamond Gifford Zoo, and the Museum of Science & Technology (MOST).
A Creative Engine for Touring Theater
While audiences across North America enjoy these polished productions, much of the creative and logistical groundwork happens in Syracuse. Redhouse provides the space, technical infrastructure, and artistic environment that allow professional companies to bring their shows to life before they reach the stage.
Syracuse holds a significant place in American theater, primarily as the starting point for the legendary Shubert brothers (Sam, Lee, and J.J.). The brothers launched their theatrical empire in the city, managing the Bastable Theater before moving on to become the largest theater owners on Broadway. This history also established Syracuse as a crucial “testing ground” for new shows, allowing productions to be refined before their high-profile New York debuts.
This theatrical legacy is carried on today by the Redhouse Arts Center. The organization, re-founded in the early 2000s, undertook a major expansion and renovation project. In 2013/2014, Redhouse purchased the former Sibley’s Department Store building at 400 S. Salina St. After extensive work, they moved into their current, much larger, state-of-the-art facility in the 2018/2019 season.
For Redhouse, collaborating with touring productions goes beyond financial benefit; it’s about the direct human impact and commitment to arts education. Through the Redhouse performing arts educational programs, we create invaluable opportunities for local performers, designers, and creators to train and learn alongside top industry professionals. These are the ways we can career path local artists to be prepared for the expanding entertainment industry in Central New York,” said Franklin Fry, Executive Director for Redhouse.
“Last December, when Crossroads was in town producing Pretty Woman, the company shared green room and rehearsal spaces with the local performers of our production of The Sound of Music,” said Fry. “This time, we brought in about 50 students from the STEAM High School for a masterclass with the Grinch team. These interactions are vital ways we prepare our local artists for professional opportunities.
“It is truly remarkable to watch how the Redhouse continues to thrive and contribute to the theater tradition in this city,” said Visit Syracuse President and CEO Danny Liedka. “We are very lucky to have such an amazing organization that continues to produce such diverse works and contribute to Syracuse’s vibrant arts culture and beyond.
The touring production of Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical is currently delighting audiences, young and old, across North America. After kicking off in California cities, the show will continue its journey through Michigan, Arizona, Canada, Wisconsin, and Maryland before returning to the Empire State for performances in Schenectady from December 2–7, 2025.
About Redhouse Arts Center
Located in downtown Syracuse, Redhouse Arts Center is a nonprofit, multidisciplinary arts organization dedicated to producing professional theater, music, and visual arts. In addition to its public programming, Redhouse serves as a premier rehearsal facility for national touring productions, training casts and crews before they hit the road across North America.
About Crossroads Live North America
Crossroads Live North America is a division of Crossroads Live, an international theatrical production company with offices in the United Kingdom and Australia. The company produces and manages beloved theatrical tours worldwide, including Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical and Pretty Woman: The Musical.
To learn more about Crossroads Live North America and its touring productions, visit www.xroadslive.com.
For information about Redhouse Arts Center, its programs and community partnerships, visit www.theredhouse.org.