The Growing Stage's SEUSSICAL Closes

The Growing Stage, The Children's Theatre of New Jersey, located in the Historic Palace Theatre on Route 183 in Netcong, New Jersey is proud to present SEUSSICAL through April 1st with performances Friday evenings at 7:30 PM, Saturday and Sunday matinees at 4:00 PM. Music by Stephen Flaherty, lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, book by Stephen Flaherty & Lynn Ahrens, and based on the works of Dr. Seuss. SEUSSICAL is directed by TGS founder and executive Director Steve Fredericks with choreography by Jillian Petrie and musical direction by Laura Petrie.

Now one of the most performed shows in America, SEUSSICAL is a fantastical, magical, musical extravaganza! Tony winners Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty ("Ragtime," "Once On This Island") have lovingly brought to life all of our favorite Dr. Seuss characters.

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.

SEUSSICAL features the talents of Steve Graham as The Cat in the Hat; Kristen Ware of Newton as JoJo, Christopher Frazier of Whippany as Horton; Melinda Bass of Montclair as Gertrude McFuzz; Maggie Graham of Fanwood as Mayzie La Bird, and Sahirah Johnson of Newark as the Sour Kangaroo. Also in the cast are Danny Arnold and SAndy Taylor of Bayonne as Mr. & Mrs. Mayor; Sarah Jessica Anfora, Kristen Comyns and Katelyn Spinosa as The Bird Girls; with Becky Nitka, Matthew Fralley and Brandon Hightower as The Wickersham Brothers. In total there is a cast of 31 professional and local artists performing in the production.

The Growing Stage is committed to creating and presenting professional theatre for young people and their families. "The magic of Dr. Seuss work and what allows it to live on from generation to generation is the unique value he places on imagination. He doesn't merely ask his readers to sit back and escape – he encourages us to think – just think!" states company director, Steve Fredericks. Housed in the historic Palace Theatre on Route 183 in Netcong, the organization currently celebrating its 30th season, strives to provide audiences with the unique and affordable opportunity to share a fun, culturally significant moment in their intimate and very special venue. The company is also showcasing its restoration of their front façade which has recently undergone major changes in keeping with its recognition of being on the National, State and County Registers of Historic Places.

Tickets for SEUSSICAL are $18 for adults, $14 for children and seniors, with group rates available. On Sunday, April 1st the Growing Stage will host a signed interpreted performance at 4:00 PM. Tickets can be purchased by calling the TGS Box Office at (973) 347-4946 or logging onto their website at www.growingstage.com. The Growing Stage – The Children's Theatre of New Jersey programs are made possible, in part, by funding from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, and contributions from numerous corporations, foundations, and individuals.

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