The National Children's Theatre is ending the year with a magical musical incorporating many of Dr Seuss's favourite characters, Seussical Jr.
Go on a magical journey this festive season with the Cat in the Hat, Horton and Jojo, the smallest citizen of Whoville, at the National Children's Theatre.
Seussical Jr, a musical interpretation of the famous tales of Dr Seuss, opens at the Parktown theatre on 9 November, and ends on Christmas Eve.
"I'm thrilled, excited and feel honoured at the opportunity to be given a licence ... for this show," says Joyce Levinsohn, the director and founder of the theatre.
Seussical Jr is a complex musical that incorporates elements from many of Dr Seuss's books and includes appearances by many of his most famous characters, such as Horton the elephant, the citizens of Whoville, Getrude McFuzz, Mayzie la Bird and the tall, mischievous cat wearing a tall, red and white striped hat and a bowtie, known as the Cat in the Hat.
With musical styles ranging from Latin to pop, swing to gospel, and rhythm and blues to funk, this fantastical and magical unfolding of Dr Seuss's tales follows the adventures of Horton, an elephant who one day hears voices coming from a speck of dust. He discovers that within this speck exists the smallest planet in the universe.
On this tiny planet, creatures known as Whos live in Whoville. Jojo, the smallest child in the city of Who, parallels Horton's journey as he is banished for his unpopular act of thinking, which is not encouraged in Whoville. Horton and Jojo attempt to do what they think is right, and together they sing the duet, Alone in the Universe.
The journeys of Horton and Jojo are not easy, with Horton being ridiculed by other animals in the jungle of Nool, mistreated and even going to trial, while in Whoville the Whos have rather interesting adventures of their own.
During the course of the play, the Cat in the Hat pops in and out of scenes, narrating, playing numerous characters and helping the younger members of the audience keep track of what is going on.
This musical will delight children and take adults back to childhood, to the land of the Whos and the Jungle of Nool. The energetic and multi-talented actors will keep everyone entertained.
Seussical Jr runs through the end of year holidays until 24 December, at the National Children's Theatre, 3 Junction Avenue, Parktown. Ticket prices are R60 for children and R70 for adults, through Computicket outlets, on 083 915 8000 or online, or through the theatre on 011 484 1584.
Block bookings and discounts are available for schools, groups and birthday parties. For more information visit the National Children's Theatre.
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