‘Seussical the Musical’ gets kids back on stage

Horton, the Cat in the Hat, the Whos and a host of other favorites from the legendary imagination of Theodore Geisel – aka Dr. Seuss – will be in town this weekend as part of the Sonoma Children's Creative & Performing Arts production of “Seussical the Musical!” a lively musical that brings to life an array of Dr. Seuss’s most memorable characters.

It’s the first time back on stage for the children’s theater troupe after a two-year pandemic layoff, said company director Sarah Duran LeVine.

“The arts have never been more important in a child’s life then they are right now and we are beyond thrilled to be back on stage providing a creative outlet for kids and teens in our community,” Duran LeVine said.

Added Duran LeVine: A cast of 60 local kids and teens are “ecstatic” to be up on stage.

The plot, adapted from various Suess books by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, features the Cat in the Hat, who tells the story of Horton, an elephant who discovers a speck of dust that contains the 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 in 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,” describes a press release about the Sonoma production.

The original production of “Seussical” made its debut on Broadway in 2000 and has gone on to become a frequent production of choice for schools and regional theaters.

Duran LeVine said that one of her favorite things about staging local children’s theater performances is that over the years many of the performers return to take part in productions as adults.

“Everyone on our staff is a former cast member,” Duran LeVine told the Index-Tribune. “Our choreographer, assistant director, sound and lights, drummer, etc., are all young adults who started with us as little kids on stage.”

Cast members will be accompanied by pianist Bill Keck, formerly of “Beach Blanket Babylon.”

Health and safety precautions will be emphasized at each show. Performers will wear clear face masks, which allow audiences to see the faces of the kids on stage. Audience seating will also be spaced out as much as possible.

Performance times are Friday, Oct. 15 at 7 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 16 at 2 and 7 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 17 at 2 p.m. at the Sonoma Valley Veterans Memorial Building. Tickets are available at the veterans building beginning one hour before each performance. Reserve tickets by emailing createperformsonoma@gmail.com.