[108]MTSU THEATRE & DANCE BRINGS WHIMSY OF DR. SEUSS TO LIFE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 22, 2008
EDITORIAL CONTACT: Lisa L. Rollins, 615-898-2919 or lrollins@mtsu.edu

MTSU THEATRE & DANCE BRINGS WHIMSY OF DR. SEUSS TO LIFE FOR ALL AGES
(MURFREESBORO)—MTSU Theatre & Dance will present the fantastical, magical, musical extravaganza known as “Seussical the Musical” at 7:30 nightly Oct. 22-25 on the stage of the university’s Tucker Theatre. Based on the zany and endearing characters and stories of Dr. Seuss, the musical will include appearances by some of his most famous characters, from Cat in the Hat and Horton the Elephant, to the Whos of Whoville. Directed by Dr. Jette Halladay, professor of speech and theater, the all-ages musical follows a child’s imagination, as Horton the Elephant finds a mysterious speck of dust that turns out to be a tiny planet containing Whoville! “Working on ‘Seussical the Musical’ has been an absolute joy!” Halladay exclaimed. “In its simplest form, the script focuses on integrity and kindness, yet that simplicity is portrayed in strong images, stirring music and zany Seuss characters.” With its positive message, “Seussical” is a show for all ages, commented Halladay, just like its inspiration, The Dr. Seuss book series, whose author is a literary icon known worldwide and related to by millions. “The play marries story lines from several Seuss books, primarily ‘Horton Hears a Who’ and ‘Horton Hatches an Egg,’ with bits of ‘Gertrude McFuzz’ and ‘Oh The Thinks You Can Think,’ among others,” she added. Regarding the play’s set, Scott Boyd, associate professor of speech and theatre, “While the setting is an essential aspect of theater and can help draw the audience into the world of Seuss, we want to bring something new to the table. “We want to give the audience something that they don’t necessarily expect …while still paying homage to the legacy of Dr. Seuss,” observed Boyd, the show’s scenic designer. One of the best parts of “Suessical,” Halladay remarked, are the memories it conjures for both old and young, thanks to the many whimsical characters Dr. Seuss created for all to enjoy. “Whatever age, everyone should watch out for the brilliant cast as they sing and dance their way into your hearts,” she said. “We have a cast rich in talent, and our music director and choreographer are experts at harvesting and refining that talent. Sally Geib, our music director, is coaxing music from our students that fills me with joy each time I hear them sing,” she added. In addition to the Oct. 22-25 evening performances that are open to the general public, school-group matinees also are scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Oct. 24 and Oct. 30-31. Student tickets for these matinees are $4. and reservations may be made by calling (615) 494-8810. TICKET INFO: Tickets for evening showings of “Seussical the Musical” must be purchased at the door prior to performance. Tickets are $10 for general admission; $5 for MTSU staff and K-12 students. MTSU students are admitted free of charge with a valid ID. For more information please visit the department’s Web site at www.mtsu.edu/theatre.
* ATTENTION, MEDIA- For editorial needs, including interview requests with performers or faculty, photo requests or to obtain review tickets, please contact Lisa L. Rollins in the Office of News and Public Affairs at MTSU at 615-898-2919 or lrollins@mtsu.edu.