Dr. Seuss inspired musical 'Seussical' opens at Cumberland County Playhouse

Cumberland County Playhouse opens its annual youth/volunteer production, "Seussical," on Saturday, Feb. 4.
Cumberland County Playhouse opens its annual youth/volunteer production, "Seussical," on Saturday, Feb. 4.

If you go

* What: “Seussical.”* When: Through Friday, March 3 (various showtimes).* Where: Cumberland County Playhouse, 221 Tennessee Ave., Crossville, Tenn.* Admission: $20 adults, $18 seniors, $11 students/children.* Phone: 931-484-5000.* Website: www.ccplayhouse.com.

Cumberland County Playhouse has opened a monthlong run of its youth/volunteer production with a musical inspired by Dr. Seuss.

"Suessical" is based on favorite stories from the prolific author, including "Horton Hears a Who," "Horton Hatches the Egg" and "Gertrude McFuzz."

The Cat in the Hat, the show's host, tells the story of Horton, an elephant who discovers a speck of dust on a clover that contains the Whos, including Jojo, a Who child with a big imagination. 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 Mayzie La Bird. Although Horton faces ridicule, danger, kidnapping and a trial, the intrepid Gertrude McFuzz never loses faith in him.

As the colorful characters transport the audience from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus to the invisible world of the Whos, friendship, loyalty, family and community are shown to be powerful forces.

Weslie Webster directs the musical, and Jess Martin is assistant director. Choreography is by Jensen Crain and music direction by Ron Murphy.

Angela Robbins will portray the magical, mischievous Cat in the Hat, Braxdon King is the kind and steadfast Horton the Elephant, Darbi Banegas is the lovable Gertrude McFuzz and Ellie Burnett is the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird. Ellie Velker and Anna Wiggins will share the role of JoJo, the little Who who teaches all that "a person's a person no matter how small."

Also in featured roles are Karla Corder as the Sour Kangaroo, Kyra Crosby as the Young Kangaroo and Rich Nelson as Yertle the Turtle. Rounding out the cast are Levi Bailey, Malachi Banegas, Grayson Brawner, Nick Crosby, Demetra Drainas, David Farmer, Kelsey Goodwin, Brooke Howard, Caroline Keel, Caitlin McMahan, Karli Moles-Edwards, Dillon Norrod, Matthew Peaslee, Sydney Reed, Ethan Reed, Zeke Tinch, Caleb Velker and Kyle Ward.

"Seussical," rated G, runs through Friday, March 3. Also at the Playhouse are Neil Simon's "The Odd Couple" in the Adventure Theater through Friday, March 31.

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