Looking for a blend of musicality and poetic meter? Then check out the newest production by Starbound Theatre.
That would be “Seussical Jr.,” a youthful version of the long-running musical based on the works of Dr. Seuss. It can be seen for one weekend only at Vacaville Performing Arts Theatre from Thursday to Saturday.
The original “Seussical” was developed by writer Lynn Ahrens and composer Stephen Flaherty, with story contributions by Eric Idle of Monty Python fame, and made its Broadway debut in 2000. The story takes the characters and settings from many of Dr. Seuss’ books, as well as their distinctive art style, and centers around Horton the Elephant as he discovers a civilization called the Whos living on a speck of dust and tries to protect both them as well as an egg left by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird, even as Horton is forced to join the Circus McGurkus.
The premise is largely inspired by “Horton Hears a Who” and “Horton Hatches the Egg,” but the play is filled with characters and references from other Seuss books, including legendary ones such as “The Cat in the Hat,” “The Lorax” and “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” to more obscure works such as “The Butter Battle Book,” “Hunches in Bunches” and “McElligot’s Pool.”
“Seussical” was not a success in its initial Broadway run, ultimately closing after six months, but a reworked national touring version a few years later proved it had longevity, leading to additional off-Broadway and West End runs and the play becoming a staple for high school productions. It even resulted in a 60-minute “Seussical Jr.” version, which Starbound Theatre will be performing its own take on.
The shows will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday at VPAT, 1010 Ulatis Drive. All shows will feature an intermission, resulting in an overall 90-minute runtime. Tickets range from $22 to $25 and can be purchased by visiting Vpat.net, calling 469-4013 or buying in person at the VPAT Box Office, noon to 6 p.m. Thursday and Friday.
For more information on Starbound Theatre, call 416-8990 or visit Starboundtheatre.com.
