Statesman

Issue date: 10/15/08 Section: A&E

Media Credit: Joe Olivieri Steven Douglas, Thomas Rusterholz and Allen Voigt

The UMD Department of Theatre opens their season this Thursday at 7:30 p.m. with "Seussical the Musical," a contemporary combination of Dr. Seuss's characters and stories set to pop music.

"Overall it is an amazing ensemble," director Ann Bergeron said. The show is a "high energy, sassy version," of the musical.

It should appeal to all ages. There is definitely content for children but plenty for students and adults as well, Bergeron said.

"It brings up some issues. Seuss has an edge to him," Bergeron said

Serena Brook, playing the "awkward, nerdy bird," Gertrude McFuzz, agreed. "[The musical] is fun and light-hearted," Brook said, but there are larger issues adults can draw on that "will go right over children's heads."

One such example is an allusion to body image.

"Gertrude is unhappy with her body so she takes pills to make her tail grow," Brook said.

Brook said she doesn't want the musical to sound dark, but adults may notice more to the story than children.

Mature members of the audience will also enjoy the humor and music in the production.

"[The musical] is really funny. We laugh all the time in rehearsal," Brook said. "It has rockin' music."

Bergeron was also excited about Seussical's pop focused score. "I think the music is fabulous," Bergeron said.

Don't worry if you cannot make the Thursday show. You have a chance to view the production on Sunday, Oct. 19 at 2 p.m. and Oct. 22 at 7:30 p.m.

If you go...

UMD students can purchase tickets for $6, while prices for children and adults are $8 and $17 respectively. Orders can be placed by phone at 218-726-8561, or for an additional charge of $1 you can purchase tickets online at tickets.umn.edu.

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools