CDC Theatre in Cranford is offering a great way to jump into a fun holiday season! Seussical is a fantastical and magical musical adventure that is fun for the whole family! The show follows many of our favorite Dr. Seuss characters, including Horton the Elephant, The Cat in the Hat, Gertrude McFuzz, and a little boy with a big imagination – Jojo, in the musical retelling of their respective Dr. Suess fables. The colorful characters transport the audience from the Jungle of Nool to the tiny but effervescent world of the Whos.
The Cat in the Hat (Lyle Dungee) narrates the story of Horton (Zach Love), an elephant who discovers a speck of dust inhabited by the Whos, including Jojo (Garrett Hanlon), a Who child sent off to military school for thinking too many “thinks”, and his very concerned parents Mr. Mayor (Justin Luckenbaugh) and Mrs. Mayor (Nicole Scavone). Horton faces a double challenge: not only must he protect the Whos from a world of naysayers and dangers, but he must guard an abandoned egg, left in his care by the free-spirited Mayzie La Bird (Krystina Matos). Although Horton faces ridicule, danger, kidnapping and a trial, the intrepid Gertrude McFuzz (Jenna Ravenda) never loses faith in him, and through the power of friendship, loyalty, courage, family and community these two unique worlds emerge triumphant from their trials and tribulations.
Director Zach Mazouat explains that “Just like its source material, at a first glance, Seussical appears to be a lighthearted children’s musical, but at the heart of each of the show’s many storylines is a meaningful lesson about friendship, courage, self-acceptance and the power of the singular voice. It’s a show that both children and adults will enjoy. A true testament to the enduring power of Dr. Suess and his fables.” Also at the helm of this production are music director Tracy Witko, choreographer Melanie Della Peruti, stage manager Dana Dispoto, and producer Anita Esteve.
Rounding out the very talented cast are Rachel Valovcin, Elle Michaeli, Brian Butterfield, Jaimie Woodruff, Melanie Cella, Alison Giles, Michele Greenspan, Jonathan Sykes, Ryan Sautner, Tyler Sautner, Aaron Shinn, Alexandra Banncroft, Edgar Hidalgo, Sean Kelly, Olivia Kelly, Mark Zebro, Joseph Michaeli, Bridget Webb, Lorelle Lane, Marisa Piccininni, Billy Mehr, Hannah Martin, Joann Riley, Danielle Mastropiero, Nicole D’Angelo and Geovanna Ayala (as Cindy Lou Who).
The show will run Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from December 7-16. Additional information and tickets can be found by visiting cdctheatre.org. Shop on-line for best price and selection.
