Stunning stage for Seussical musical

 

Dr Seuss is renowned for his quirky stories, zany ideas and loveable characters, and he is a household name all over the world. So when Otamatea Repertory Theatre decided to produce Seussical, director Peter Flower knew he would have to come up with some great ideas to showcase the musical in an original and interesting way.

“Our theatre has moveable rostra and seating, so I thought it would be great to try a different layout for Seussical with the stage in the middle and seating on three sides,” he explains. “Of course this has presented a few problems that we have had to work around, but the end result is stunning.”

Maura Flower, who plays The Cat in the Hat, is full of admiration for her director-husband.

“Peter is very encouraging to everyone to share their ideas – he has a collaborative style and he manages to get the best out of people. He is an amazing director with an eye for detail, enormous creativity and a wealth of practical knowledge. His ‘can do’ attitude is an inspiration to us all at ORT.”

Seussical is a blend of Dr Seuss stories with The Cat in the Hat as the host and MC and featuring the trustworthy Horton, from Horton Hears a Who.

With a 12-piece orchestra, a cast of 44, and many backstage and front of house crew, this is certainly a major undertaking for the little theatre.

■ Bookings are now open for Seussical with tickets available online at www.ort.org.nz or at Tony’s Lotto Shop in Maungaturoto. The opening night on July 27 is a Gala Night with complimentary drinks and nibbles. The first matinee on July 28 has special prices for families – pay for two adults and bring two children for no charge.
 
SHOWTIME: Greenstone TV was so impressed by the energy of the team they have filmed a series called Showtime featuring ORT alongside the Howick Little Theatre during 2012. The first episode goes to air on 24 July, TV1 at 8pm and runs for six weeks.