He's a mean one, but now you can spend your holiday season with him.
He's the Grinch, the famed green Scrooge from the strange mind of children's author Dr. Seuss, and he's the star of a new musical. 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, beginning previews Nov. 17 for a Nov. 22-Jan. 3, 1999 run.

Seuss, is 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.

Playing the Grinch will be Broadway veteran Guy Paul (The King and I, Private Lives, Rumors). Also featured in the show, will be Don Sparks as Old Max, Rusty Ross as Young Max, Steve Gunderson (Forever Plaid, Suds) as JP Who, and Melinda Gilb (Suds) as Mama Who. Sharing the featured role of Cindy-Lou Who, will be two local young actresses, Vanessa A. Hudgens and Tiffany Scarritt.

O'Brien's creative team includes John Lee Beatty, scenic design; Robert Morgan, costume design; Pat Collins, lighting design and Kathleen Marshall, choreography.

The Old Globe's musical adaptation of the Dr. Seuss classic, How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, with book and lyrics by Timothy Mason, and music by Mel Marvin begins previews Nov. 15, for a Nov. 22, - Jan. 3. For tickets ($39) or more information, call (619) 239-2255. -- By Sean McGrath