(WAYNE, NJ) -- Light Opera of New Jersey presents Seussical from August 9-11, 2024 at Rosen Performing Arts Center YMCA, in Wayne. Seussical is a fantastical magical, musical extravaganza! Step into the world of Dr. Seuss with LONJ's professionally staged production. This beloved show brings to life all your favorite characters from the iconic books, including the Cat in the Hat, Horton the Elephant, and Gertrude McFuzz. 

The Cat in the Hat tells the story of Horton, an elephant who discovers a speck of dust that contains the 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 naysayers and dangers, but he must guard an abandoned egg, 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.

James Conrad Smith directs the production by Light Opera of New Jersey with Erin Kennedy as Music Director, Katie Claire as Choreographer, and Executive Producer Jason Tramm.

The cast includes Mark Uhlemann (Horton the Elephant), Niko Lento (The Cat in the Hat), Rebecca Maderia (Gertrude McFuzz), Emily Hughes (JoJo), Kassi Popcevski (Mayzie LaBird), and Daisha Davis (The Sour Kangaroo).

Tickets are available for purchase online. Rosen Performing Arts Center is located inside the Wayne YMCA at 1 Pike Drive in Wayne, New Jersey.

Seussical comes from Tony winners, Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty (Lucky Stiff, My Favorite Year, Once on This Island, Ragtime) and was co-conceived by Eric Idle.

Get ready for a musical journey full of imagination, heartwarming moments, and toe-tapping tunes. The colorful characters transport us from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus to the invisible world of the Whos. Seussical is fun for the whole family.

Light Opera of New Jersey (LONJ) is a premier regional musical theater company bringing numerous genres to life including musical theater, opera and operetta. They offer innovative and reimagined productions led by exceptional singer actors and orchestral musicians. They aim to inspire audiences with accessible and entertaining productions that enrich the cultural life of the region.

In 1995, William Corson and Lauran Fulton Corson created a small but ambitious troupe named Ridge Light Opera to specialize in performances of musical theater, comic/light opera, and operetta. Their efforts soon gained momentum, garnering favorable notice from an expanding circle of audience members, performers, and directors. In 2013, the organization changed its name to Light Opera of New Jersey (LONJ) to reflect this expanding sphere of influence and nearly two decades of high caliber musical shows.

LONJ performs full-scale productions at SOPAC (South Orange Performing Arts Center) and the Fellowship Community Arts Center in Basking Ridge, New Jersey. In addition, the company presents workshops, cabarets, concerts and outreach programs in various locales.