Seussical the Musical at Summit Playhouse

At some point in their lives, it seems that everyone has been touched by the whimsical stories of Dr. Seuss. We listen to them as children, read them to those younger than us as adults, and have watched the animated and film versions of the tales.

 And now, area locals will have an opportunity to experience the imaginative stories as they come to life in the live musical production of Seussical Jr., performed by the Kaleidoscope Theatre for Youth and opening today at The Summit Playhouse.

First performed on Broadway in 2000, Seussical the musical integrates the storylines of various beloved Dr. Seuss characters including Horton the Elephant, The Cat in the Hat, Gertrude McFuzz, the Grinch, Mayzie La Bird, the Whos of Whoville, and many more. The Kaleidoscope Theatre press release refers to the production as a "fantastical, magical, musical extravaganza!"

Abbe Maron, the show's producer, called the show "fun and happy," saying that it "really appeals to all generations."

"The adults will really appreciate the message behind the show," said Maron. "It's great for first-time audience members, to introduce them to theater."

The show's cast is made up of 33 members, ranging in age from 6 to 17 years old. The actors are all New Jersey residents and Maron said that some travel as far as 25 minutes to attend rehearsals, which began in July.

Seussical Jr. will be performed under the direction of fifteen-year-old Lindsay Maron. Yes, you read that correctly. This will be the sixth show she's directed in the past three years. Yes, you also read that correctly.

The young Short Hills resident, who is the daughter of producer Abbe, also has a history of acting which includes performances at numerous local playhouses, as well as a part in The American Girl Show in New York City.

Lindsay said she has "always wanted to do theater" and has been performing since she was 5 years old.

She began directing about three years ago when she organized a workshop version of Willy Wonka for hopefuls who weren't cast in the Kaleidoscope Theatre's production of the same musical that year. 

Since her success with the workshop, Lindsay's gone on to officially direct several youth productions including 101 Dalmatians and Dreamers Revue.

"Seuss is a show I've loved for a while. I was in it for the first time when I was 8," said Lindsay. The star has since been in two additional performances before taking on the role of director.

Lindsay has also recruited other youth to work as assistants both on and off the stage, helping out with the show's technical and production aspects.

"(Seussical Jr.) is really expressing the mission of Kaleidoscope Theatre because now teens are getting experience backstage as well as having the opportunity to perform," said Abbe Maron.

"It's been a lot of fun," said Lindsey, "The kids seem to be enjoying it."

The show kicks off tonight at 7 p.m. Subsequent shows will be performed on Saturday August 7 at 2 and 7 p.m., Sunday August 8 at 2 p.m., and the following Tuesday through Thursday at 7 p.m. each of the three evenings.

Tickets are $15 each. For more information, visit the Summit Playhouse Web Site.

"I hope (audience members) enjoy it and can appreciate and enjoy the fun songs and morals of the stories," said Lindsay, who also said that the messages related through the musical are one of the things she loves most about it.

The director said, "Horton is very intent about finding the Whos because 'a person's a person no matter how small.' But I think that applies to everyday life."