HOW TO GO
What: Hamilton Rotary Club presents "Seussical"
Where: Parrish Auditorium at Miami University Hamilton, 1601 University Blvd., Hamilton
When: 8 p.m. today, Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. The Sunday show is sold out.
Cost: $16
Tickets: Call (513) 737-7529 or go online to www.ghctplay.com/Seussical.html.
The highly anticipated premiere of “Seussical” is set to take the stage tonight at Parrish Auditorium at Miami University Hamilton, as the Hamilton Rotary Club celebrates its 60th anniversary of bringing theatrical productions to the city.
Mag Baker, president of the Hamilton Rotary Club, said, “We bring quality entertainment, and we’ve been noted for it. I think the community really enjoys it, and most importantly, it is our major fundraiser.”
Monies raised go toward providing scholarships for graduating seniors, who are going to college and help to support other service endeavors.
“That’s what Rotary is all about, it’s service above self. We hope to raise around $10,000,” Baker said. “It is all used for service work and it all goes back out to the community.”
Baker said that with about 140 active Rotarian members they wanted to do a fun, kid-friendly show this year with Dr. Seuss. Since it’s his birthday in March, she said it seemed appropriate.
“There are a lot of kids in the show, which generally brings out more people. It’s fun, light and full of bright colors. Who doesn’t like Dr. Seuss?” Baker said. “There is something for everyone. It’s going to be an enjoyable evening and a fun show.”
Directed by Benjamin Schneider and based on the works of Dr. Seuss, this family-friendly musical is appropriate for audiences of all ages. The production weaves together some of Seuss’ famous tales from at least 15 of his books, including “Horton Hears a Who!” and “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.”
“This is a cute, family-fun show. It is a true musical with 100 percent singing and dancing. I think there are 10 spoken words, if any. The whole thing rhymes. It’s hilarious,” said producer Katie Simpson, who has been involved in Hamilton’s local theater for about 18 years.
She said Hamilton has three major theater communities, Encore Youth Theatre, Greater Hamilton Civic Theatre and Rotary, that put on one show a year. This year’s show is made up of about 95 volunteer, cast and crew members as well as the participating Rotarians, who do the set construction, sell ticket and program ads and do a lot or work behind the scenes. Auditions for the show were held in mid-December and rehearsals began early in January at First Baptist Church in Hamilton.
“We have a cast of about 75 children and adults, and they will blow your socks off. They are amazing. Some of these people, I can’t even see as their normal selves anymore, because I see them as their character,” Simpson said.
In one role, there’s the big, scared Horton the Elephant, who is always nervous. He’s a gentle giant who cares about other animals and people.
“Being able to portray a story through actions, and a group of people getting together and putting on a show like this is something that we do, because we love to act. It’s really satisfying. When it comes to opening night, everyone can sit back and enjoy it,” said Brandon Burtis, who acts as Horton the Elephant.
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