For generations, the stories and illustrations of Dr. Seuss has entertained readers and sparked the imaginations of children and adults alike. His whimsical worlds make us laugh, encourage us to think and inspire a lifelong love of reading.
This November, the vivid colors, playful language and unforgettable characters that define the work of Dr. Seuss will come to life onstage at Fayetteville Technical Community College in “Seussical,” a musical inspired by his classic books.
Familiar characters will fill the stage during eight performances Nov. 5-14. The Cat in the Hat, Horton the Elephant and Jojo join a colorful cast of birds, Whos, monkeys, kangaroos and other Seussian characters. The adventure moves between the Jungle of Nool and Who, the tiniest planet in the sky.
“Seussical” brings together elements of several beloved Dr. Seuss stories, including “Horton Hears a Who!,” “Horton Hatches the Egg,” “Gertrude McFuzz” and “The Butter Battle Book.” Audiences also will recognize references to other characters and stories from the world of Dr. Seuss, including cameo appearances by the Lorax and the Grinch.
Guiding the audience through the adventure is the Cat in the Hat, who serves as master of ceremonies and narrator. With his mischievous antics and flair for creating trouble, the Cat keeps the story moving through a celebration of friendship, loyalty, imagination, and the power of believing in yourself.
FTCC offers programs across a wide range of disciplines, from health care, nursing, cybersecurity and business to building trades and collision repair and refinishing technology. The college also is home to a vibrant and growing Fine Arts program that offers associate degrees in theater, music, visual arts and entertainment technology.
Students in these programs develop their talents, grow as artists, and gain the knowledge and experience needed to pursue careers in the arts and entertainment industries. Faculty members and students also collaborate across disciplines and with members of the community to produce high-quality live theater.
With production costs supported by FTCC and the FTCC Foundation, admission to “Seussical” is free. By making live theater accessible to the community, FTCC is investing not only in the education and development of its Fine Arts students but also in the connections and sense of community that the arts help create.
The “Seussical” company includes FTCC students, faculty and staff members, as well as performers from the surrounding community. Some cast members appeared on the Cumberland Hall Auditorium stage earlier this year in FTCC’s production of “The Sound of Music.” For others, “Seussical” marks their first FTCC production.
With its energetic music, colorful characters and imaginative storytelling, “Seussical” offers something for theatergoers of all ages. FTCC invites the community to experience the magic beginning Thursday, Nov. 5.
Performance schedule
All performances will be held in Cumberland Hall Auditorium, 2211 Hull Road, on FTCC’s Fayetteville campus.
Admission is free, and tickets are not required. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Doors open 30 minutes before each performance.
Production credits
Music by Stephen Flaherty
Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens
Book by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty
Co-conceived by Lynn Ahrens, Stephen Flaherty and Eric Idle
This production of “Seussical” is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International. All authorized performance materials are supplied by Music Theatre International.
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