The International School at Dundee is pleased to announce its production of Seussical KIDS, presented by the ISD PTA as part of an in-school residency program with Open Arts Alliance to promote arts education in the curriculum.
The high-energy 40-minute musical, designed for elementary school-aged performers, is based on the many works of Dr. Seuss.
The musical is directed by Cindy Busani, teaching artist for Open Arts Alliance, music directed by ISD music teacher and choir director, Dr. Sandra Heikel, and produced by the ISD PTA and a team of 5th grade parent volunteers.
After weeks of rehearsals, the cast, which includes 29 5th grade students and 11 3rd and 4th grade members of the Junior Ensemble, is thrilled to present their first performance on Dr. Seuss’s birthday, March 2.
“Open Arts Alliance is honored and thrilled to be collaborating with ISD on its spring musical for the third time,” said Rocco Natale, executive director at Open Arts Alliance. “Both organizations are committed to fostering arts education so that the next generation can explore social-emotional connections, build strong relationships, and become life-long learners who continue to positively contribute to the community. We are grateful to the amazing team – Ana Laborde, Cindy Busani, Sandra Heikel, and all the volunteers in the ISD community who help make this celebration happen annually!”
“Seussical Kids! is the perfect musical for our ISD community,” said ISD Principal, Dana Firmender. “A story about love and loyalty that is relatable to all ages, the themes of friendship and staying true to oneself are closely aligned to our own school’s values and overall mission. Seussical reminds us all the importance of thinking deeply, working together, and taking risks, which are all characteristics of our IB curriculum. With the combination of our Open Arts Alliance partnership, dedicated PTA and staff, and our talented students, this musical production is sure to win the hearts of everyone who attends!”
Horton the Elephant, the Cat in the Hat and all of your favorite Dr. Seuss characters spring to life onstage in Seussical KIDS, a fantastical musical extravaganza from Tony-winners, Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty (Lucky Stiff, My Favorite Year, Once on This Island, Ragtime). Transporting audiences from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus, the Cat in the Hat, our narrator, tells the story of Horton, an elephant who discovers a speck of dust containing tiny people called the Whos, including Jojo, a Who child, who gets in trouble for thinking too many “thinks.” Horton’s challenge is twofold — not only must he protect the Whos from a world of naysayers and dangers, but he must also guard an abandoned egg that’s been left in his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird. Although Horton faces ridicule, danger, kidnapping and a trial, the intrepid Gertrude McFuzz never loses faith in him. Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family and community are challenged and emerge triumphant!
Performances for Suessical KIDS are 40 minutes in length and will be held in the Gymnasium at ISD on Thursday, March 2nd at 6:30pm and Friday, March 3rd at 6:30pm. General admission tickets are $10 and on sale now for the public at ISDPTA.ORG.
Seussical™ KIDS’ is presented through special arrangement with and all authorized materials are supplied by Music Theatre International.
About Open Arts Alliance
Open Arts Alliance (OAA) is a Connecticut-based 501c3 non-profit social service organization that uses the performing arts to bridge the gap between the youngest and eldest members of our community. Through our educational programs for children and senior citizens, OAA is dedicated to bringing literacy and art to Greenwich and the surrounding community. Our educational programs use theatre to speak to students of all ages about personal wellness, bullying and making positive life choices. Learn more at OpenArtsAlliance.com.
About the International School at Dundee
The International School at Dundee was authorized in July of 2003 as an official International Baccalaureate school. ISD is one of only 181 authorized IB Primary Years Programme (IBPYP) schools in the U.S., and one of only a few elementary schools in Connecticut to receive the IBPYP accreditation. ISD offers programs for students from kindergarten through fifth grade.
