WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., April 23, 2017 — West Liberty University’s Hilltop Players will delight audiences with the fantastical musical, Seussical, this April. Opening Thursday the musical is fun for the whole family! Curtain is at 7:30 p.m., Thursday – Saturday, April 27, 28 and 29 and at 3 p.m., Sunday, April 30.
From left, Horton the Elephant played by Brady Dunn, the Cat in the Hat played by Amanda Tamplen and JoJo, played by Kerstin Bommer.
“Dr. Seuss creates a world where we learn that being ourselves and being true to our beliefs is what makes us strong and confident. With vibrant and sometimes awkward characters, he shows us basic principles of being kind to others, recognizing and celebrating differences, and how to have fun without hurting others, especially those who may be a little bit different,” said Dr. Melinda Kreisberg, who is directing the production.
“The Hilltop Players cast and crew have enthusiastically used their imaginations to create a world full of song, laughter and dance. These students have embraced the show with commitment to the simple honesty of the characters they play. Working with them through this process has been inspiring as has watching as they continue their own journey in remaining true to themselves,” she said.
Kreisberg is a WLU biology professor who maintains an active interest in theatre and has been involved with the Hilltop Players for most of the 15 years that she’s been on the hilltop. She’s done everything from direct to choreograph to play parts in productions.
Seussical is considered one of the most performed shows in America. Tony winners, Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty (Lucky Stiff, My Favorite Year, Once On This Island, Ragtime), have lovingly brought to life all of our favorite Dr. Seuss characters, including Horton the Elephant, The Cat in the Hat, Gertrude McFuzz, lazy Mayzie and a little boy with a big imagination, Jojo. The colorful characters transport us from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus to the invisible world of the Whos.
The Cat in the Hat tells the story of Horton, an elephant who discovers a speck of dust that contains the Whos, including Jojo, a Who child sent off to military school for thinking too many “thinks.” Horton faces a double challenge: not only must he protect the Whos from a world of naysayers and dangers, but he must guard an abandoned egg, left in his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird. Although Horton faces ridicule, danger, kidnapping and a trial, the intrepid Gertrude McFuzz never loses faith in him. Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family and community are challenged and emerge triumphant.
To purchase tickets online (at a discount) visit brownpapertickets.com or call the WLU Ticket Office at 304.336.8277 to make a reservation.
Cast List:
- Horton: Brady Dunn
- Gertrude: Sarah Lemley
- Mayzie: Elizabeth Conley
- Cat in the Hat: Amanda Tamplen
- Sour Kangaroo: Emily Wade
- Bird Girls: Alex Burdick, Callie Carroll, Anna Gross, Lindsay Six
- Wickershams: Chad Grubb, Kristian Slavik, Grant VanCamp
- Yertle the Turtle: Alex Gordon
- Vlad Vladikoff: Daniel White (also ensemble)
- JoJo: Kerstin Bommer
- Mr. Mayor: Brody Eggert
- Mrs. Mayor: Abigail Wilson
- Genghis Khan Schmitz: Zac Morris
- Grinch: Nathan James (also ensemble)
- Ensemble: Riley Aulick, Carly Balog, Katie Dragan, Alex Franke, Jessica Gulisek, Nathan James, Josie Jarrett, Patricia Loy, Ben Moore, Amber Parsons, Michelle Russell, Jessica Schultz, Maggie Storms, Daniel White
CREW:
- Christopher Rees (Stage Manager)
- Jessica Roth (Assistant Stage Manager)
- Maggie Storms and Kobe Wade (Props)
- Hunter Helms (Makeup design and hair)
- Callie Carroll (costumes)
- Caitlyn Moore (light board operator)
- Ingrid Young (follow spot, publicity)
STUDENTS IN ORCHESTRA:
- Alex Gordon
- Haley Sessums
- Shane Powell
- Brandon Collins
- Ryan Wolf
- Rachel Krems
- Gabriella Saporito
- Tyler Funk
- Raymond Myers
- Aaron Majiros
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