Based on selections from the enormously popular works of Dr. Seuss, “Seussical” is directed by Andrew Scott Turner, with musical direction by Kyle Jordan.

The only thing more fun than reading a Dr. Seuss book is seeing a magical musical extravaganza — live, onstage with all the favorite Dr. Seuss characters. Cat in the Hat is the host and Horton the Elephant is the guide on a journey from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus to the World of the Whos, as a little boy with a big imagination proves that a person is a person no matter how small.

The story is narrated by the whimsical Cat in the Hat (Ron Figaratto), and assisted by the playful duo of Thing 1 and Thing 2 (Gabrielle and Griffin Turner). It centers around Horton the Elephant (Daniel Rennie), who finds himself faced with a double challenge. Not only must he protect his tiny friend Jojo (Emily Hatch) and all the invisible Whos from a world of naysayers and dangers, but he must guard an abandoned egg, left to his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird (Kristen Searles).

Although Horton faces ridicule, danger, kidnapping and a trial, the intrepid Gertrude McFuzz (Katharine Fortuna) never loses faith in him. Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family and community are challenged and emerge triumphant in a story that makes you laugh and cry.

Also featured in the world of Whoville are the Mayor and his wife (Bob Tifft and Corrine Turner), butter-­?battling General Schmitz (Ron Blake), and the Grinch (Dennis Twitchell). Citizens of the jungle include the Sour Kangaroo (Janelle Raven), the mischievous Wickersham Brothers (Thomas Lentz, Brandon Nobles, Karter Searles, Willard Swift), the Bird Girls (Amy Peet, Hannah Mathieu, Chyanna Millett-­?Cordwell, Krystin Paine, Sophie Lawton, Maria Commoss) and Yertle the Turtle (Alison Whitney).

OHSCBS productions have been showcasing the talents of local community members for the past 40 years. This year’s production of Seussical marks the 21st show in its long and successful history dating back to 1974.

According to Jordan, who co-produced the show with Jennifer St. Pierre, “Seussical is important as a show for many reasons. We really worked hard to produce something that reaches out to a new audience; as a way to reenergize the Oxford Hills. We wanted to encourage the next generation of community theater performers and audience members.”

Performances of “Seussical” will take place in the Mark S. Eastman Auditorium at OHCHS at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, March 28 and 29, and at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, March 30. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for senior citizens and students. Reserved seating tickets can be purchased at Books ‘n Things, 430 Main Street in Norway, or by calling 207-739-6200.

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