'Seussical, the Musical' to be presented this week

Participating in “Seussical, the Musical” are Brennan Penders, left, as Wickersham Brother, Dianna DiCicco as Sour Kangaroo, John Myers as Wickersham Brother and Alex Taylor as Wickersham Brother.

By: Bennie Scarton Jr. | Inside NoVA
Published: July 15, 2009

The play "Seussical, the Musical" will be presented this week at All Saints Catholic Church in Manassas.

"Seussical" is a family-friendly show being presented at the church by the Upper Room Theatre Ministry. It is directed by Rob Tessier, director of youth ministry at the church, 9300 Stonewall Road, Manassas.

The musical includes scenery by Candace Penders, choreography by Vickie Taylor and a full live orchestra under the direction of Cathy Drummond.

It will be performed tonight, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m.

"A talented group of professionals and amateurs have worked together to present a show full of catchy songs and amazing moments of knockout sensations," said Tessier.

A vibrant scene of colors will welcome ticketholders into the world of Dr. Seuss when they enter the gymnasium. During the play, the actors frequently interact with the audience.

Those attending can keep up with Horton the Elephant as he travels from the Jungle of Nool to Whoville to Miami Beach spreading the word: "A person's a person no matter how small!"

Bright costumes complete the scene as the characters step onto the lively stage. The audience will "Hear a Who" with Horton and will support him as he "Hatches an Egg."

The actors include Shannon Bartnick, Sean Bartnick, Gabrielle Buonocore, Caitlin Collins, Kelly Craige, Maria Davis, Diana DiCicco, Keziah Higginbottom, Michael Hill, Neesha Karanth, Nicole Kardaras, Karen Kelleher, Brian Kelly, Kristen Kleb, Colin Land, Melissa Land, Molly Loesel, Kelly Morrison, John Myers, Kayleen Na-gurny, Brennan Penders, Lauren Perez, Drew Prendergast, John Rogers, Cat Rogers, Matt Schaad, Genevieve Shef-field, Meg Slovenkay, Lexi Smith, Taylor Stults, Alex Taylor, Peter Tessier, Jennifer Torres, Jay Wells, Mikey Wittlinger, Sara Sykowski, Cristina Zamrana and Sarah Zapiain.

The ministry has been putting on productions since 2001 and have included "Godspell," "Sound of Music," "Honk," "Music Man" and "Fiddler on the Roof."

Staff writer Bennie Scarton Jr. can be reached at 703-369-6707.