'Seussical The Musical' is delightful fun for all ages
The vivid imagination of Dr. Seuss is alive on the stage as the Lee Norvelle Theatre and Drama Center opens its 2007-08 season with Seussical the Musical directed by Emmy winner George Pinney.
Writers Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty (Ragtime, Once on This Island) celebrate the wit and wisdom of Seuss' books in an engaging musical for audiences of all ages. Seussical the Musical opens Friday, Oct. 5 at 7:30 p.m., with performances continuing on Oct. 6 and Oct. 9-13 at 7:30 pm. There will be an additional 2:00 p.m. matinee on Saturday, Oct. 13. All shows will take place in the Ruth N. Halls Theatre at the Lee Norvelle Theatre and Drama Center.
Cat in the Hat played by Matt Buffalo (right) and Blank Blankerson rehearse for the upcoming performance of "Seussical The Musical."
The mischievous, trouble-making Cat in the Hat is played by second-year MFA acting student Matthew Buffalo. His last appearance in the Lee Norvelle Theatre and Drama Center was his hilarious turn as Sir Andrew Aguecheek in Twelfth Night. He has also appeared in the national touring companies of Fosse and Spirit of the Dance. The theatre students in this production have performed in theatres across the country and locally, bringing a wealth of knowledge and talent to the stage.
A new era at the IU Department of Theatre and Drama, marked by the beginning of a Bachelor of Fine Arts program in Musical Theatre, welcomes its inaugural production, Seussical the Musical with George Pinney at the helm. Nominated for a 2001 Tony Award and National Broadway Theatre Award in choreography, Pinney received an Emmy Award for outstanding choreography for the PBS broadcast of Blast! His most recent productions include last season's beautiful production of Nine, the musical, and this summer's Brown County Playhouse production of Pump Boys and Dinettes. Pinney also directed The Sixth Borough, the second production in IU's new series, "Premiere Musicals: Developing New Musical Theatre at Indiana University."
Joining Pinney in creating Seussical is Musical Director Ray Fellman, who joined the Department of Theatre while continuing a professional musical career.
Ticket prices are $18 for adults and $14 for students, seniors and anyone 30 and younger (discounts Monday-Thursday only). STUDENT RUSH tickets are available the day of each performance: students with a valid IU I.D. may purchase any available tickets for $10 cash. Group prices are available.
For detailed ticket information, call 812-855-1103 and ask for information about Lee Norvelle Theatre and Drama Center tickets. To purchase tickets by phone, call Ticketmaster at 812-333-9955 or visit www.theatre.indiana.edu. Visit theatre.indiana.edu for details.
