Information

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

Description: A delight for children to perform, SEUSSICAL is now one of  the most-performed shows in America!  In this 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.

For this version, certain plot elements have been simplified, it is in one act, and runs approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes - perfect for student actors. (See ADDITIONAL FACTS below for details)

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."

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