Fox Country Players have onstage fun with ‘Seussical Jr.’
Submitted by Fox Country Players
The fun continues at Fox Country Players’ “Summer of SEUSS,” Theatre Arts Academy. This week, the high school students have spent all day under the expert direction of Mark Wayne, musical director Tori Perez, and choreographer Zach Gray as they rehearse for performances of “Seussical Jr.” this weekend.
“Seussical Jr.” will be performed at 7 p.m. Friday, July 27 and Saturday, July 28 and 2 p.m. Sunday, July 29, at the Community Christian Church, 129 Commercial Drive, Yorkville. Before the Friday performance on July 27, from 5 to 6:30 p.m., a special Seuss Spaghetti Social will be hosted by Saint Joseph Cabinetry. The dinner is free with paid admission to “Seussical Jr.” Donations will be accepted and all contributions will benefit the FCP Theatre Arts Academy.
The whimsical story of “Seussical Jr.” is based on the works of Dr. Seuss and weaves together his most famous tales and characters from at least 15 of his books. Narrated by the Cat in the Hat, played by Robert Allen, the musical follows the adventures of Horton, played by John Pletka, an elephant who one day hears voices coming from a small speck of dust. He soon discovers that within this tiny speck exists the smallest planet in the universe. On this tiny planet resides a society of tiny creatures known as “Whos,” complete with a Mayor, played by Will Belles, his wife played by Carly Teeling and their son JoJo played by Nick Miesuk, who is the smallest of all. Although ridiculed by the Sour Kangaroo, played by Annie Shirley, the Wickersham Brothers played by Ryan Barkauskas, Christian Lovetere and Zach Belles and other animals in the Jungle of Nool for believing in something he cannot see, Horton stubbornly clings to his mantra: “A person’s a person no matter how small.” Horton’s adventures continue as he’s convinced by Lazy Mayzie, played by Rachel Eaton, to sit on her egg while his neighbor Gertrude, played by Alexis Dilg, follows him faithfully, having fallen in love with his kind and powerful heart. Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty and community emerge triumphant in this imaginative tale that is perfect for the young and the young at heart.
Tickets are $10 or $5 for children ages 12 and younger. For tickets, visit foxcountryplayers.org. Tickets will also be available at the door. For more information, call (630) 234-5459.