FMPAT Presents All-Youth Production of SEUSSICAL, 5/2-6

The family hit musical production "Seussical: The Musical" will continue the season for Flower Mound Performing Arts Theatre (Theatre FMPAT) in their new space at the MCL Grand Black Box Theater - May 2-6, 2012, as part of their 20th season.

Dr. Seuss characters are brought to life in this vibrant musical combining many of Seuss's most famous books in this Broadway favorite. Audiences will recognize such characters as Horton the Elephant, The Cat in the Hat, The Whos, among numerous book character cameos. The story centers around Horton the Elephant (played by guest artist, Sam Swenson), who finds himself faced with a double challenge-not only must he protect his tiny friend Jojo (and all the invisible Whos) from a world of naysayers and dangers, but he must guard an abandoned egg left to his care by the irresponsible Mayzie LaBird. Although Horton faces ridicule, danger, kidnapping, and a trial, the "girl next door" intrepid Gertrude McFuzz never loses faith in him and recognizes "his kind and powerful heart." Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family, and community are challenged and emerge triumphant in a story that makes you laugh, cry, and celebrate kindness.

Songs include: "Alone in the Universe"; "Oh, The Thinks You Can Think"; "Biggest Blame Fool"; "Here on Who"; "It's Possible'; "How to Raise a Child"; "How Lucky You Are"; "Solla Sollew"; and "All for You", among others.

This youth production is part of Theatre FMPAT's 2012 Educational Season and presented in conjunction with our Young Artist Training Program. Alumni guest artist for the production, Sam Swenson is reviving the role as Horton the Elephant. Swenson is an actor, singer/songwriter whose partial credits include You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown (Charlie Brown), The Fantasticks (Matt), Godspell (Jesus), Rent (Roger), Spring Awakening (Otto), and Honk! (Ugly). He has performed with Theatre FMPAT, WaterTower Theatre, Uptown Players, Collin College, Frisco Community Theatre, among others. He will be appearing in June in Legally Blonde: The Musical as Emmett with Level Ground Arts in Dallas.

Other cast members include local youth artists ages 8 - 18 from such areas as Flower Mound, Lewisville, Carrollton, Coppell, Allen and Denton. The show is directed and choreographed by Stephanie Riggs with Musical Direction by Mark Mullino.

"This musical is a celebration of Dr. Seuss and his legacy of all the amazing spirited characters he has brought to our lives," said Scott Kirkham, Theatre FMPAT Executive Producer. "We have assembled some incredible youth artists that light up the stage with their talent who have the opportunity to be a part of a professional season and work with our alumni guest artist, Sam Swenson."

"Seussical: The Musical" is based on the book by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, with music by Stephen Flaherty and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, co-Conceived by Eric Idle. It is produced by special arrangement with Music Theatre International and Actors' Equity Association.

"Seussical: The Musical" runs May 2-6, 2012, The MCL Grand Black Box Theater, located at 100 North Charles Street, Lewisville, as part of Theatre FMPAT's 20th Season of plays and musicals. Seats are available for $15-$25 for adults with discounts for seniors, students, children, and groups of 10 or more. Tickets are available now at www.fmpat.org, or by calling 972-724-2147. For updates on the theatre go to Facebook.com/TheatreFMPAT.

Celebrating its' 20th season, Theatre FMPAT has been the only professional, Actors' Equity Association theatre, in Denton County since 1993. Theatre FMPAT's goal is to provide exceptional productions at an exceptional value, exceptionally close to home.

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