FVR Youth Ensemble Presents Seussical 2/26 & 3/5

Fox Valley Repertory Youth Ensemble, formerly Noble Fool Theatricals, proudly presents Seussical Jr., a fun filled experience for the entire family, from the "smallest of small to the tallest of all." Nineteen talented actors from the western suburbs, ages 8-16, will bring all of your favorite Dr. Seuss characters to life, including Horton the Elephant, Lazy Mayzie, Gertrude McFuzz, the Grinch, all of the Whos of Whoville, and the beloved Cat in the Hat! These whimsical characters and their adventures take us from the tiny town of Whoville to the wild greenery of the Jungle of Nool, to the wonders of McEligott's Pool, and to the world's greatest show, Circus McGurkus.

Seussical Jr. takes its plot directly from the characters and events in various much-loved Dr. Seuss' children books. This spectacular musical is a story within a story. A young boy thinks up the mischievous Cat in the Hat (played by Kevin Chlapecka) who tells the story of a faithful elephant named Horton (played by Gabriel Harder) and his adventures when he finds a group of people on a speck of dust so small that they cannot be seen. Only Horton, with his big ears, can hear them. Although he is ridiculed by the Sour Kangaroo and other animals of the Jungle of Nool for believing in something that cannot be seen, Horton persists in his belief that the citizens of Whoville exist and we follow him on his journey to protect them. Dr. Seuss' classic, colorful stories are effortlessly brought together by JoJo (played by Amelia Kuhlman), a young boy with the greatest thinks of all. As each tale unfolds you find yourself in a magical place where helping a friend, never giving up, keeping a promise, the importance of family, and the power of imagination are just as relevant today as they were when Dr. Seuss wrote them down on paper many decades ago.

This wondrous production features music by Steve Flaherty and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens. The script in based on the book written by both Flaherty and Ahrens with contributions from Eric Idle, of Monty Python fame. The scores include Horton's emotional ballad "Alone in the Universe," JoJo's imaginative tune "It's Possible," and the Cat in the Hat's jazzy number "How Lucky You Are." These and the other toe tapping tunes will keep all viewers entertained; and even if you don't like green eggs and ham, you are in for a special treat!

Patrick Stinson is directing this FVR production and is no stranger to the Youth Ensemble, having shared his directing talents in the 2010 production of Sleeping Beauty.

"We are well on our way to bringing Fox Valley one of its best shows ever," says Stinson. "We have a very talented, but small ensemble that will knock your cat out of its hat!"

The Cat in the Hat will be played by St. Charles resident Kevin Chlapecka, having also appeared in many Youth Ensemble productions; including the role of LeFoe in Beauty and the Beast and High School Musical 2. Gabriel Harder of Montgomery is playing the role of Horton the Elephant. Gabriel is no stranger to the FVR stage. He has been most recently seen in the professional critic-acclaimed Over the Tavern as Rudy, as Ralphie in 2008's A Christmas Story, and as Dodger in 2008's FVR Youth Ensemble production of Oliver. One of the youngest members of the cast, Amelia Kuhlman, is starring as JoJo. She previously played Chip in FVR Youth Ensemble's Beauty and the Beast and the lead in the FVR Academy's Cinderella.

The Seussical Jr. cast includes residents from Bartlett: Katie Jackovin, Batavia: Tori McKeehan, Carol Stream: Kyle Schwitchenberg, Elgin: Arianna Nutile, Geneva: Maddy Donatelli, Rebecca Roy, Lombard: Nathan Dittemore, Montgomery: Gabriel Harder, St. Charles: Melina Bielski, Sebastian Bielski, Delaney Carani, Kevin Chlapecka, Erika Denker, Amelia Kuhlman, Gabriella Marzetta, Katelyn VanPetten, Plano: Stirling Joyner, Sugar Grove: Connor Madziarczyk, Maggie Madziarczyk.

Director is Plano resident Patrick Stinson and Musical Director is Chicago resident Rachel Page.

The Fox Valley Repertory Youth Ensemble is an exclusive, audition only program for the best and the brightest young talent. Students are responsible for memorizing lines, music and choreography, and learning the craft of theater through the process of preparing for live performances. For more information on upcoming youth opportunities, visit www.foxvalleyrep.org/education or call 630-364-0550.

Seussical Jr., rated G, will be presented Saturdays, February 26 and March 5 and 12 at 10:30 am; Friday, March 4 at 10:30 am; and Sunday, February 27 at 7 pm on the Pheasant Run Resort Mainstage. Tickets are priced at $15 for adults; $12 for children 12 and under.

Ample free parking and valet services are available at Pheasant Run Resort. The resort and theaters are wheelchair accessible and hearing amplification systems are available. Ask the box office about lunch packages and group discounts.

Pheasant Run Resort is located at 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles, IL. For tickets, call the Pheasant Run Box Office at 630-584-6342, or visit www.ticketmaster.com. Additional performance information may be obtained at www.foxvalleyrep.org.

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