OSPA presents “Seussical Jr.” Aug. 14-15

Contributed
Published: August 14, 2008

The Orange School of Performing Arts and the Firehouse Theatre will proudly present a production of the musical “Seussical Jr.“ August 14-15 at the Firehouse Theatre in Orange. The play features 19 talented local dancers and singers, ages 9-16, most of whom perform during the year at OSPA. The dynamic team of Lydia Horan and Ricardo Porter are directing and choreographing the production, which will culminate in three performances Thursday and Friday.
In the musical “Seussical,“ composer Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty have lovingly brought to life all of our favorite Dr. Seuss characters, including Horton the Elephant, the Cat in the Hat, Gertrude McFuzz, Lazy Mayzie, Yertle the Turtle, and all of the Whos of Whoville! The score comprises a Seussian gumbo of musical styles, ranging from Latin to pop, swing to gospel, and R&B to funk. The storyline, narrated and orchestrated by The Cat in the Hat, merges the tales of “Horton Hears a Who” and “Horton Hatches the Egg,“ as Horton finds himself discovering and trying to save the planet Who and his new Who-friend Jo Jo. When Mayzie comes along looking for someone to sit on her nest, Horton obliges and stays there through thick and thin, because “an elephant’s faithful 100 percent.“ Though his jungle friends think Horton is crazy, his neighbor Gertrude remains steadfast in her support of him. The vibrant musical provides entertainment for all ages, and is a real delight for anyone who ever read, and read, and reread, a Dr. Seuss book.
The 19 youngsters in this production sing, dance and act as a true ensemble, with Matt Thomas taking the lead as the beloved and faithful Horton the Elephant. The ensemble includes Ellie Adams, Marisa Brizzolara, Molly Brumfield, Jacob Deloriea, Emily Digney, Amelia Elias, Lexy Foor, Hannah Frobom, Austin Hickman, Miranda Hogan, Anna Grey Hogan, Cordelia Hogan, Kyla Lardie, Dylan McAuley, Hannah Morris, Lainie Powell, Kayla Quarles and Peyton Sides.
Performances of “Seussical Jr.“ are Thursday, Aug. 14, at 7 p.m. and Friday, Aug. 15, at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 and are available at the door or in advance at theatre on Main Street (across from Taylor Park). For more information, call 672-9038. So let your toes tap, your fingers snap, and your imagination run wild for “Oh, the thinks you can think, When you think about Seuss!“