Information

Show Credits: Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens
Book by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty
Music by Stephen Flaherty
Co-Conceived by Eric Idle

Description: Now one of the most performed shows in America, 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. "Oh, the Thinks You Can Think" captures the show's spirit of imagination, as the colorful characters transport us from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus to the invisible world of the Whos.

The story centers around Horton the Elephant, who finds himself faced with a double challenge--not only must he protect his tiny friend  Jojo (and all the invisible 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, the only one who recognizes "his kind and his powerful heart." Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family and community are challenged and emerge triumphant, in a story that makes you laugh and cry.

For complete information on this and other Ahrens and Flaherty shows, as well as links to purchase CDs, vocal selections and other publications, please go to www.AhrensandFlaherty.com.

Insight from the experts Staging Tip: A FEW "THINKS" FROM THE AUTHORS

WHAT IS SEUSSICAL?

This is a new musical, based on the works of Dr. Seuss. But it isn't just a string of his stories set to music. And it isn't just one of his stories. In fact, what we've done is to create a totally new, full-length book musical, with a story which weaves together his most famous tales and characters in unexpected ways. The Seuss lexicon includes hundreds upon hundreds of wondrous characters, creatures, places and things. "Seussical" incorporates elements from at least 15 of his books, as well as many of his best-loved and most familiar characters. Many of these characters never met one another before. But they meet in our musical. And in the course of the evening, some will fall in love, some will have desperate adventures and some will save the world. And they'll all travel everywhere from the Jungle of Nool to McEligott's Pool to Palm Beach.

Dr. Seuss believes in helping a friend, in not giving up, in keeping a promise. He believes in the value and dignity of others, in working to preserve the fragile sweetness of the natural world, and he believes that peace is the ultimate ideal, among nations and in every heart. He also believes in the pure power of the imagination. You will find all these serious concerns at the heart of "Seussical."

A FEW TECHNICAL NOTES:

Every production has the option to use a male or female actor to play THE CAT IN THE HAT. For a MALE CAT IN THE HAT, please follow the script as written. The musical score is labeled "Male Version" in the upper right hand corner of every page of each cue that is intended for a MALE CAT IN THE HAT and the orchestra parts are labeled "Male Version" as well. For a FEMALE CAT IN THE HAT, please use the additional scene in Palm Beach, which is included at the end of the script and marked for "Female Cat in the Hat." This is the only text change necessary to accommodate a female. The musical score is labeled "Female Version" in the upper right hand corner of every page of each cue that is intended for a FEMALE CAT IN THE HAT and the orchestra parts are labeled "Female Version" as well. For your information, the musical cues that have both MALE and FEMALE versions are:

01-Oh, The Thinks...Intro
01A-Oh, The Thinks...Pt1
05E-Meet JoJo The Who
06-Oh, The Thinks...Reprise
07-It's Possible.Pt1
15-How Lucky You Are
17B-Finale.Pt3-How Lucky You Are
21-Mayzie...In Palm Beach
26-Havin' A Hunch.Pt.1
26A-Havin' A Hunch.Pt2(Nightmare)
26B-Havin' A Hunch.Pt3(Oh, The Thinks...)

These above cues reflect changes in the vocal arrangements as well as the orchestration and instrumental arrangement. Lyrics and texts are identical with the exception of the Palm Beach scene (#21) as mentioned above. All other musical cues can be played by a cast that features either a MALE or FEMALE CAT IN THE HAT.

SOME THOUGHTS ON HOW TO DO THE SHOW:

Our show has been through many different versions in its writing and in production. From its original reading in New York to its Toronto Workshop, through its Broadway run and on to two successful national tours, a number of talented designers, directors and choreographers have tried their hands at creating the world of Dr. Seuss. We've all learned a lot along the way, but we can sum it up in three words: LESS IS MORE! If you want to do your production on a gym floor in sweatpants and colorful T-shirts, with a ladder for a tree and a few simple props and feathers, please go right ahead and do it. the show will work--beautifully! Don't think you need anything more elaborate. The simpler and more imaginative your production is, the more the story will come shining through. After all, this is a story about the imagination. Use yours.

As for choreography, yes, you guessed it--Less IS MORE! Dr. Seuss is all about language, and so is "Seussical". We've noticed that the more complicated and busy the choreography is, the more difficult it becomes to follow the story, which is dense and told mostly in song. If you tell the story clearly and simply, sing with precision, use minimal sets, props and costumes, and don't over-choreograph, you will have a wonderful production and more fun that you can imagine.

Our best wishes and THINKS to you.

Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty