A Bloomfield Tradition: ‘Seussical’ Will Fundraise For Nutley Boy

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of The Charles Seller Foundation. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site.

In 1950, a young man named Charles Seller was struck by a train, losing one of his legs. His family and friends came together to put on a variety show named “Talent Time” to aid in his medical costs. This started a tradition in Bloomfield that has lasted for more than 70 years. Each summer our members, who are in their mid-teens to early thirties, produce and perform a musical in which all profits go towards someone in the area with high medical bills. This year The Charles Seller Foundation’s Talent Time Players present “Seussical” to benefit Chase McGee of Nutley.

This year's beneficiary is 9-year-old Chase McGee. Chase was diagnosed in August of 2021 with Medulloblastoma. Medulloblastoma is a cancerous brain tumor that starts in the lower back part of the brain. Chase is one of three children, with two younger siblings. Despite his diagnosis and the challenges that come with it, Chase and his family manage it all with a positive attitude.

In “Seussical,” the Cat in the Hat tells the story of Horton, an elephant who discovers a speck of dust that contains the Whos, including Jojo, a Who child sent off to military school for thinking too many “thinks.” Horton faces a double challenge: not only must he protect the Whos from a world of naysayers and dangers, but he must guard an abandoned egg, left in his care by the irresponsible Mayz ie La Bird. Although Horton faces ridicule, danger, kidnapping and a trial, the intrepid Gertrude McFuzz never loses faith in him. Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family and community are challenged and emerge triumphant.

The Charles Seller Foundation and Talent Time production is produced by Abby Maichuk Miles and directed by Gregory Liosi, with musical direction by Ethan Smith and choreography by Shay Bonner. Seussical will be performed at the Bloomfield High School Auditorium, located at 160 Broad Street in Bloomfield, with performances on August 4, 5, 6*, 12 and 13*. (*denotes a 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. performance.)

Tickets are available online for $12 general admission. Tickets will also be available for $15 general admission at the door. Advanced online ticket purchase is recommended.

Link to purchase tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-charles-seller-foundation-presents-seussical-tickets-345915020137

Community members who wish to donate can find information on the foundation’s website, http://thecharlessellerfoundation.com/

For more information, contact the Charles Seller Foundation at thecharlessellerfoundation@gmail.com.

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