In celebration of 19 years of enchanting shows, Repertory Philippines Children's theater is back after a successful run of Sleeping Beauty last year and now proudly presents its 2011 offering with the first full Philippine staging of the fantastic and magical musical extravaganza, Seussical.

Based on the books written by Teodor Geisel aka Dr. Seuss, Seussical tells the story that centers around Horton the Elephant (Oliver Usison), who finds himself faced with a double challenge -- not only must he protect his tiny friend Jojo (Noah Ramos) 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 (Liesl Batucan). Although Horton faces ridicule, danger, kidnapping and a trial, the intrepid bird Gertrude McFuzz (Charity Grace) never loses faith in him, the only one who recognizes “his kind and his powerful heart.” Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family and community are challenged and emerge triumphant, in a story that will make you laugh and cry.


To be honest, I'm a bit reluctant about this show because of the obvious reason that it is a show for kids.  The material alone didn't really spark any interest on me.  I never saw the movie nor read any books by Geisel.  But everything changes when I first heard the "Oh, The think you can Think" song.  It's catchy to the extent that I can see myself dancing with that tune.  With a person like me who likes dance tunes, definitely this is the kind of song that can end up on my playlist together with Rent, The Wedding Singer, Xanadu and Hairspray.


To prove that Repertory Philippines is serious on offering quality shows whether it is a children's theater or not, they make sure that the actors that will compose the cast of Seussical are top of the line performers that can definitely contribute to the show's success.  Such known names include Rem Zamora who's last seen on The 39 Steps and Shakespeare in Hollywood, Cara Barredo and Kyla Rivera from Little Women, Bituin Escalante from Love, Loss and What I Wore and Pinky Marquez who delivered a great performance on The Joy Luck Club.

Full lead cast list for Seussical:

Cat in the Hat	Horton	Jojo	Gertrude Mc Fuzz
Arnel Carrion James Stacey Kawie Atwood Robie Zialcita Rem Zamora	Oliver Usison Nic Campos	Noah Ramos Nacio Samonte Alessa Zialcita Nicolle Cojuangco	Cara Barredo Charity Grace Giannina Ocampo

Mayzie La Bird	Sour Kangaroo	Mayor	Mrs. Mayor
Liesl Batucan Naths Everett Kyla Rivera	Bituin Escalante Pinky Marquez Ampy Sietereales	Robie Zialcita Raul Montesa Onyl Torres	Naths Everett Ampy Sietereales Pinky Marquez

Promising a fascinating and fun theatrical experience not only for the kids but also for the whole family, Repertory assured that they are working equally as hard as they work on regular shows to live up to the expectations of both patrons and critics.


From Book and Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, Music by Stephen Flaherty and Direction by Repertory Philippines Children's Theater Artistic Director Joy Virata, Seussical premieres on August 13 and will run until December 18, 2011 at Onstage Theater Greenbelt 1, Makati.


For tickets reservations and schedule inquiries call Repertory Philippines at 5716926 or 5714941 or log on to www.repertory.ph. Tickets are also available through Ticketworld at 8919999 or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph