Seussical The Musical JR. kickstarts a bumper year of Children's Theatre at Peoples Theatre
Jill Girard and Keith Smith are delighted to get this 2019 Children’s Theatre year at The Peoples Theatre underway with a bang, bringing children, parents and all those with a love of joy and laughter, together for a rollicking theatre experience with the fabulous Broadway show Seussical the Musical Jr.
Previews begin on 4th March with the official opening on Sunday, 10 March at Peoples Theatre. Seussical the Musical Jr. runs through the school holidays, with the final performance on Sunday, 28th April 2019.
Based on the much-loved Dr Seuss books, Seussical Jr draws its characters from a number of books. It is filled with non-stop music, laughter and feel-good fun.
Dr Seuss has been a children’s favourite author for over 60 years and is loved for his use of language, rhyme and humour. The Cat in the Hat, Horton Hears a Who, Green Eggs and Ham and many more have been the stepping stones to reading for many children and introduced them to a wonderful range of characters and positive concepts.
“Oh the thinks you can think! Think and wonder and think!”
“It is better to know how to learn than to know!”
“You’re off to great places. Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting… so get on your way!”
“You’ll miss the best things if you keep your eyes closed!”
“Why fit in when you born to stand out!”
These are just a few of the wonderful quotes from Dr Seuss, illustrating the importance of reading and gaining knowledge to equip the younger generations with the skills to fulfill their dreams and aspirations in life.
Says Jill and Keith;
“The Peoples Theatre strives to educate younger minds in order to create a stronger generation through the medium of theatre.
“It is fun to have fun but you have to know how” – this is our motivation in directing this marvellous production.”
Designer Grant Knottenbelt will be bringing Dr Seuss’s unmistakable, quirky pages to stage with his set design.
Merry Whillier and Sean McGrath will tickle the audiences’ imagination with their costume design.
Sandy Richardson (Dyer) choreographs a superb cast of actors and is sure to even get audience’s feet moving in time to the catchy tunes.
The Cat in the Hat and the sour Kangaroo will be played by rising newcomers: Katlego Nche,and Megan Spencer respectively and will bring their wit and charm to these synonymous characters.
“Audiences should expect the unexpected, but they will definitely fall in love this cat,”
says Katlego.
Luciano Zuppa brings his wide-ranging theatre experience to the character of Horton. Lovable to the end, this kind-hearted elephant is a hero with a message and not to be missed.
Masego Mothibakgomo plays the quirky Gertrude Mc Fuzz and another People’s Theatre favourite Nonhlanhla Mkhonto plays the effervescent Mayzie.
Thokozani Jiyane, who charmed in Annie Jr, returns to the Peoples Theatre as Mr. Mayorand is sure to delight the audience again.
Directors Jill Girard and Keith Smith state;
“We have combined the funniest stories and craziest Dr. Seuss creatures in this unique blend of rhyme, rhythm and sensational music score.”
Keith Smith continues;
“Dr. Seuss is bound to appeal to children of all ages and abilities encouraging them to think and be creative.
Oh, the places this show will take your imagination!”
Seussical the Musical Jr. runs at Peoples Theatre at the Joburg Theatre Complex from Sunday 10th March – Sunday 28th April. (Previews take place from 4th March).
Performance times are Mondays to Friday at 9am and 11am,
Saturdays at 10:30am and 2.30pm as well as on some Sundays and Public Holidays.
