YOUNG ARTISTS ENSEMBLE Presents SEUSSICAL THE MUSICAL

Young Artists Ensemble presents SEUSSICAL THE MUSICAL based on the characters and stories of Dr. Seuss. Performances are Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays November 6 - 22, 2015 at the Hillcrest Center for the Arts, 403 West Hillcrest Drive. The production is Directed by Georgeanne Lees with Music Directed by Susan T. Calkins and Choreography by Kate Peltola

According to the director: “Seussical” weaves together at least 15 elements from the Dr. Seuss books, intertwining the stories together in marvelous and surprising ways. As the characters travel through their imaginative journeys, they find love, desperation, courage, sympathy, comfort and hope. The lessons learned are valuable to us all. “Seussical” helps us view the world through the wondrous eyes of a child, and as Jojo imagines his universe we see the value of helping out friends, never giving up, staying true to yourself and the promises you make. He creates a world balanced with a bit of mischief and of sweetness.

“I decided to direct this show for my 2 1/2 year old grandson Jack, who loves his Dr. Seuss books,” says director Lees. “I wanted his first theatre experience to be engaging, fun and colorful - Something that would fill him with wonder.” Lees told this story to the cast, and when Jack attended a rehearsal the cast jumped into a second run-through of the finale. Jack loved it, but more importantly, the cast really enjoyed their experience bringing alive Dr. Seuss to a young child. “They were so kind to him,” said Lees. “The heart and courage of our characters reflect the heart and courage of our cast, who with great enthusiasm, boldness and kindness took on the challenge of this huge musical.”

SEUSSICAL THE MUSICAL is the first production in Young Artists Ensemble’s 35th Annual Family Theatre Season: THE SEASON OF MAGICAL LANDS with enchanting tales to show young audiences the magic that is all around them.

The Season continues with a journey through the Wondrous Land of Oz from colorful Munchkinland to the Emerald City in THE WIZARD OF OZ performing February 5 – 21, 2016. Inspiring imagination with picturesque beautfy of turn-of-the-century Prince Edward Island and a charming little town called Avonlea, the Season concludes with ANNE OF GREEN GABLES May 6-22, 2016. Season tickets can be purchased at a deep discount by contacting the box office at (805) 381-1246 or www.yaeonline.com. Season tickets for all three shows are $39 for adults (an $18 savings) and $33 for children, students and seniors (a $15 savings). Individual show tickets are $19 for adults and $16 for children, students and seniors.