MAKATI CITY, Philippines – Repertory Philippines with National Bookstore and the City of Makati present ‘Seussical’, a musical for children, which will open on August 13 at Greenbelt One’s Onstage.
This production is based on Broadway’s ‘Seussical the Musical’ by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty and was also lifted from Dr. Seuss’s amalgamation of book characters, which debuted in 2000. This year, through Repertory Philippines’ creativity, the ‘The Cat in the Hat’, a giant, anthropomorphic, wise-cracking animal, which was once portrayed by Mike Myers in 2003, will soon be brought life by five actors Arnel Carrion, James Stacey, Kawie Atwood, Robie Zialcita and Rem Zamora.
The entire Seussical cast met with the press after presenting three excerpts of the musical. Photograph by JR Sala.
He will be joined by Oliver Usison and Nic Campos as Horton, the Elephant and the outsider who is caring, compassionate and a gentle mammal. Then, four Jojos are set to play the role—Noah Ramos, Nacio Samonte, Alessa Zialcita, and Nicolle Cojuangco.
‘Seussical’ centers around Horton, who finds himself faced with a double challenge—not only must he protect his tiny friend Jojo (and all the invisible Whos) from a world of naysayers and dangers, but he must guard an abandoned egg, left to his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird (Liesl Batucan, Naths Everett and Kyla Rivera). Despite him facing ridicule, danger, kidnapping and a trial, the intrepid bird Gertrude McFuzz (Cara Barredo, Charity Grace and Giannina Ocampo) never loses faith in him, the only one who recognizes ‘his-kind-and-his-powerful-heart’. Themes such as friendship, loyalty, family and community are found here and will emerge triumphant in the story that surely make its young theater goers laugh and cry at the same.
Joining in the cast are Bituin Escalante (her debut to children’s theater), Pinky Marquez and Ampy Sietereales as the Sour Kangaroo, who speculates to all that Horton is a ‘fool’ for thinking that there are people living on a dust speck.
Like its Broadway run, the production spawned two US national tours and a UK tour; in fact, it has become a favorite for school, community and regional theatres. Today, it is predicted as another blockbuster offering from Repertory Philippines to join the long list of successful presentations for 19 years of producing well-loved musicals for children of all ages.
‘Seussical’ is directed by Joy Virata with Oliver Roxas, a former REP actor who now resides in UK, has created the artistic set and colorful character costumes using the Vincent Van Gogh’s works. The choreography is provided by Edna Vida as she interprets the music and lyrics used in the show, while the lights are designed by John Batalla.
For show inquiries or ticket sales, contact REP at (632) 5716926 or 5714941.
