ASTC At NMSU Theatre Arts Presents SEUSSICAL

The American Southwest Theatre Company at New Mexico State University Theatre Arts is pleased to present the popular musical, SEUSSICAL, from November 20 - December 6 at the Hershel Zohn Theatre on the NMSU campus. It is the third production of the 2009 - 2010 ASTC/NMSU Season.

Based on the stories and characters of Dr. Seuss, SEUSSICAL is a magical, wondrous musical that is fun for the whole family. "SEUSSICAL was a huge hit for us a few years ago," says NMSU Theatre Arts professor Grace Godwin, "since audiences enjoyed it so much, we decided to bring it back for the holiday season with a new cast & some new twists!"

Director Tim Pinnow, a professor in the NMSU Department of Theatre Arts, leads an exciting production team that includes two guest artists: Jennifer Lemon serves as choreographer, while Robert Randall takes on the duties of musical director. The show will update the Seuss-inspired designs from ASTC's popular 2006 production. The work of NMSU Theatre Arts faculty members Jim Billings (scenic and lighting design) and David Hereford (props design) is featured, as are the whimsical costumes of former NMSU Theatre Arts student Jason Estala (costume design).

The cast features a number of talented local artists & NMSU students including Matt Jones (Horton), Carrie Oliver (Cat in the Hat), Mandy Guitar (JoJo), Ida Holguin (Gertrude), Francesca Tharpe (Mazy), and La Sasha Aldridge (Sour Kangaroo). Other featured performers include Kenneth Berba, Jordan Kruis, Cody Bridgers, Jack Fields, Elyse Francis, Heather Smith, Annabelle Lyttle, Jennifer Perry, Chris Rivas, Daniel Aguilar, David Driscoll, Ben Adams, Brynn Thurston, Becca Curry, Jessica Thierry, Michelle Atencio, Melissa Chambers, Krysta Snowden, Natasha Sanchez, JorDan Kelly, Fae Milner, Jennifer Hanssen, Roxanne de Luna, Erica Enriquez, Kari Bahmer, and Bethany Price.

SEUSSICAL will also coincide with a number of exciting ASTC events. As a way of giving back to the community, ASTC will hold our annual Toys for Tots drive during the run; we ask that audience members bring a new, unwrapped toy with them to the show in order to help those in need in the Las Cruces area. Additionally, ASTC will be selling special Seuss-inspired merchandise so that families can take some of the magic onstage home with them. The proceeds from the sale will benefit ASTC. Finally, the opening weekend of SEUSSICAL coincides with ASTC's Barnes & Noble Book Fair on 21 - 22 November. Audiences are encouraged to join us at the Barnes & Noble at the Mesilla Valley Mall for special readings, ticket giveaways, photo opportunities & much more. During the book fair, a portion of your Barnes & Noble purchase will be donated to ASTC. Just print out our ASTC voucher online at http://theatre.nmsu.edu/astc/SingleVoucher.pdf and present it at the register.

SEUSSICAL will be performed November 20 to December 6, with special added performances to add to the holiday fun. Evening performances at 8p will be held on Friday 20, Saturday 21, Friday 27, Saturday 28 November and Friday 4 to Saturday 5 December. Matinees beginning at 2p will take place on Sunday 22 and Sunday 29 November as well as Sunday 6 December. Early 7p performances will be held on Wednesday 2 and Thursday 3 December.

For more information call the NMSU Theatre/ASTC box office at 646-4515 or 1-800-646-ASTC.