Ojai Valley News
As fall settles in across the country, and mugs of hot chocolate and tea come out, we are turning our sites towards the holidays. With that comes the close of The Ojai Art Center Theater’s 80th season, with “Seussical,” a whimsical play that sings and dances its way through one of the most loved and timeless creative body of works.
Dr. Seuss for many, has been a part of their lives since children or parents of children. His stories such as “The Cat in the Hat,” “The Lorax,” “Horton Hears a Who,” and “The Grinch Stole Christmas” have taught kids how to read, encouraged them to think outside the box, and wonder at the unordinary worlds Theodore Geisel (Better Known as Dr. Seuss) created.
His books have passed down to children, helped them to learn to read, and marvel at his use of non-sensical words to stretch the imagination.
To bring this wonderful world to life, director Gai Jones has assembled an inter-generational cast. “Working with ages 8-70,” said Jones, “in a production is joyous, and reminds us all that life is continuous; we teach each other.”
Dr. Seuss books, often filled with strange names and ‘political’ messages, demonstrate his heart in a way that allows the reader to read, repeat and even sing his words. This readability is a key part of the enduring power of Dr. Seuss’s literature. Children can read Dr. Seuss books many, many times without tiring of the rhythms, the plots, or the art.”
“SOMETIMES THE QUESTIONS ARE COMPLICATED, AND THE ANSWERS ARE SIMPLE.”
The answer is simple! Bring the whole family to join Horton, the Grinch, and the Cat in the Hat as they weave their way through a cast of musical characters. For four weekends starting November 22 through December 15, 2019, at the Ojai Art Center Theater and share in a moment of pure holiday magic.
Seussical Cast (in order of appearance)
Arshan Barati
Kyra Maal-Kin
Poosy Holmes
Steven Michael
Seussians-Ensemble
Michael McCarthy, Elisabeth McColloch, Evan Austin, Shannon Cardella, Christine Hodge, Don Gaidano, Heather Holden, Hadley Julca, Catalina Austin, Aarya Chitnis, Poeme Howard, Lily Julca, Marisa Miculian, Emily Hall, Christian McAteer, Leonard Klaif, Maria David, Kelly Hollis, KiSea Katikka, Sheila McCarthy, Nichole Riffenburgh, Hayley Silvers, Jade Taylor, Suzy Thatcher, Isla Thompson, Jake Ayers,
Bodhi Bourbon, Amber Shea Hodge, Ruby Intner, Steven Michael, Shannon Penrith, Shannon Cardella
“YOU HAVE BRAINS IN YOUR HEAD. YOU HAVE FEET IN YOUR SHOES. YOU CAN STEER YOURSELF IN ANY DIRECTION YOU CHOOSE.”
Steer yourself right into theater seats, “Seussical!” runs weekends from November 22 to December 15, with Friday and Saturday night performances at 7:30 pm with matinees on Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2 pm. The box office opens 45 minutes before each show. Ticket prices; $25 general admission, $20 seniors and AC members, and $10 for those under 25. You can purchase online at OjaiACT.org or call (805) 640-8797.