The Old Globe Theater

Written by Scott Messmore

The City of San Diego has one of the most established Shakespearean theaters in the nation at the Old Globe Theater in Balboa Park. The Old Globe Theater was founded in 1935 for the California Pacific International Exposition to show short version's of the bard's works. The Old Globe Theater has survived two terrible fires that destroyed two of its theaters and continues to produce at least 12 main stage productions each year in addition to smaller plays and an extensive educational and community program.

Seventy Years of the Old Globe Theater

The Old Globe has worked with a wide variety of artists and performers throughout its nearly 70-year history. Notable artists include playwright Neil Simon, actors

Laurence Fishburne, Marsha Mason, Leonard Nimoy, Christopher Reeve, Stockard Channing, Elizabeth Montgomery, JoBeth Williams, James Whitmore, Paul Winfield, Lily Tomlin and Cleavon Little. The Old Globe Theater stages performances for nearly 250,000 visitors each year and works with another 25,000 in educational programs. During peak season, the Old Globe Theater will have as much as 1,000 volunteers to work the stages, box offices and help construct sets and costumes.

Old Globe Theater Plays for the Fall Season

The Old Globe Theater is presenting Dr. Suess' "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" from Nov. 19 to Dec. 31. Performances at the Globe and Carter Theaters start at 8 p.m. from Tuesday through Saturday. Matinees are

Shakespearean Play at the Old Globe Theater

at 2 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. Sunday performances are at 7 p.m. The outdoor Festival Theater doesn't show matinee performances; regular show times are 8 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday.

Hours of Operation and Location

The Old Globe Theater is located in Balboa Park. Visit their web site at www.oldglobe.org. The Old Globe Theater has a wide range of pricing programs for the shows based on show dates, the number of plays and previews. Seniors, active-duty military and dependents and full-time

students can get discounted tickets with proper identification. Group tours are available for a behind the scenes look at the Old Globe Theater.

For more information about show times and ticket prices, call 619-231-1941.