During Rowland Hall's sesquicentennial archiving push, we unearthed this 1998 video of late theatre teacher Tony Larimer reading with Lindey Spikes (née Sharp) ’99.

Many of us know and love the Dr. Seuss classic How the Grinch Stole Christmas! But this holiday tale holds a special place in the hearts of many Rowland Hall students and alumni. The annual reading of this story is a tradition started in the 1960s by beloved St. Mark's teacher Tony Larimer. It has continued as an Upper School tradition. 

Mr. Larimer was born to play the Grinch. He was not only a talented actor who performed throughout the Salt Lake community in both amateur and professional productions, but he had those eyebrows—those long, white, unforgettable eyebrows that were distinctively Tony. That feature, along with his towering stage presence and his Grinch-y voice, made the character come alive year after year on the stage that bears his name.

Every year, a female student would be chosen to play opposite Mr. Larimer as Cindy Lou Who. The identity of Cindy Lou Who was always a closely guarded secret. Rehearsals were held in private. Office staff and administrators were sworn to secrecy. Students would speculate in the hallways as to who would be playing the role that year. Then, on the day of the reading, the student body would gather in the Larimer Center. Mr. Larimer would be center stage, wearing the appropriate Grinch attire—a red scarf and a Santa Claus hat—and only then would Cindy Lou Who's identity be revealed. Students would listen and watch as the Grinch's small heart grew three sizes and he carved the roast beast with all the Whos in Whoville.

When Tony's health began to fail and he decided to retire from the role, it was decided that the reading of The Grinch should live on so that many more generations of Rowland Hall students could share in this annual holiday tradition. Even after Tony's death in 2009, The Grinch lives on, honoring his memory.

Since Tony, the Grinch has had many faces. One year, Chris Andrews, class of 2000, donned the iconic scarf and hat. For several years, former history professor George Henry played the Grinch and brought his own sassy style to the character. For the past several years, the role of the Grinch has been rotated to different members of the faculty, allowing many favorite teachers to have a chance to do the reading.

A new twist was added in 2010—the Lower School now travels down the hill to the Larimer Center every other year and performs their version of The Grinch for the Upper School. Everyone enjoys this new way to share this tradition by bringing together students from both campuses.

Although The Grinch has gone through lots of changes, Rowland Hall will continue the reading of this story that reminds us of what is really important during the holiday season.

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