DR. SEUSS'S THE LORAX Begins Performances at The Old Globe This Month

The Old Globe, together with Children's Theatre Company (CTC), and in partnership with The Old Vic, today updated information for Dr. Seuss's The Lorax in its U.S. premiere. The production, based on the book The Lorax by Dr. Seuss, is adapted for the stage by David Greig (Artistic Director of Royal Lyceum Theatre Company; recent work: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Cover My Tracks) with music and lyrics written by Charlie Fink (front man/songwriter for the hit musical group Noah and the Whale, 2007-2015).

Globe performances will run July 2 - August 12, part of the Globe's 2018 Summer Season, on the Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage in the Old Globe Theatre, part of the Conrad Prebys Theatre Center. Opening night is Friday, July 6 at 7:00 p.m. Tickets for the general public are on sale now. Single tickets start at $40 for adults and $30 for children ages three and above, and may be purchased online at www.TheOldGlobe.org, by phone at (619) 23-GLOBE, or by visiting the Box Office at 1363 Old Globe Way in Balboa Park. CTC performances ran April 17 - June 10, 2018.

Direct from London's West End comes the critically acclaimed and Olivier Award-nominated musical event of the summer. Silky soft Truffula trees provide the perfect ingredient for a nifty new garment. But when demand skyrockets, who will speak for all the trees in the Truffula forest? Enter The Lorax. Dr. Seuss's The Lorax has been enchanting adults and children alike for generations, and this summer his irresistible, big-hearted, mustachioed hero will be brought to inventive life in what critics call a "mad, uproarious delight" (The Independent). Audiences of all ages will be thrilled by the brilliant, eye-popping colors, infectious music, and beloved story that the Financial Times called "joyous and all-too-timely."

H. Adam Harris, along with Meghan Kreidler and Rick Miller puppeteering, will play The Lorax. Joining them is Steven Epp as The Once-ler, as well as Ansa Akyea (Once-ler Dad, Mayor, Inspector), Christopher Becknell (Musician, Storyteller), Stephanie Bertumen (Once-ler Family, McGee, Inspector), Brian Bose (Once-ler Family, Bear), Ryan Colbert (Small Ed, Storyteller), Lynnea Doublette (McGann, Storyteller), Johannah "Joh" Easley (Child, Once-ler Family), Rajané Katurah (Granny Once-ler, Von Goo), Ryan Lear (Musician, Storyteller), Ryan Dean Maltz (Storyteller), Emily Michaels King (Swan, Once-ler Family), and Autumn Ness (Mommy Once-ler, Samelore Bews).

Dr. Seuss's The Lorax, originally produced at The Old Vic in London, is directed by Max Webster (Associate Director, The Old Vic), with choreography by Drew McOnie (Olivier Award, Best Theatre Choreographer, In the Heights), scenic and costume design by Rob Howell (Broadway's Groundhog Day, Matilda the Musical, Ghost the Musical, Private Lives), lighting design by Jon Clark (Associate Artist, Royal Shakespeare Company), and sound design by Tom Gibbons (Oliver Award, Best Sound Design, People, Places and Things). Puppet direction is by Finn Caldwell (Broadway's War Horse and Angels in America), puppetry design by Finn Caldwell and Nick Barnes (West End's Mr. Popper's Penguins), and musical supervision and arrangements by Phil Bateman (original music director, West End Billy Elliot the Musical; vocal arranger for the film Kinky Boots). The Globe creative team includes associate director James Vásquez (the Globe's American Mariachi and Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas!), music direction by Elan McMahon (the Globe's Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas!), and production stage manager Stacy McIntosh.

"Dr. Seuss Enterprises is thrilled to see this fantastic show, which premiered at The Old Vic in London, make its way across the ocean to two theatres with whom we have longstanding relationships-Children's Theatre Company in Minneapolis and The Old Globe in San Diego," said Susan Brandt, President of Dr. Seuss Enterprises, L.P. "With continued headlines focused on environmental concerns such as deforestation, pollution, and melting ice caps, The Lorax's message is one that remains relevant and poignant almost 50 years after it was written. It is gratifying to see three of the world's best theatres bring Ted Geisel's important message about taking care of our planet and each other to the next generation of Seuss fans and naturalists."

"Having Dr. Seuss's The Lorax at The Old Globe is exciting in a slew of ways, but two stand out," said The Old Globe's Erna Finci Viterbi Artistic Director Barry Edelstein. "First, the story itself is charming, fun, and timely, and this theatrical adaptation of it is just a thrill to watch. It's a sophisticated, grown-up telling of a masterful tale for young people, a charming and winning piece of theatre that truly offers something for everyone. The second wonderful thing about The Lorax in our season is that it continues our relationship with San Diego's own Dr. Seuss. This relationship spans two decades in which The Grinch has brought his unique wit and heart to our audiences. Now the Lorax joins him as a member of the Globe family. I can't wait."

"We are thrilled to bring our audiences the U.S. premiere of Dr. Seuss's The Lorax, a powerful, witty, and important story for all generations," said Children's Theatre Company Artistic Director Peter C. Brosius. "We welcomed the London production's creative team to Minneapolis and are delighted that our fabulous cast will travel to The Old Globe in San Diego. Our partnership with The Old Globe and The Old Vic further advances our mission of reaching multigenerational audiences both in our state and across this country with extraordinary theatrical productions."

Dr. Seuss's The Lorax at the Globe is supported in part through gifts from Production Sponsors Peter Cooper, Elaine and Dave Darwin, and Hal and Pam Fuson, as well as Artist Sponsor Jo Ann Kilty (for H. Adam Harris, The Lorax). Financial support is provided by The City of San Diego.

Following the highly popular special performances for Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas! the past five years, the Globe is delighted to offer a sensory-friendly performance of Dr. Seuss's The Lorax on Saturday, July 28 at 12 noon. The Lorax will be performed for children on the autism spectrum and their families, as well as other families with special needs that may appreciate the welcoming and supportive environment this performance provides. Slight adjustments will be made to the production including fewer loud noises and flashing lights that may be challenging for some audience members. Additional features will also help make the experience safer and more enjoyable for children with autism and other sensitivity issues, including an online Sensory Guide available to view and print at home that will outline the experience of a visit to the Globe; a quiet area in the lobby of the theatre; and on-site volunteers to assist families as needed.

Additional events taking place during the run of Dr. Seuss's The Lorax at The Old Globe include:

VICKI AND CARL ZEIGER INSIGHTS SEMINAR: Tuesday, July 3 at 5:30 p.m.

An opportunity to closely connect with productions both onstage and backstage. A panel selected from the artistic company of each show, joined by actors, designers, and/or technicians-engages patrons in an informal and illuminating presentation of ideas and insights to enhance the theatregoing experience. Reception at 5:00 p.m. FREE.

POST-SHOW FORUMS: Tuesdays, July 10 and 17, and Wednesday, July 11.

Join us after the show for an informal and enlightening question-and-answer session with cast, crew, and/or Globe staff members. Get the inside story on creating a character and putting together a professional production. FREE.

TICKETS to Dr. Seuss's The Lorax are now on sale to the general public. Single tickets start at $40 for adults and $30 for children ages three and above. Tickets may be purchased online at www.TheOldGlobe.org, by phone at (619) 23-GLOBE, or by visiting the Box Office at 1363 Old Globe Way in Balboa Park. Discounts are available for full-time students, patrons 29 years of age and under, seniors, military members, and groups of 10 or more. Running time: two hours.

Performances begin on July 2, 2018 and continue through August 12, 2018. Performance times: Previews: Monday, July 2 at 7:00 p.m.; Tuesday, July 3 at 7:00 p.m.; and Thursday, July 5 at 7:00 p.m. Opening night is Friday, July 6 at 7:00 p.m. Regular performances (July 7 - August 12): Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday evenings at 7:00 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays at 12:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. There will be no performance on Wednesday, July 4.

LOCATION and PARKING INFORMATION: The Old Globe is located in San Diego's Balboa Park at 1363 Old Globe Way. Through a special arrangement with the San Diego Zoo, Old Globe ticket-holders for Tuesday - Friday evening performances have the opportunity to pre-purchase valet parking in the Zoo's employee parking structure. With a drop-off point just a short walk to the Globe, theatregoers may purchase fast, easy, convenient valet parking for just $14 per vehicle per evening. Pre-paid only, available only by phone through The Old Globe Box Office. Call (619) 234-5623 or visit
www.theoldglobe.org/plan-your-visit/directions--parking/valet-parking. The Balboa Park valet is also available during weekend performances, beginning at 10:00 a.m., located in front of the Japanese Friendship Garden. For additional parking information visit www.BalboaPark.org.

There are numerous free parking lots available throughout the park. Guests may also be dropped off in front of the Mingei International Museum. There is a 10-minute zone at The Old Globe, used only for daytime deliveries, ticket purchases, and handicapped access dropoff. For directions and information, please visit www.theoldglobe.org/plan-your-visit/directions--parking/detailed-directions.

PLEASE NOTE: To look up online or GPS directions to The Old Globe, please do not use the delivery address above. For GPS users, please click here for the map coordinates, and here for written directions to The Old Globe and nearby parking in Balboa Park.

CALENDAR: A Thousand Splendid Suns (5/12-6/17), Native Gardens (5/26-6/24), AXIS: Kids' Dance Party, Featuring Dance To EvOLve (6/12), The Tempest (6/17-7/22), AXIS: Make Music San Diego (6/21); Dr. Seuss's The Lorax (7/2-8/12), AXIS: Fourth District Senior Center's Globe Takeover, Featuring the Seasoned Line Dancers (7/10), Barefoot in the Park (7/28-8/26), Much Ado About Nothing (8/12-9/16), AXIS: LV's Island Flair, Featuring Dance Lessons with Elvina Addams (8/21), The Heart of Rock & Roll (9/6-10/21), AXIS: Mexican Independence Day Celebration, Featuring Las Colibrí in Concert (9/15), 2018 Globe Gala featuring Andra Day (9/22), M.F.A.: Julius Caesar (10/20-10/28), AXIS: Day of the Dead Celebration (10/28), Globe for All Tour: A Midsummer Night's Dream (10/30-11/18), Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (11/3-12/29), Looking for Christmas: The New Clint Black Christmas Musical (11/13-12/16), Familiar (1/26-3/3/2019), Tiny Beautiful Things (2/9-3/10), Life After (3/22-4/28), They Promised Her the Moon (4/6-5/5), Ken Ludwig's The Gods of Comedy (5/11-6/16), What You Are (5/23-6/23).

About The Old Globe

The Tony Award-winning Old Globe is one of the country's leading professional regional theatres and has stood as San Diego's flagship arts institution for over 80 years. Under the leadership of Erna Finci Viterbi Artistic Director Barry Edelstein and Managing Director Timothy J. Shields, The Old Globe produces a year-round season of 15 productions of classic, contemporary, and new works on its three Balboa Park stages: the Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage in the 600-seat Old Globe Theatre and the 250-seat Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre, both part of The Old Globe's Conrad Prebys Theatre Center, and the 605-seat outdoor Lowell Davies Festival Theatre, home of its internationally renowned Shakespeare Festival. More than 250,000 people attend Globe productions annually and participate in the theatre's artistic and arts engagement programs. Numerous world premieres such as the 2014 Tony Award winner for Best Musical, A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder, Meteor Shower, Bright Star, Allegiance, The Full Monty, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, and the annual holiday musical Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas! have been developed at The Old Globe and have gone on to enjoy highly successful runs on Broadway and at regional theatres across the country.

About Children's Theatre Company

Children's Theatre Company (CTC, Co-Producer) is the nation's largest and most acclaimed theatre for multigenerational audiences. It creates theatre experiences that educate, challenge, and inspire for nearly 275,000 people annually. CTC is the only theatre focused on young audiences to win the coveted Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre and is the only theatre in Minnesota to receive three Tony nominations (for its production of A Year with Frog and Toad). CTC is committed to producing world-class productions at the highest level, and to developing new works, more than 200 to date, dramatically changing the canon of work for young audiences. CTC's engagement and learning programs annually serve more than 85,000 students ages 2 to 18 through Theatre Arts Training, student matinees, Bridges, and early childhood arts education programs that bring students to the theatre and bring teaching artists into the classroom. The ACT One program is CTC's comprehensive platform for access, diversity, and inclusion in our audiences, programs, staff, and board that strives to ensure the theatre is a home for all people, all families, reflective of our community. childrenstheatre.org.