Cranford's Theater Project Jr. to Present SEUSSICAL, 8/16-18

"Oh, the THINKS you can think!" Kids' imaginations are ignited when their favorite Dr. Seuss's characters collide and cavort in this crazy musical caper. The Cat in the Hat guides us through the story of Horton the Elephant and the heroic rescue of his tiny friends in WHOville, meeting many other rhyming Seuss creations along the way. The production is the work of Theater Project Jr, a summer musical theater workshop for kids aged 8 to 18.

Twenty kids from six towns - Cranford, Hillsborough, Piscataway, Short Hills, Springfield, and Summit -- have spent their summer rehearsing SEUSSICAL, which performs at the Jardine Academy, 61 Myrtle Street in Cranford for three performances August 16, 17 and 18. Many of the kids are Theater Project JR veterans who come back summer after summer to renew old friendships, make new ones, and experience the thrill of the first night curtain going up on their very own show.

"That is what youth theater is all about for me," said director Mary Iannelli. "Giving kids a chance to open up, gain confidence, and work together as a family to create something special." She noted that the educational benefits are huge: "Introducing them to the arts helps them build confidence and so many other useful skills that they can use later in life, like discipline, critical thinking and inclusion to name a few. When the curtain goes up on opening night, I am always proud and amazed at what they have accomplished."

SEUSSICAL will be presented at the Jardine Academy, 61 Myrtle Street in Cranford. Three performances are scheduled: August 16 and 17 at 8 p.m. and August 18 at 2 p.m. Tickets are available at $12 apiece, with children under 5 admitted free. There will also be drawings for door prizes. Call 973-763-4029 or visit www.thetheaterproject.org for further information.