by Noah King
Fredericksburg, VA—Let's think about something for a second. If you have a play called “Seussical” that is primarily based on Theodor Seuss Geisel’s 1954 children’s book “Horton Hears A Who”, but the show doesn’t actually have any Whos in it, there’s a 99.9-100% chance that audiences are going to be let down.
Luckily, playwrights Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty added Whoville into the endless mix of characters, concepts, and locales in the show, and STEP VA, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to “empowering individuals with disabilities and their families through creative expression and sensory exploration,” is working hard to ensure that the production will live up to its source material.
Xavior will be playing one of the many citizens of Whoville in “Seussical Jr.”, a smaller-scale cut of the show owned by Musical Theatre International (or MTI for short).
“I’m excited [to be in the show],” Xavior said. “[My parents are excited to see me] dance.”
Xavior, like a lot of the cast, has some experience with the world of Dr. Seuss. His two favorite books by the author are “Oh The Thinks You Can Think!” (also the name of the first big musical number in the show) and “The Butter Battle Book”. Xavior’s favorite character in “Seussical Jr.” is Jojo, who is also a citizen of Whoville and the mayor’s son.
“Seussical Jr.” will be Xavior’s first licensed musical with STEP VA, although, in years prior, he has participated in the organization’s summer camp.
Jacob Lieberman will also be playing a citizen of Whoville in “Seussical Jr.”
“[My favorite Dr. Seuss story is] ‘One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish’” Lieberman said. “[My favorite character is] Sam-I-Am.”
“Seussical Jr.” will be Lieberman’s very first show with STEP VA, and he is excited to be a part of it.
“[I like that the Whos are] happy…[and I can’t wait for my parents] to see [‘Seussical Jr.’]” Lieberman said.
Who wants you to see their upcoming production of “Seussical Jr.?” STEP VA does! The show will be performed at Courtland High School on April 13th and 14th. To find out more or reserve tickets, please visit https://www.stepva.org/
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STEP VA, Inc. is a 501c3 non-profit organization that provides sensory-based theater and arts programs for individuals with disabilities. Its vision is to transform the world by offering each individual the opportunity to flourish in the community.