Dr. Seuss’ Fantastical, Magical Musical Extravaganza
Elisa Morales
The Signal
Bay Area Houston Ballet and Theatre brings characters from the classic pages of Dr. Seuss’ readers’ all-time favorite books to the University of Houston-Clear Lake’s Bayou Theater in four special performances of “Seussical” April 12-14.
For nearly 25 years, BAHBT has been a part of UHCL and the community with performances in the Bayou Theater. Over the last eight years, they have produced six musicals including “Grease,” “Hairspray,” “Annie,” the classic holiday favorite “The Nutcracker,” and for the first time, “Seussical.”
“The Bay Area Houston Ballet & Theatre company has a long-standing history of presenting high-quality ballets and musicals on our campus,” said Andrew Reitberger, acting director of UHCL’s student life. “They work very hard to bring in professionals that elevate the performance to a level that you wouldn’t normally find in a community-based performing arts group. I think ‘Seussical’ is a great opportunity to see great art locally.”
UHCL’s Bayou Theater sets the stage for the production.
“BAHBT is the Bay Area’s only professional ballet and theatre company and UHCL’s Bayou Theater is the premiere theater in the area…it is a perfect match,” said Vanessa Handrick Garner, producer for BAHBT. “The Bayou Theater is a perfect size for our audience, as well as serving our technical needs to create a fantastic show!”
“Seussical” is a musical by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty based on the works of Dr. Seuss. The BAHBT production of “Seussical” will be under the direction of Broadway veteran Kevin Cahoon.
“What makes ‘Seussical’ different from the other productions I have directed for BAHBT, is that ‘Seussical’ feels like a blank canvas,” Cahoon said. “‘Annie’ you have to set in Depression era NYC; ‘Hairspray,’ Baltimore in 1968. These productions are rooted in history. ‘Seussical’ is rooted in the imagination. It is the world of Dr. Seuss, which allows you to go anywhere stylistically. It’s all about the imagination.”
Attendees can expect to see Cat in the Hat as the narrator in a circus-themed production that is geared to entertain an audience of all ages. Some of the beloved characters from readers’ favorite books like “Oh, the Thinks You Can Think!,” “Green Eggs and Ham” and “Horton Hears a Who” will include Horton the Elephant, Mayzie La Bird, Gertrude McFuzz and a little boy with quite an imagination – Jojo.
“Bring your family,” Cahoon said. “Whether you are 5 or 85 you will connect with the journey of these characters. Also, don’t expect your typical production of ‘Seussical.’ We have lots of surprises up our sleeves for the Bayou Theatre.”
“Seussical’s” musical production creates a family-oriented environment. Dr. Larry Fleming, veterinarian at the Marina Bay Animal Clinic, performing in the role of the Mayor of Whoville, has the opportunity to perform beside his 14-year-old son Andrew, who has already been a part of approximately 15 productions with BAHBT. Andrew will portray one of the Wickersham Brothers.
“There is a lot of color, a lot of activity and excitement that would keep little kids interested,” Fleming said. “There are also little jokes and humorous things that occur that a lot of students would find very entertaining.”
Come experience an evening of imagination with Dr. Seuss at UHCL’s Bayou Theater.
Performance times are 7:30 p.m. April 12, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. April 13, and 2 p.m. April 14. Regular-priced tickets are $25 and $35. Tickets for students and children 18 and under are half off regular price and $20 for students, seniors and military. Purchase tickets online by visiting the website at www.bahbt.org or by calling 281-480-1617.
“I like Dr. Seuss, like most of us,” said Terry Feagin, professor of computer science at UHCL. “I’m glad it’s coming to UHCL. Sounds like it would be great for kids and an opportunity for a family outing.”
As Dr. Seuss would say, “You’re off to Great Places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, So… get on your way!”
Photos and slideshow by Elisa Morales: The Signal.
