From storybook to the stage

Before the festive season kicks off, The People’s Theatre is bringing together children, their parents and fans of Dr Seuss for a rollicking theatre experience.
Seussical the Musical Jr is now open and will run through the school holidays with the show’s final performance featuring on 24 December.
Based on the much-loved Dr Seuss books, Seussical Jr, draws its onstage characters from the pages of a number of the author’s books. The show is filled with music, laughter and feel-good fun.
Dr Seuss has been the favourite author among children for more than 60 years and he is loved for his use of language, rhyme and humour. Some of his famous works include The Cat in the Hat, Horton hears a Who, Green Eggs and Ham – all which have been the stepping stones to reading for many children while introducing them to a wonderful range of characters and positive concepts.
Set designer, Grant Knottenbelt, is bringing Dr Seuss’s unmistakable, quirky pages to life onstage with his set design. Adding to this, Linda Wilson will tickle audiences’ imaginations with her costume design, while Sandy Dyer choreographs a superb cast of actors into dancing spectacles which are sure to get audiences’ feet moving to the entertaining tunes.

The Cat in the Hat is played by The People’s Theatre newbies Saxola Ketshengane as the cat and BradleyTheron who plays Mr Mayor. Both actors bring their wit and charm to their characters. “Audiences should expect the unexpected, but they will definitely fall in love with this cat,” said Ketshengane.

Gregg Pettigrew brings his vast theatre experience to the character of Horton. Lovable to the end, this kind-hearted elephant is a hero with an important message.
Kayli Smith plays the quirky Gertrude Mc Fuzz and Carmen Tromp plays the effervescent Mayzie.
Palesa Makhalima who charmed audiences in Shrek Jr the Musical returns to The People’s Theatre as the Sour Kangaroo, she is sure to delight audience members once again.

Directors Jill Girard and Keith Smith said, “We have combined the funniest stories and craziest Dr Seuss creatures in this unique blend of rhyme, rhythm and sensational music score.”
Smith added, “[The production] is bound to appeal to children of all ages and encourages them to think and be creative.”
Details: 011 403 1563; www.webtickets.co.za; www.joburgtheatre.com; www.peoplestheatre.co.za

Also read: Joburg Ballet Studio Soiree

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