Seussical the Musical Takes to the Stage
After all of those years being stuck on a page,
Did you ever imagine you'd see me onstage?
Now I'm here, there's no telling what may ensue!
No there's no telling what!
But I'll give you a clue...
Oh, the thinks you can think!
Oh, the thinks you can think!
If you're willing to try...
So begins Footlighters Theatre Company's production of Seussical the Musical, from the composer/lyricist team Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens based on the witty and wonderful words of Dr. Seuss. Opening July 22 at the Prairie Lakes Theater, Seussical is a magical, fantastical show that weaves together elements from fourteen Dr. Seuss classic stories in unexpected ways. Featuring many of his most memorable characters such as the Cat in the Hat, Horton the Elephant, Mayzie LaBird, Yurtle the Turtle, and the Grinch, the story takes place in parallel universes: The Jungle of Nool and the infinitesimal planet of Whoville. The worlds are connected by loyal, tender-hearted Horton the Elephant, who's sanity is questioned by his fellow jungle dwellers, when he becomes the protector of the Who's, whom only he can hear.
Seussical reveals a world where anything is possible, from an elephant sitting in a tree to a person too tiny to see, from a heroic child to dreams that run wild. With larger than life characters, both tender and rousing melodies, outrageous costumes and sets, Seussical makes the unbelievable believable. Directed by Barry Norton, with choreography by Mary Williams, and musical direction by Mike Evans, Seussical is fun for the whole family and a must see this summer.
With: Peter Sisto (the Cat in the Hat), Kent Joseph (Horton the Elephant), Lauren Hagan (Gertrude McFuzz), Desiree Gonzolez (Mayzie LaBird), Katherine Smail and Katherine Parker (Jo Jo), Jenna Hesseln (Sour Kangaroo), Matt Bonadona (Mayor of Whoville), Melissa Parilla (Mrs. Mayor), Bud Jones (General Genghis Kahn Schmitz); Anna Marie Abbate, Amy Nolan, Regina Verhelst, Dolores Santiago, and Tami Boyce (Bird Girls); Adrian Delgado, Alex Steele, Rodrigo Arcibar, and Mitch Wernet (Wickersham Brothers); Daisy Anderson (Cindy Lou Who); Emily Murman and Julia Murman (Thing 1 and Thing 2); Lydia Stux (Yertle the Turtle); and Michael Lane (Grinch).
Book by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty; music by Mr. Flaherty; lyrics by Ms. Ahrens; conceived by Ms. Ahrens, Mr. Flaherty, and Eric Idle. Directed by Barry Norton; choreography by Mary Williams; music director, Mike Evans. Based on the works of Dr. Seuss. At the Prairie Lakes Theater, 515 E. Thacker St. Des Plaines; June 22-August 7, Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00pm, Sundays at 2:00pm. Tickets on sale at Prairie Lakes community Center, in advance: $12 Adults, $9 Children, Students, Seniors, and Groups of 12+, at the door: $14 Adults, $11 Children, Students, Seniors, and Groups of 12+. For more information call 847-391-5711 or visit www.DPParks.org.