Theatre Department Presents Seussical, Based on Beloved Dr. Seuss Characters
Georgi Ana Smith ·
May 15, 2009
Southern Virginia University is continuing its tradition of offering the community a lively summer musical with the production of Seussical. Performances will run May 29-30 and June 5-6 in Southern Virginia’s Chandler Hall.
Seussical is a combination of many of Dr. Seuss’s most popular short stories with the main storyline concerning Horton and JoJo, characters from “Horton Hears a Who!,” in which Horton the elephant tries to protect the people of Who-ville, who reside on a small speck of dust.
Horton and JoJo, a Who-ville child, both feel “alone in the universe,” as a song lyric from the musical has it, as they cling to their beliefs in the face of stern opposition.
There are 32-cast members, including seven children from local elementary, middle and high schools. The orchestra consists of about 20 individuals including local community members.
The cast includes Samuel Benson, a Kling Elementary school student, as JoJo. The other principals are all students from Southern Virginia: Stephen Codling as Horton; Nathanael Pence as the Cat in the Hat; Arielle Tanner as Gertrude McFuzz; and Rachael Dorman as Mayzie La Bird.
The show first debuted on Broadway in 2000. After a Broadway run, the production spawned two national tours and has become a favorite for school, community and regional theatres.
General Admission is $7; children and senior citizens are $5. There is also a rate of $25 for the entire family. Tickets will be available at the door prior to each night’s performance and through the Southern Virginia business office at 540-261-8405.
“Seussical is not just for children,” said Robert Stoddard, the director and an assistant professor of theatre at Southern Virginia. “There’s something in it for every person. It’s perfect for the Rockbridge area, and everyone is sure to love it.”