Photo Flash: First Look at CST's SEUSSICAL

Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) brings the humor and magic of Dr. Seuss to life onstage this summer for young audiences and their families in the Broadway musical comedy Seussical. Playful, energetic and full of whimsy,Seussical engages the imagination with clever lyrics and melodies, unforgettable characters and the colorful world of Dr. Seuss. Seussical is written by the Tony Award®-winning team of Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, whose works include Ragtime, Once on This Island and the current Broadway production of Rocky, The Musical. Eric Idle ofMonty Python and Spamalot fame co-conceived the musical. Directed by Scott Weinstein with musical direction by Michael Mahler, Seussical will be performed July 5 through August 17 in CST's Courtyard Theater. Every performance features special opportunities for audiences to interact with the actors for one-on-one conversations and photo opportunities. On Wednesdays and Thursdays, CST partners with the Chicago Children's Museum (CCM) to offer hands-on craft activities in CST's Lobby. Check out a first look below!

Alex Goodrich performs the role of The Cat in the Hat, the mischievous and playful narrator. In addition to previously being seen at CST in The Taming of the Shrew, the Jeff Award-winning actor has honed his comedic and musical skills around Chicago at a number of theater companies including the Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire and Royal George Theater. As the thoughtful and observant Horton the Elephant, George Andrew Wolff returns to CST after appearing in previous summer family musicals including The Emperor's New Clothes and Willy Wonka. Lillian Castillo makes her CST debut as loveable one-feathered Gertrude McFuzz. Additional casting includes: Emily Chang, Lisa Estridge, Cory Goodrich, Aaron Holland, Ericka Mac, Liam Quealy, Joseph Sammour, Allison Sill and Krystal Worrell.

Joining the artistic team is Tommy Rapley as the production's Choreographer. Scott Davis is Scenic Designer, returning to Chicago Shakespeare after designing Road Show, Shrek The Musical and Othello: The Remix. Costume Designer Theresa Ham returns to CST after creating the imaginative costumes for Shrek The Musical and Beauty and the Beast. Jeff Award-winner Jesse Klug, whose previous work at CST includes Cyrano de Bergerac andOthello: The Remix, serves as Lighting Designer. CST Sound Master James Savage is Seussical's Sound Designer; among his nearly forty productions at CST, recent designs include Othello: The Remix and Murder for Two. CST's resident Jeff Award-winning Wig and Make-up Designer Melissa Veal, who has designed over seventy-five productions at Chicago Shakespeare, completes the creative team.

For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Chicago Shakespeare Theater's Box Office at 312.595.5600 or visit the Theater's website at www.chicagoshakes.com.

Photo Credit: Michael Brosilow