"Smile Because It Happened"
With the help of 28 talented Nantucket students, the Theatre Workshop of Nantucket has brought to the stage the wonderfully whimsical Seussical Jr. The Musical as their 2008 Children’s Musical for Children by Children.
The production is a compilation of stories by Dr. Seuss set to an outrageous soundtrack of great music in many styles: Latin, pop, swing, gospel, r&b, and funk. TWN Producing Director Jordana Fleischut describes it as “full of color and energy” and fun for all ages.
Writers Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty stay true to the works of Dr. Seuss, who said: Fantasy is a necessary ingredient in living, It's a way of looking at life through the wrong end of a telescope. Which is what I do, And that enables you to laugh at life's realities.
All the students in the musical range in age from 5 to 18; some have participated in theatre, and others have never before been on stage. Since early May they’ve been working hard, “and now they’re out there performing and really belting it out...not afraid to use their voices and really having a good time. It’s really positive,” said Fleischut.
The leads include young veteran TWN performers Nellie Morley as Horton the Elephant, Sarah Poor as Cat in the Hat, Leah Newman as Lazy Mayzie, Julia Newman as Gertrude McFuzz, Shae Albertson as JoJo, and Alex Kopko as the Sour Kangaroo. “The good thing about this play is that there are so many leads that every child gets to be featured,” Fleischut explained.
Seussical Jr. The Musical is being performed at Bennett Hall, 62 Centre Street, Tuesday through Saturday until July 26. Curtain time is 5 pm. For tickets and reservations, visit www.TheatreWorkshop.com or call the TWN Box Office at 508-228-4305.
