Iris Manter
(Inside The Style Studio & Monica Hahn Photography)
Solana Beach resident Iris Manter, 11, is excited to make her professional debut as Cindy-Lou Who in Dr. Seuss’s “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” in the Old Globe Theatre’s 26th annual production. The show will run from Nov. 8 to Dec. 31, with the opening on Sunday, Nov. 12, on the Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage in the Old Globe Theatre, part of the Globe’s Conrad Prebys Theatre Center in San Diego’s Balboa Park.
Iris, a student at The Children’s School, has appeared in a number of productions, including Musical Theatre: Molly in Annie Jr.; Young Anna in Frozen Jr.; Mowgil in Jungle Book Jr.; Guard in Shrek, ensemble in Moana Jr.; ensemble in High School Musical Jr. (Junior Actors Company); and Bowery Brigade in Newsies Jr. (J* Company).
Iris has also been a member of dance, lyrical and competition teams (Fusion Dance Solana Beach), and been mentored by vocal coach Amber Bartlett.
When asked via email what she likes best about performing Iris stated, “I like being able to portray different characters. It’s interesting to step into someone else’s shoes. I really like who I am, but it’s also fun to get the chance to be someone else — someone I’d never otherwise be.”
In response to a question on what has been her favorite acting experience so far Iris said, “Usually my favorite acting experience is one that I’m in or one that I just finished. I really get into the character and have such a good time with the cast. So right now, it’s definitely “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” because it’s amazing getting to be Cindy-Lou Who, and working with the cast and creatives is so awesome.”
As for her future goals in life, Iris shared, “I want to be on Broadway or something that involves acting. Last spring break, my parents took me to New York City for the first time, and I saw two Broadway shows. I even stood by the stagedoor after Funny Girl and got Lea Michele’s autograph! That’s when I knew that I wanted to perform professionally.”
Tickets for “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” are now on sale at www.TheOldGlobe.org, by phone at (619) 234-5623, and in person at The Old Globe’s Box Office in Balboa Park.
