SEUSSICAL JR. Begins 3/31 at The J

Horton the Elephant, the Cat in the Hat and even the Grinch are coming to town. The Jewish Community Center of Dallas' Performing Arts Program presents the pop musical Seussical Jr. Comprised of two casts with actors ages 6 to 18, the Junior Cast performs Thursday, March 31 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, April 3 at 2 and 7 p.m.; the Senior Cast performs Thursday, April 7 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, April 10 at 2 and 7 p.m. All performances will take place in The J's Zale Auditorium at 7900 Northaven Road in Dallas. Tickets are $18 for adults and $12 for children and seniors in advance. Tickets can be purchased online.

Seussical Jr. is inspired by the musical Seussical by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, which is based on the books of Dr. Seuss. It debuted on Broadway in 2000. The J's production of Seussical Jr. will feature a more contemporary setting in an urban jungle and interactive opportunities for the audience (including a prop bag). The artistic staff for both productions includes many North Texas stage veterans. The Senior Cast is directed and choreographed by Linda Leonard. Byron Holder is the music director and Stephanie Goudy is the stage manager. The Junior Cast is directed by Ryan Matthieu Smith, and Erich de la Torre is the assistant director. Pam Holcomb McLain is the music director, Michael Albee is choreographer and Hillary Nichols is stage manager.

"It's been wonderful watching the kids come alive through the power of performance during rehearsal," said Alise Robinson, manager of The J Performing Arts Program. "We wanted to create a whimsical, magical, musical extravaganza, and I think it's something that adults and children can enjoy together."

To help keep young theatergoers engaged with the beloved characters created by Dr. Seuss after the show, Half Price Books will be on-site to sell Seuss and other related books in the lobby during the matinee shows on April 3 and 10.

"Seussical Jr. is the perfect way to get kids excited about reading," said Kathy Doyle Thomas, executive vice president and chief strategy officer for Half Price Books. "We are thrilled to partner with The J's Performing Arts Program for the mutually beneficial goal of sparking a passion for literature among children that will follow them through life."

Additionally, as part of its mission to expose children to more live theater, The J donated 100 tickets (50 per cast) to North Texas non-profit organization Educational First Steps. The organization will distribute these tickets to families within its affiliated daycare and preschool partners.

Senior Cast

The Senior cast is comprised of 35 actors including: Miles Alexander, Jessica Aftergut, Kathryn Baxter, Ayla Blumberg, Nola Carroll, Ellie Carter, Haley Coleman, Erin Edwards, Lindsey Fetter, Max Fetter, Hannah Gershenson, Rivers Glover, Olivia Goin, Izzie Haymann, Annie Hurley, Sarina Israel, Carlie Jones, Bradley Jones, Jacob Kaplan, Alex Karpeles, Celia Leonard, Sammy Levinson, Lyla Lively, Sadie Manaster, Hayden McClard, Amanda Park, Victoria Pereira, Gracie Phillips, Alexandra Rosenblatt, Mara Sandberg, Jacob Sanders, Aubrey Schedler, Sarah Schussler, Nate Stitt and Jessica Strauss.

Junior Cast

The Junior Cast is comprised of 38 actors including: Alex Ackerman, Shauna Berstein, Claire Blacker, Brody Bundis, Mercer Bundis, Ryland Bundis, Kevin Carter, Milena Charron, Jordan Clark, Aubrey Fomin, Nadia Fox, Cooper Frank, Autumn Glover, John Glover, Paige Glowacki, Lena Golden, Lainey Gutow, Ellie Hurley, Maggie Hurley, Meghan Jackson, Sara Lipszyc, Ethan Margolies, Elliot McEeachern, Sarah Moskowitz, Avery Murphy, Alexis Muturi, Cassie Rhyne-Malone, Isa Rhyne-Malone, Michelle Rhyne-Malone, Natalie Rubin, Sam Rubin, Max Rudelman, Ava Stern, Eres Stone, Jordan Velevis, Sydney Walters, Hayden Watros and Bella Zilbermann.

ABOUT THE J

The Aaron Family Jewish Community Center of Dallas (The J) is part of an extended family, a home away from home ? providing programs and services for all ages and stages of life. Within its walls or around the world, The J's members gather together to meet, play, learn, celebrate, and be part of the community. Everyone, regardless of age, race, religious affiliation, or any other protected status, is welcome. The Aaron Family Jewish Community Center is located at 7900 Northaven Road in Dallas. For more information, please visit www.jccdallas.org or call (214) 739-2737.

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