JOIN THE FUN WITH THE BELOVED POP MUSICAL SEUSSICAL™
AT THE MALTZ JUPITER THEATRE!
Show will be directed and choreographed by international performer and Conservatory faculty member Ricky Nahas
June 1, 2016 – “Oh, the thinks you can think” when Dr. Seuss’s best-loved characters come to life in an unforgettable musical extravaganza!
International performer and Conservatory faculty member Ricky Nahas will direct and choreograph the upcoming production of the beloved musical SEUSSICAL™ on June 24 and 25 at 7:30 p.m. on the Maltz Jupiter Theatre’s stage. Fun for the entire family, tickets are $25 for adults; $20 for children.
The show will star 40 students from Palm Beach, Martin County and beyond who are participating in the Maltz Jupiter Theatre Goldner Conservatory of Performing Arts’ three-week Senior Conservatory summer camp (grades 6-12), in which students learn all aspects of theatre such as acting, dance and voice, culminating in full performances of SEUSSICAL™.
One of the most popular shows in America, SEUSSICAL™ is a fantastical, magical spectacular! Tony Award® winners Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty (Lucky Stiff, My Favorite Year, Once On This Island and Ragtime) have lovingly brought to life all of our favorite Dr. Seuss characters, including Horton the Elephant, The Cat in the Hat, Gertrude McFuzz, Amazing Mayzie, and a little boy with a big imagination: Jojo. The colorful characters transport us from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus to the invisible world of the Whos.
The Cat in the Hat tells the story of Horton, an elephant who discovers a speck of dust containing Whos, including Jojo – a Who child sent off to military school for thinking too many “thinks.” Horton faces a double challenge: not only must he protect the Whos from a world of cynics, but he must guard an abandoned egg, left to his care by Mayzie La Bird.
“SEUSSICAL™ features a creative storyline, infectious songs and dynamic dancing, as well as an important social message,” said Julie Rowe, director of education for the Conservatory. “Although Horton faces ridicule and danger, Gertrude never loses faith in him – and ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty and community triumph.”
Recently seen onstage in the Theatre’s professional productions of Les Miserables, The Wiz and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Nahas has served as a Conservatory faculty member for the past two years, teaching voice and dance. He previously directed and choreographed the Senior Conservatory’s production of Little Shop of Horrors, and also choreographed all three years of the Theatre’s productions of Through the Looking Glass. Notable roles include Radames in Aida, Mungojerrie in Cats, a swing and dance captain in the National Tour of Altar Boyz and Double J in Saturday Night Fever. Currently based in West Palm Beach, Nahas has performed throughout Europe, with TV credits that include Burn Notice and Guiding Light.
“I’m thrilled to be directing and choreographing such a fun-filled adventure on the Maltz Jupiter Theatre’s stage,” Nahas said. “SEUSSICAL™ is a lively, imaginative musical that will remind audience members of all ages why they love the stories of Dr. Seuss. I’d like to encourage everyone to come see our area’s talented local young performers in this vibrant show.”
During camp, Nahas will guide students through the process of auditioning for a Broadway show, a fast-paced rehearsal schedule and the opportunity to showcase all that they’ve learned onstage, complete with costumes, sets, professional lighting and a professional theater orchestra.
“The Senior Conservatory is a wonderful opportunity for local teens to have the chance to experience what it’s like to work in professional theatre and perform on that Theatre’s stage in a full musical,” Rowe said.
The musical features design elements from a host of industry professionals, including scenic and properties design by the Theatre’s properties master Casey Blanton, sound design by the Theatre’s resident sound designer Marty Mets, lighting design by Ardean Landuis, costume design by Jerry Sturdefant, music direction from Conservatory faculty member John Mercurio and dance instruction assistance from dance captain Keagan Cerny.
The long-awaited full stage production of the musical at the Theatre follows the success of special excerpt performances performed in January and February as part of the popular “The Art of Dr. Seuss” art exhibition at The Gardens Mall.
Showtimes for the Conservatory’s upcoming production of SEUSSICAL™ are 7:30 p.m on Friday, June 24, and Saturday, June 25. Tickets are $25 for adults; $20 for children. For tickets, call the Theatre’s box office at (561) 575-2223 or visit www.jupitertheatre.org.
About the Conservatory
Drawing nearly 600 students per year, the Maltz Jupiter Theatre Goldner Conservatory of Performing Arts is a premiere professional Conservatory that offers a challenging, innovative and quality theatre experience to students of all ages and abilities. In addition to a full schedule of classes, the Conservatory’s hands-on workshops and master classes offer students an opportunity to learn first-hand from nationally known directors and Broadway performers, agents and local instructors. More than 25 percent of the Conservatory’s students receive scholarships. For more information about the Conservatory including a full schedule of classes, visit www.jupitertheatre.org/education.
About the Maltz Jupiter Theatre
The not-for-profit Maltz Jupiter Theatre has become one of Florida’s preeminent professional theatres, committed to production and education through its collaborations with local and national artists. Currently the state’s largest award-winning regional theatre, the Theatre draws 100,000 people annually, serves a subscription base of nearly 7,600 and has world-class classroom facilities in support of its Goldner Conservatory of Performing Arts, which serves hundreds of youth and adults. The Theatre is a member of the prestigious League of Resident Theatres and has earned numerous Carbonell Awards, South Florida’s highest honor for artistic excellence, including the prestigious Bill Von Maurer Award for Theatrical Excellence. For more information about the Theatre’s upcoming shows and Conservatory, visit www.jupitertheatre.org or call the box office at (561) 575-2223.