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"Seussical the Musical"

Minot High School-Magic City Campus Playmakers present "Seussical the Musical" in the Arvel Graving Theater. Shows today, Friday and Saturday begin at 7:30 p.m., while the Sunday matinee begins at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $7 for adults, $6 for seniors, $5 for students and $3 for children 3 and younger. The troupe is taking reservations for the production in anticipation of the show's popularity. While not required, reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 420-1805.

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» VIDEO CLIP - Rehearsal session for Minot High School-Magic City Campus Playmakers production of 'Seussical the Musical'

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You only need hear the title to know you're in for a delightful time.

"Suessical the Musical," written in 2000, is based on Theodore Geisel's Dr. Seuss creations including "The Cat in the Hat," "Horton Hears a Who!" "How the Grinch Stole Christmas," "The Butter Battle Book" and "Yertle the Turtle."

"I chose it because of the great music," said director Alphonse Koenigsman. "That's really awesome. It also fits with the cast of students we have at Magic City this year. It's probably the largest number of guys we've had for quite some time."

Koenigsman also noted that he's had a chance to watch many of the cast of 60 grow up in the theater over the years, not just at Magic City, but Central Campus, the Mouse River Players and Western Plains Children's Choir.

"They have a lot of enthusiasm, and a lot of helpful parents," he said.

The costumes reflect the signature Dr. Seuss design. Patrons can expect to see the elephant's ears on Horton, neon wigs for the birds and the famous striped hat and big loopy bow for the Cat. The set may be cartoonish, but potentially the most elaborate in Minot, Koenigsman said.

"There are rotating wagons (the bases for scenery pieces) with kids riding them off," he said. "And there are Seuss-type trees that some characters climb into."

"The story may be a little hard to follow, so I put a synopsis in the program," he said. "But it's mostly the music catchy tunes that suit the characters."

"This play is essentially all music," Koenigsman said. "It put me in mind of 'Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,' because of all the different styles and genres of music in it.

"It's also an ensemble show," he added. "It doesn't have just one or two characters who have to carry the whole show. This one is evenly spread among the cast so each one has an opportunity to shine."

Musical direction is by Dawn Freeman, and Paula Simonson is the choreographer.

"It's a great family show," Koenigsman said. "Who doesn't like Dr. Seuss?"