While most major regional theatres do A Christmas Carol in December, San Diego's Old Globe has its own unique holiday tradition: a musical version of Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Tickets for the popular yuletide show go on sale July 23 with a special Christmas celebration at the Old Globe Theatre.

At 10 AM, the Grinch himself will be on hand to grant ticket-buyers, along with "Rollie," the official mascot of the San Diego Union Tribune's "San Diego READS" program. The Grinch, despite being generally Grinch-y, will take photos with the crowd and reward children bringing in donated books with an autographed photo of himself.

How The Grinch Stole Christmas!, book and lyrics by Timothy Mason, music by Mel Marvin, directed by Jack O'Brien, plays at San Diego's Old Globe Theatre Nov. 12-Dec. 31.

Seuss was the author of several children's books including "Hop on Pop," "One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish," and "Horton Hears a Who." The Grinch, is one of Seuss' best known characters, not only from the book, but from an animated television special which is an annual holiday favorite. Christmas 2000 will also bring a live action movie of the tale, starring Jim Carey as the Grinch. This season, Broadway will see the musical Seussical, based on Theodore Geisel's characters.

Tickets are $42-$26. The Old Globe Theatre is located in Balboa Park, beside the Museum of Man. For tickets to Grinch (also available July 23), call (619) 239-2255. The Old Globe is on the web at http://www.oldglobe.org.

-- By Christine Ehren