SEUSSICAL THE MUSICAL BY LYNN AHRENS, NEPTUNE HS GRAD

2015

Oh, the thinks you can think as NENAproductions Theater Project opened its 2015-2016 Season with the family friendly musical, Seussical at the Jersey Shore Arts Center Fridays and Saturdays, October 9 to 17 at 8PM and Sunday, October 18 at 3PM.

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Seussical is a fantastical, magical, musical extravaganza! TONY winners Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty (Lucky Stiff, My Favorite Year, Once On This Island and Ragtime) have lovingly brought to life all of our favorite Dr. Seuss characters, including Horton the Elephant, The Cat in the Hat, Gertrude McFuzz, lazy Mayzie, and a little boy with a big imagination--Jojo. The colorful characters transport us from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus to the invisible world of the Whos.

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Ms. Ahrens is a 1966 graduate of Neptune High School. This is the second time NENAproductions has brought Ms. Ahrens work to the Jersey Shore Arts Center stage. A past production of Once on this Island was lovingly received two seasons ago.

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In Seussical, the Cat in the Hat tells the story of Horton, an elephant who discovers a speck of dust containing Whos, including Jojo, a Who child sent off to military school for thinking too many "thinks." 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 to his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird. Although Horton faces ridicule, danger, kidnapping, and a trial, the intrepid Gertrude McFuzz never loses faith in him. Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family, and community are challenged and emerge triumphant.

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Seussical is fun for the whole family!

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Artistic Director of NENA, Nick Montesano, directs and choreographs with musical direction by Jeff Brown.

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The adult cast includes many NENA regulars and several newcomers to the Arts Center stage. Veterans Joe Hausvater, Jessica Berger, and Jennifer Nelson appear as The Cat, Mayzie LaBird, and the Sour Kangaroo. NENA newcomers include Tyler Cicardo as Horton and Carly Cosentino as Gertrude McFuzz. JoJo, the young boy is portrayed by Saint Rose Grammar School 7th Grader Gavin Springer.