Thank you for joining us for this very special production of Seussical! Everyone involved has worked tirelessly to help bring this unique look into the world of Dr. Seuss to life on our stage.
The story of Seussical follows the trials and tribulations of the kind-hearted Horton, an elephant, who is tasked with the dual responsibilities of caring for an abandoned egg and the wind-blown world of Who, whose tiny inhabitants all exist within a small speck of dust. Along the way, Horton encounters a host of colorful characters, including the lovelorn Gertrude McFuzz, the irresponsible Mayzie LaBird, the villainous Wickersham Brothers, and the double team of a Sour Kangaroo and her equally sour baby.
In the preparation for AMT’s production of Seussical, we had many discussions about the enduring popularity of Dr. Seuss. We came to the agreement that Dr. Seuss was not merely a successful author of children’s books, but was in actuality, the world’s most accessible philosopher. He had an uncanny ability to address deeply profound topics, to make the messages clear to both children and adults, and to make them, above all else, entertaining.
In many ways, we were familiar with the characters of Dr. Seuss long before we were ever introduced to them on the page, because they live inside of us. If you have ever been ostracized for being different, then you know Horton the Elephant. If you have ever felt like you were not pretty enough, then you know Gertrude McFuzz. If you have ever prayed for help in a time of trouble, then you know the Whos. If you haven’t experienced these things first hand, then you know somebody who has. This is the universal appeal of Dr. Seuss. We see these characters every day: at work, at home, or on the schoolyard.
Our story begins on such a schoolyard. It begins with a very special boy. A very perceptive boy, with a very big imagination.
And a very unusual hat...
Taylor Hyatt
