Stages Theatre Company Opens SEUSSICAL, 6/29

Stages Theatre Company (STC) brings Dr. Seuss to life in Seussical-Theatre for Young Audiences Version (TYA) opening June 29 at the Hopkins Center for the Arts. This musical extravaganza is 75 minutes in length, and includes everyone's favorite characters: the Cat in the Hat, Horton, Mayzie La Bird, the Whos and Gertrude McFuzz who will teach an unforgettable lesson about loyalty and the power of community.

Director Marilee Mahler has a special connection with Seussical-TYA having appeared as Gertrude McFuzz back in 2006 at STC. This time around her daughter, Laura, will be reprising the role. "Coming to the show as a director, I was thrilled to learn that Gertrude would be played this time by a wonderful actress who is not only beautiful and funny, but an excellent mover."

Moving around the set is an understatement as Laura will be on roller skates during the entire production. "It helps me feel like a magical, quirky Seuss character that can fly! The choreographer and director have not gone easy on me and have challenged me to do tricks I never thought I could do." Laura's hobby has helped her in this role – she participates in roller derby and is a member of the North Star Roller Girls. "I think my teammates will be very proud of me when they see me sing and dance at the same time."

Seussical-Theatre for Young Audiences Version opens June 29 and ends Aug. 5 and some weekday matinees are already sold out. Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.stagestheatre.org for performance dates and times, or by calling the Box Office at (952) 979-1111, Tuesday through Saturday from noon to 6 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for children (ages 5 to 17) and seniors (60+). Lap passes are available for free (ages 0 to 2) and $5 (ages 3 to 4).

Stages Theatre Company was founded in 1984 and since then has grown to become one of the largest professional theatres for young audiences in the country. We engage young artists with themes relevant to their lives and involve them in creating magical works featuring young people in meaningful roles. Through theatrical productions, workshops, conservatory classes and other outreach programs, Stages Theatre Company annually serves more than 130,000 young people and their families.