Seussical the Musical
Book: Lynn Ahrens & Steven Flaherty
Lyrics: Lynn Ahrens
Directed by Gloria Dennison
Musical Director Judy O'Conner
Based on the beloved characters and stories of Dr. Seuss, Seussical the Musical follows the adventures of Horton, an elephant who one day hears voices coming from a speck of dust. He soon discovers that within this tiny speck exists the smallest planet in the universe! And upon this tiny planet, live a tiny race of creatures known as Whos! Although ridiculed by the other animals in the Jungle of Nool for believing in something he cannot see, Horton stubbornly persists in his belief that the Whos exist. Meanwhile, the citizens of Who are having some adventures of their own, including a war over which side of the bread gets buttered. Jojo, the smallest child in the city of Who, parallels Horton’s journey as he is ostracized for the unpopular act of thinking — an activity not encouraged by the parents and teachers of Whosville. But in spite of these obstacles, Jojo and Horton attempt to do what they think is right, and together they sing the duet “Alone in the Universe.” However, their path will not be easy. Horton is sold to the Circus McGurkus and eventually goes on trial before Judge Yertle the Turtle before the other animals of the jungle come to understand, as Horton has always known, that “a person’s a person, no matter how small.” During the course of the story, the Cat in the Hat pops in and out of scenes, narrating, playing numerous characters, and helping the younger members of the audience keep track of what’s going on.