Beloved Dr. Seuss characters come to life in family-friendly musical
Janel Shoun-Smith |
The Cat in the Hat and Jojo.
Lipscomb Theatre presents "Seussical" Feb. 13-22
Continuing a long tradition of offering children’s theater, Lipscomb University presents Feb. 13-22 one of the most performed shows in America: “Seussical.”
Almost 30 Lipscomb students will perform in the fantastical musical that brings together characters from multiple beloved stories by Dr. Seuss. The action starts with the Cat in the Hat pulling a little boy on stage and using his imagination to fuel the plot of the musical, which includes plenty of dance, colorful costumes, a multi-level set, swinging monkeys and an elephant in a rolling tree.
“For Lipscomb’s theater students, the production provides them with a nice break from dramas,” said Kari Smith, director of the play and adjunct professor in theater and dance. “It is important for students to do all styles of theater, so they get a well-rounded educational experience. Plus, they are having a lot of fun playing the famous characters they grew up reading about.”
Tyler Russell, who played Marius in Lipscomb’s production of “Les Miserables” and Tony in Lipscomb’s “West Side Story,” will star as the Cat in the Hat. The Cat not only narrates the story, but pops into the action to play multiple characters, Smith said.
“Tyler is such a great dancer and so good at doing character voices, that he adds a lot of comedy to the production,” Smith said. “At different points he plays an auctioneer, a doctor and a Latin pool boy.”
The Boy, or Jojo, as he is called in the Seuss world of imagination, is played by Candace Nichols, who portrayed Gavroche in Lipscomb’s “Les Mis.” Elijah Wallace, who played Threnardier in “Les Mis,” will play Horton the Elephant.
Lipscomb’s traditionally produces a children’s production each year, with local elementary school students attending at various matinee productions.
“What I love about this show is that it is for everyone,” said Smith. “When you watch it, you get so much of the sweetness of the story, of the loyalty and the sense of family. It brings up topics that parents can discuss with their kids. And there are plenty of vibrant colors and active dance to hold children’s interest.”
“Seussical” was written by Tony winners Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty. Lipscomb’s production will show in the Collins Alumni Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. Feb, 13 and 14, and Feb. 20 and 21. A 3:30 p.m. matinee will show Feb. 15 and 22.
For tickets, contact the Lipscomb University Box Office at 615.966.7075. Tickets are $17 for individuals, $12 for university faculty/staff and $5 for students of any age. For information on the school matinee showings, call Smith at 615.423.1928.