Litchfield native is acting, dancing and singing across Twin Cities theater stages

Shelby Lindrud, West Central Tribune, Willmar, Minn.
·5 min read

Dec. 20—MINNEAPOLIS

— Growing up around

Litchfield

, Mitchell Douglas immersed himself in any performing arts opportunity he could, from marching band and color guard to school and community theater. That passion has served him well, as he can now be found performing regularly with some of the best-known theater companies in the Twin Cities, including this holiday season at the Children's Theatre Company in Minneapolis.

"It is such a treat," Douglas said, who is performing in this year's production of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas." Douglas is playing the role of JP Who, the father of Cindy Lou Who. "The magic and the spectacle they have built the show around is so fun to be a part of."

Douglas said he always enjoyed singing and dancing, even as a small child. By the time he graduated from Litchfield High School, Douglas had decided to pursue the performance arts professionally and enrolled at Minnesota State University at Mankato. There, he majored in musical theater and minored in dance, taking part in at least 24 different productions. He even got the chance to perform at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.

"I knew I was passionate about the arts and performing," Douglas said. "It brought me life and I love bringing life to it."

Soon after graduating college, Douglas booked his first gig at the Minneapolis Musical Theatre in its production of "Night of the Living Dead: The Musical." Following that, he literally set sail.

"Then I got on a cruise ship," Douglas said.

Unfortunately that contract was cut short by the coronavirus pandemic. After only three months aboard ship, Douglas found himself back in Minnesota during a time when all the theaters were shut down. Douglas had to wait until the public health emergency would allow for the curtains to rise once more on live theater performances.

And when it did, Douglas had no problem finding his next roles. He has performed at the Zephyr Theatre in Stillwater, three shows at the Chanhassen Dinner Theatres and one of the lead roles in the show "Kinky Boots" at the Duluth Playhouse.

"Once the theater community in the Twin Cities peeked its way back through the summer of 2021, I've been so fortunate. I haven't stopped," Douglas said. "It's been a wild ride."

The Grinch is Douglas' first time performing with the Children's Theatre Company, and so far it has been a great experience. The show, based on the original 1966 classic cartoon of the famous Dr. Seuss book, has become a tradition for the company.

Many of the actors come back year after year, including the actor playing the Grinch, Reed Sigmund, who is back for his sixth time. Douglas has enjoyed the process of making the character of JP Who his own and working together as a cast to make a great holiday show.

"That is when the magic happens," Douglas said.

Douglas has already experienced that magic, even in the first few days of performances. Children's Theatre Company is a special place to perform because of its mission to not only prepare and mentor children interested in acting and theater, but to also bring live shows to the young.

"It is really special to see those kids light up when they see the Grinch for the first time," Douglas said. "When you have a room of 700 kids screaming 'Christmas, just say Christmas!', you realize you are touching this community but also being touched by this community."

The Children's Theatre Company production of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" runs through Jan. 7. Douglas said ticket sales have been brisk and the company is excited to bring such a beloved show to the public.

"It is a special show and it's a special time," Douglas said.

Once the curtain closes on the Grinch, Douglas won't be resting on his laurels for long. He has already booked his next show, "Beautiful: The Carole King Musical" at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres.

Douglas said it has been an honor and a joy to be able to work with some of the greatest actors in the Twin Cities while performing on the stages at some of the region's best fine arts institutions where big Hollywood and Broadway stars got their start.

"It is crazy to be part of that legacy. It is humbling at the end of the day," Douglas said. "It is amazing to be where I am and I'm very grateful."

The Twin Cities and greater Minnesota theater scene has been a welcoming community for Douglas and one he is proud to be a part of. While he would be open to traveling to other cities for gigs, Douglas said he sees himself, at least for the foreseeable future, as a Twin Cities-based actor.

"The work keeps coming at a high level. It has been astounding and wonderful I get to do this," Douglas said. "This community is so amazing."

While he doesn't know why Minnesota has such a vibrant and thriving art scene, Douglas is thankful for it. He feels the arts play a very important part in people having happy and fulfilling lives.

"Art is an important key for all of humanity. Art imitating life, life intimating art," Douglas said. "It is always changing and it is always beautiful."

Douglas has experienced firsthand the positives being involved in the arts can have on a person. As a queer person of color living in a small town, it was on stage that he felt most like himself. Those life experiences and lessons have helped him create the foundation on which he has built his successful theater career.

"The arts were my safe haven," Douglas said. "It was a place of passion and expression for me, because I felt that was where I could get that out."