Cast And Creatives Announced For U.S. Premiere of DR. SEUSS'S THE LORAX
By: A.A. Cristi Mar. 19, 2018
The Old Globe, together with Children's Theatre Company (CTC), and in partnership with The Old Vic, today announced details for the Minneapolis and San Diego productions of Dr. Seuss's The Lorax in its U.S. premiere. The production, based on the book The Lorax by Dr. Seuss, is adapted for the stage by David Greig (Artistic Director of the Royal Lyceum Theatre Company; recent work: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Cover My Tracks) with music and lyrics written by Charlie Fink (Frontman/songwriter for the hit musical group, Noah and the Whale (2007-2015). H. Adam Harris, along with Meghan Kreidler and Rick Miller puppeteering, will play The Lorax. Joining them is Steven Epp as The Once-ler. Playing multiple roles in the ensemble are Ansa Akyea, Christopher Becknell, Stephanie Bertumen, Brian Bose, Ryan Colbert, Lynnea Doublette, Johannah "Joh" Easley, Rajané Katurah, Ryan Lear, Ryan Dean Maltz, Emily Michaels King, and Autumn Ness.
CTC/Minneapolis performances run April 17 - June 10, 2018. Globe/San Diego performances run July 2 - August 12, part of the Globe's 2018 Summer Season, on the Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage in the Old Globe Theatre, part of the Conrad Prebys Theatre Center. Opening night is Friday, July 6 at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are now available only as part of a Season Package. Single tickets start at $40 for adults and $30 for children ages three and above, and they go on sale to the general public on Earth Day, Sunday, April 22 at 12:00 noon. Tickets may be purchased online at www.TheOldGlobe.org, by phone at (619) 23-GLOBE, or by visiting the Box Office at 1363 Old Globe Way in Balboa Park.
Direct from London's West End comes the critically acclaimed and Olivier Award-nominated musical event of the summer. Silky soft Truffula trees provide the perfect ingredient for a nifty new garment. But when demand skyrockets, who will speak for all the trees in the Truffula forest? Enter the Lorax. Dr. Seuss's The Lorax has been enchanting adults and children alike for generations, and this summer his irresistible, big-hearted, mustachioed hero will be brought to inventive life in what critics call a "mad, uproarious delight" (The Independent). Audiences of all ages will be thrilled by the brilliant, eye-popping colors, infectious music, and beloved story that the Financial Times called "joyous and all-too-timely."
Dr. Seuss's The Lorax, originally produced at The Old Vic in London, is directed by Max Webster (an Associate Director at The Old Vic), with choreography by Drew McOnie (Olivier Award winner for Best Theatre Choreographer for In the Heights), scenic and costume design by Rob Howell (Broadway's Groundhog Day, Matilda the Musical, Ghost the Musical, and Private Lives), lighting design by Jon Clark (Associate Artist of the Royal Shakespeare Company), and sound design by Tom Gibbons (Oliver Award for Best Sound Design for People, Places and Things), puppet direction is by Finn Caldwell for Gyre and Gimble (Broadway's War Horse and Angels in America), puppetry design by Finn Caldwell and Nick Barnes (West End's Mr. Popper's Penguins, London 2012 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony), and musical supervision and arrangements by Phil Bateman (original music director of West End Billy Elliot the Musical, vocal arranger for the film Kinky Boots). The Globe creative team includes associate director James Vasquez (the Globe's American Mariachi and Dr. Seuss's How The Grinch Stole Christmas!), music direction by Elan McMahon (the Globe's Dr. Seuss's How The Grinch Stole Christmas!), and production stage manager Stacy McIntosh.
"Dr. Seuss Enterprises is thrilled to see this fantastic show, which premiered at The Old Vic in London, make its way across the ocean to two theatres with whom we have longstanding relationships-Children's Theatre Company in Minneapolis and The Old Globe in San Diego," said Susan Brandt, President of Dr. Seuss Enterprises, L.P. "With continued headlines focused on environmental concerns such as deforestation, pollution, and melting ice caps, The Lorax's message is one that remains relevant and poignant almost 50 years after it was written. It is gratifying to see three of the world's best theatres bring Ted Geisel's important message about taking care of our planet and each other to the next generation of Seuss fans and naturalists."
"Having Dr. Seuss's The Lorax at The Old Globe is exciting in a slew of ways, but two stand out," said The Old Globe's Erna Finci Viterbi Artistic Director Barry Edelstein. "First, the story itself is charming, fun, and timely, and this theatrical adaptation of it is just a thrill to watch. It's a sophisticated, grown-up telling of a masterful tale for young people, a charming and winning piece of theatre that truly offers something for everyone. The second wonderful thing about The Lorax in our season is that it continues our relationship with San Diego's own Dr. Seuss. This relationship spans two decades in which The Grinch has brought his unique wit and heart to our audiences. Now the Lorax joins him as a member of the Globe family. I can't wait."
"We are thrilled to bring our audiences the U.S. premiere of Dr. Seuss's The Lorax, a powerful, witty, and important story for all generations," said Children's Theatre Company Artistic Director Peter C. Brosius. "We are excited to welcome the London production's creative team to Minneapolis and delighted that after our production the fabulous cast of Minnesota actors will all travel to The Old Globe in San Diego. Our partnership with The Old Globe and The Old Vic further advances our mission of reaching multigenerational audiences both in our state and across this country with extraordinary theatrical productions."
Dr. Seuss's The Lorax at the Globe is supported in part through gifts from Production Sponsors Peter Cooper, Elaine and Dave Darwin, and Hal and Pam Fuson, as well as Artist Sponsor Jo Ann Kilty (for H. Adam Harris, playing The Lorax). Financial support is provided by The City of San Diego.
Additional events taking place during the run of Dr. Seuss's The Lorax at The Old Globe include:
VICKI AND CARL ZEIGER INSIGHTS SEMINAR: Tuesday, July 3 at 5:30 p.m.
An opportunity to closely connect with productions both onstage and backstage. A panel selected from the artistic company of each show, joined by actors, designers, and/or technicians-engages patrons in an informal and illuminating presentation of ideas and insights to enhance the theatregoing experience. Reception at 5:00 p.m. FREE.
POST-SHOW FORUMS: Tuesdays, July 10 and 17, and Wednesday, July 11.
Join us after the show for an informal and enlightening question-and-answer session with cast, crew, and/or Globe staff members. Get the inside story on creating a character and putting together a professional production. FREE.
TICKETS to Dr. Seuss's The Lorax are currently available only as part of a Season Package. Subscriptions for the 2018 Summer Season range in price from $138 to $373 (subject to change). Single tickets start at $40 for adults and $30 for children ages three and above, and they go on sale to the general public on Earth Day, Sunday, April 22 at 12:00 noon. Tickets may be purchased online at www.TheOldGlobe.org, by phone at (619) 23-GLOBE, or by visiting the Box Office at 1363 Old Globe Way in Balboa Park. Discounts are available for full-time students, patrons 29 years of age and under, seniors, military members, and groups of 10 or more.
Globe performances begin on July 2, 2018 and continue through August 12, 2018. Performance times: Previews: Monday, July 2 at 7:00 p.m.; Tuesday, July 3 at 7:00 p.m.; and Thursday, July 5 at 7:00 p.m. Opening night is Friday, July 6 at 7:00 p.m. Regular performances (July 7 - August 12): Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday evenings at 7:00 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays at 12:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. There will be no performance on Wednesday, July 4.
LOCATION and PARKING INFORMATION: The Old Globe is located in San Diego's Balboa Park at 1363 Old Globe Way. Through a special arrangement with the San Diego Zoo, Old Globe evening ticket-holders have the opportunity to pre-purchase valet parking in the Zoo's employee parking structure at certain performances. With a drop-off point just a short walk to the Globe, theatregoers may purchase fast, easy, convenient valet parking for just $14 per vehicle per evening. Pre-paid only, available only by phone through The Old Globe Box Office. Call (619) 234-5623 or visit
www.theoldglobe.org/plan-your-visit/directions--parking/valet-parking. The Balboa Park valet is also available during weekend performances, beginning at 10:00 a.m., located in front of the Japanese Friendship Garden. For additional parking information visit www.BalboaPark.org.
There are numerous free parking lots available throughout the park. Guests may also be dropped off in front of the Mingei International Museum. There is a 10-minute zone at The Old Globe, used only for daytime deliveries, ticket purchases, and handicapped access dropoff. For directions and up-to-date information, please visit www.theoldglobe.org/plan-your-visit/directions--parking/detailed-directions.
About The Old Globe
The Tony Award-winning Old Globe is one of the country's leading professional regional theatres and has stood as San Diego's flagship arts institution for over 80 years. Under the leadership of Erna Finci Viterbi Artistic Director Barry Edelstein and Managing Director Timothy J. Shields, The Old Globe produces a year-round season of 15 productions of classic, contemporary, and new works on its three Balboa Park stages: the Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage in the 600-seat Old Globe Theatre and the 250-seat Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre, both part of The Old Globe's Conrad Prebys Theatre Center, and the 605-seat outdoor Lowell Davies Festival Theatre, home of its internationally renowned Shakespeare Festival. More than 250,000 people attend Globe productions annually and participate in the theatre's artistic and arts engagement programs. Numerous world premieres such as the 2014 Tony Award winner for Best Musical, A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder, Meteor Shower, Bright Star, Allegiance, The Full Monty, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, and the annual holiday musical Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas! have been developed at The Old Globe and have gone on to enjoy highly successful runs on Broadway and at regional theatres across the country.
About Children's Theatre Company
Children's Theatre Company (CTC) is the nation's largest and most acclaimed theatre for multigenerational audiences. It creates theatre experiences that educate, challenge, and inspire for nearly 275,000 people annually. CTC is the only theatre focused on young audiences to win the coveted Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre and is the only theatre in Minnesota to receive three Tony nominations (for its production of A Year with Frog and Toad). CTC is committed to producing world class productions at the highest level and to developing new works, more than 200 to date, dramatically changing the canon of work for young audiences.
CTC's engagement and learning programs annually serve more than 85,000 students ages 2-18 through Theatre Arts Training, student matinees, Bridges, and early childhood arts education programs that bring students to the theatre and bring teaching artists into the classroom. The ACT One program is CTC's comprehensive platform for access, diversity and inclusion in our audiences, programs, staff, and board that strives to ensure the theatre is a home for all people, all families, reflective of our community. www.childrenstheatre.org
About The Old Vic
The Old Vic is London's independent not-for-profit theatre, creating world-class entertainment. Through our eclectic and adventurous work on stage, projects with young people, employability programmes, digital outreach, all-day café and late night cocktail bar, The Old Vic under Artistic Director Matthew Warchus is an exciting and inviting place to be. We trade in creative imagination. It is the commodity that will be most prized tomorrow and the reason why The Old Vic is as vital today as it was in 1818 when it first opened its doors.
About Dr. Seuss
Theodor "Seuss" Geisel is quite simply the most beloved children's book author of all time. Winner of the Pulitzer Prize in 1984, three Academy Awards, two Emmy Awards, three Grammy Awards, and three Caldecott Honors, Geisel wrote and illustrated 45 books for children. Hundreds of millions of copies have found their way into homes and hearts around the world. While Theodor Geisel died on September 24, 1991, Dr. Seuss lives on, inspiring generations of children of all ages to explore the joys of reading. For more information about Dr. Seuss and his works, visit Seussville.com.
Dr. Seuss Enterprises, L.P.
The primary focus of Dr. Seuss Enterprises, L.P. is to protect the integrity of the Dr. Seuss books while expanding beyond books into ancillary areas. This effort is a strategic part of the overall mission to nurture and safeguard the relationship people have with Dr. Seuss characters. Theodor Seuss Geisel (Dr. Seuss) said he never wanted to license his characters to anyone who would "round out the edges." That is one of the guiding philosophies of Dr. Seuss Enterprises.
Ansa Akyea (Once-ler Dad /Inspector) is a professional actor, teaching artist and director who has worked throughout the country. Along with his stage work, Ansa has numerous television (In an Instant- ABC), film (House of Tomorrow, Memorial Day), commercial (MNsure, Target, Buffalo Wild Wings), and voiceover credits in his body of work. Ansa Akyea's stage credits include A Christmas Carol (Guthrie Theater); Jackie & Me (Children's Theatre Company); How to Use a Knife (Mixed Blood Theater); Othello (Ten Thousand Things); Jackie Wilson Story (Black Ensemble) and many others. A recipient of the Playwright Center's McKnight Award for acting, the Many Voices Mentorship award and City Pages Best Actor award. Ansa is a proud M.F.A. graduate of the University of Iowa's Acting Program (2000). (AEA/SAG-AFTRA)
Christopher Becknell (Musician/Storyteller) is a Twin Cities musician who freelances in many musical styles. An accomplished classical and fingerstyle guitarist, he also performs on fiddle in a wide range of styles from classical, Celtic, bluegrass and old-time to rock and Hot Club Jazz Violin. He serves on the music faculty of Minneapolis Community and Technical College and runs his own Suzuki Method music program for children and their parents at his private studio in Minneapolis. In 2015, Christopher released an album of fingerstyle gospel and folk song arrangements for solo guitar called Just Beyond the River; it has received playtime on The Current, Minnesota Public Radio and KBEM's Bluegrass Saturday Morning and is available on CDBaby or iTunes.
Stephanie Bertumen (Once-ler Family/Inspector/McGee) has enjoyed roles in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Theatre L'Homme Dieu produced by Bloomington Civic Theater); Disenchanted! (Casting Spells Productions); A Little Night Music; Twelfth Night; Purple Cloud; tot: The Untold, Yet Spectacular Story...; Charles Francis Chan Jr.'s Exotic Oriental Murder Mystery (Mu Performing Arts); The Debutante's Ball (History Theatre in partnership with Mu Performing Arts); Right, Wrong, or Bomb! A Dating Musical (Backyard to Broadway Productions); Complicated Fun (History Theatre); The Last Firefly and The Abominables (Children's Theatre Company); Flower Drum Song (Mu Performing Arts and Park Square Theatre) and Jesus Christ Superstar and Annie (Ordway Center for the Performing Arts).
Brian Bose (Once-ler Family/Bear) has performed in Mr. Chickee's Funny Money (Apollo Theater); DJ Latinidad's Latino Dance Party; Safe at Home and The Lost Tribe of PA-US Cargill (Mixed Blood Theatre Company); In The Heights and Dirty Little Secrets (San Diego Repertory Theatre); The Bacchae (London Oval House Theater); Romulus Kilgore's Mobile Happiness Bazaar (La Jolla Playhouse W.O.W. Festival); A Civil War Christmas (Diversionary Theatre) and It's All Bueno (Cornerstone Theater Company). He trained at University of California San Diego, British American Dramatic Academy, Steppenwolf West and California State University, Los Angeles Academy of the Dramatic Arts. Brian was named one of the 2014 Faces to Watch in the Arts by the San Diego Union Tribune.
Ryan Colbert (Small Ed/Storyteller) is ecstatic to be making his debut with The Old Globe through this partnership with Children's Theatre Company! Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Ryan grew up in a vibrant theater and arts community. Since graduating from the University of Minnesota/Guthrie Theater B.F.A. Actor Training Program, he has had the pleasure of working with many great Twin Cities theater companies: Guthrie Theater, Penumbra Theatre, Mixed Blood Theatre, and the Playwrights' Center to name of few. On top of his theatrical career, he also works locally on-camera and in voiceovers. In 2016, Ryan won an Ivey Award for Outstanding Ensemble.
Lynnea Doublette (Storyteller) Lynnea is excited to join the cast of CTC and The Old Globe's Dr. Seuss's The Lorax. Lynnea has also appeared in productions with History Theatre, Theater Latté Da, Guthrie Theater, Stages Theatre, Illusion Theater and Theatre in the Round. She has been seen in numerous commercials, industrial films and print ads. Her film credits include Turnipseed; Autistic License and His Neighbor Phil. She received a B.A. in Psychology from Winona State University and a M.S. in Healthcare Communications from Saint Thomas University.
Johannah "Joh" Easley (Child/Once-ler Family/McCann) is excited to take this journey with The Lorax cast and crew. At Children's Theatre Company, Joh has enjoyed roles such as Akeelah in Akeelah and the Bee, as well as Patty Farrell in Diary of a Wimpy Kid the Musical. Other credits include Hairspray (History Theatre); Lord of The Flies (Illusion Theatre) and For Colored Girls (Mixed Blood Theatre Company).
Steven Epp (The Once-ler) is an actor, writer, director based in Minneapolis. Steven was co-Artistic Director at Theatre de la Jeune Lune, 1983-2008, winner of the 2005 Tony Award for Best Regional Theatre. Steven is currently the co-Artistic Director of The Moving Company based in Minneapolis. Acting credits include lead roles in Tartuffe; Crusoe; Hamlet; Figaro; The Miser; Man of La Mancha; The Servant of Two Masters; Accidental Death of an Anarchist and Fiddler on the Roof. Regional credits include productions at Guthrie Theater, La Jolla Playhouse, Berkeley Repertory Theatre, Trinity Repertory Theatre, The Spoleto Festival, American Repertory Theatre, The Alley Theatre, Intiman, CenterStage, The Shakespeare Theatre, PlayMakers, Seattle Repertory Theater, South Coast Rep, Yale Repertory Theatre, The New Victory Theatre and Theatre for a New Audience. Steven has co-authored and adapted numerous plays including Children of Paradise (winner of the 1993 Outer Critics Circle Award for Best New Play), Servant of Two Masters and Ruzante (Theatre for a New Audience), and Refugia (Guthrie Theater). Steven holds a degree in Theatre and History from Gustavus Adolphus College.
H. Adam Harris (The Lorax: voice and puppeteer) is a Minneapolis based actor, teaching artist and cultural equity consultant. He works at the intersection of theatre, education, social justice and community engagement. Recent theatrical credits include the world premiere of This Bitter Earth at New Conservatory Theatre Center. He's a frequent performer with The Children's Theatre Company: The Snowy Day; The Jungle Book and Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas. He has worked with Guthrie Theater, Seattle Children's Theater, Park Square Theatre, Pillsbury House Theatre and Minnesota Orchestra. He is a proud Penumbra Theatre Company Member, credits with Penumbra include The Owl Answers; The Dutchman; The Ballad of Emmett Till and The Amen Corner. Along with serving on the Ten Thousand Things board, he is also a member of Artist Core, credits with the company include The Unsinkable Molly Brown; Dirt Sticks; The Seven and Park & Lake. H. Adam is the Education Coordinator at the Playwrights' Center; Lead Teaching Artist/Facilitator at Penumbra Theatre Company; a resident teaching artist with Guthrie Theater and Children's Theatre Company, and faculty at the St. Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists. He is a graduate of the University of Minnesota/Guthrie Theater B.F.A. Actor Training Program.
Rajané Katurah (Granny Once-ler/Von Goo) is a 2017-2018 Performing Apprentice at Children's Theatre Company. She is an alumna of Spelman College, where she graduated with a B.A. in Drama and a minor in Spanish. Rajané has also trained at the British American Drama Academy (BADA) in London, England. Selective theatre credits include: Born For This: The BeBe Winans Story (Alliance Theater); Gee's Bend (Spelman College); The Revenger's Tragedy (BADA); Big River (The Unquowa Rep); Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Children's Theatre Company); The Wiz (Children's Theatre Company/Penumbra Theatre). Instagram | @RajaneKaturah
Meghan Kreidler (The Lorax Puppeteer) has been seen on Minneapolis stages at Children's Theatre Company, Theater Mu, Mixed Blood Theatre, Ten Thousand Things, Guthrie Theater, History Theatre, Park Square Theatre, Theater Latté Da, Walking Shadow Theatre Company and Workhaus Collective. She is a Monologue and Teaching Artist with Penumbra Theatre's Race Workshop. Recipient of the 2017 Ivey Award for Emerging Artist and Overall Excellence in Ensemble for Vietgone (Mixed Blood Theatre). Meghan is also the recipient of the 2017 City Pages Artist of the Year. She is a graduate of the University of Minnesota/Guthrie Theater BFA Actor Training Program. kissthetiger.com
Ryan Lear (Musician/Storyteller) is a Minneapolis based artist whose stage work focuses on original and imaginative works. He is a company member of the critically acclaimed theater group Four Humors and has appeared in many of their past works including as the title role in their original adaptation of Don Quixote at Guthrie Theater's Dowling Studio. Other credits include Dr. Seuss's The Cat in the Hat (Children's Theatre Company), Grease (Chanhassen Dinner Theatres), Legend of Sleepy Hollow (Jon Ferguson Theater), and One Man, Two Guvnors (Yellow Tree Theater). Ryan is also a founding member and Board Chair of the yearly Twin Cities Horror Festival.
Ryan Dean Maltz (Storyteller) is thrilled to be making his Children's Theatre Company and Old Globe debut with Dr. Seuss's The Lorax! Originally from Colorado, Ryan is a recent graduate of the University of Minnesota/Guthrie Theater B.F.A. Actor Training Program. Since joining the Twin Cities, he has performed in shows such as A Christmas Carol (Guthrie Theater); Under the Gaslight (Minnesota Centennial Showboat) and The Adventures of Katie Tomatie (Open Eye Figure Theatre).
Emily Michaels King (Dance Captain/Swan/Once-ler Family) is a Minnesota based performer and creator. Her stage credits include Love's Labour's Lost (The Moving Company and Actor's Theatre of Louisville), Ballad of the Pale Fisherman and Promise Land) (Transatlantic Love Affair), Super Monkey (Jon Ferguson), The Woyzeck Project (Black Label Movement), Minnesota Opera, Tectonic Theater Project, Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, and Live Action Set (many pieces plus the Ivey Award winning The 7 Shot Symphony). Some of her creation highlights include: Animus and Lewis/Clark (with Debra Berger), Jonah and the Whale (7th House Theater Collective, co-directed with Tyler Michaels) and the Walker Art Center's Choreographer's Evening (2009, 2012). emilymichaelsking.com
Rick Miller (The Lorax Puppeteer) An actor and puppeteer in the Twin Cities, Rick has performed in Constance in the Darkness, The Red Shoes, Toy Theatre After Dark, The Sorcerer's Apprentice, and Driveway Tour), (War Within/All's Fair and Little Dickens (The Moving Company), and The Seagull (Theatre Novi Most). Rick graduated from the University of Minnesota BA program in 2015.
Autumn Ness (Mommy Once-ler/Samelore Bews) is so proud to be in her 18th season as a member of the CTC Acting Company! Some favorite roles include: Stepmother in Cinderella, Mama in Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Turtle in A Year With Frog and Toad, Bagherra in The Jungle Book, Mom in Diary of a Wimpy Kid the Musical, Fiona in Shrek, Mrs. Darling in Peter Pan, Betsy Bear in Busytown the Musical, The Queen of Hearts in Alice in Wonderland, The Biggest Little House in the Forest, Mrs. Cobb in Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy, A Wrinkle in Time, Lily St. Regis in Annie, Mother in A Christmas Story, Nurse in Romeo and Juliet, White Witch in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, Mrs. Piggle Wiggle in The Magic Mrs. Piggle Wiggle, PROM and Mississippi Panorama. Autumn is a recipient of a 2018 Fox Foundation Resident Actor Fellowship.
David Greig (Playwright) is an award-winning playwright and, since 2016, Artistic Director of the Royal Lyceum Theatre Company, Edinburgh. His plays have been staged in the U.K. and around the world. Recent work includes: Cover My Tracks (The Old Vic/Latitude Festival/U.K. tour); Charlie and the
Chocolate Factory (West End); Lanark (Citizens Edinburgh); The Events (Traverse/Young Vic); Midsummer (Traverse/Soho/Tricycle); Dunsinane (Royal Shakespeare Company); The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart (National Theatre of Scotland); Monster in the Hall; Yellow Moon (TAG Glasgow).
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