Magic arrives at Narrows Community Theater with “Seussical: The Musical”

August 17, 2015 Jaime DeJesus
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A world of imagination and creativity is invading the Ridge, courtesy of the Narrows Community Theater.

Brooklynites young and old will be able to enter the world of the beloved author Dr. Seuss, thanks to the troupe’s new production of  “Seussical: The Musical,” a show  that incorporates Seuss’s most popular books including “Horton Hears a Who!” The show debuted in 2000 on Broadway and has been a favorite ever since.

The show’s director, Bay Ridgeite and rising Broadway actor Jason Gotay, feels that the show is special and will resonate with audiences of all ages.

“It’s a fun-filled show great for the whole family,” said Gotay, who made his NCT directorial debut with last year’s production of “Shrek.” “It’s an important story that presents an important lesson.”

According to the multi-talented director, the show’s greatest strength is its cast. “This cast has bonded together so beautifully. The actors range from eight to 22 years old and they’ve all come together to work as a team,” he said. “The older ones are helping the little ones find their way. It’s wonderful to see them build the show as a unit. There’s a lot of good energy. It’s just a positive environment to work in.”

Gotay’s excited for his talented cast and crew to be on display. “I am looking forward to the audience meeting these kids who are filled with energy,” he said.

The plot involves the character of Horton the Elephant and his mission to protect his friends. However, Gotay explains that the story involves more than just fantasy.

Photos by Mijola Photography
Photos by Mijola Photography

“It’s special because it celebrates the power of the imagination and the joy of telling a story and keeping promises,” he said. “It also includes lessons that are important for kids and adults, about expressing yourself and how to stay true to who you are.”

Gotay hopes that audiences experience the various emotions that Dr. Seuss conveyed in all of his work. “It’s sweet, moving, and audiences will both laugh and cry as the show takes you on adventures and teaches an important lesson: the power of imagination,” he said. “The characters are exciting. There are huge numbers and intimate moments.”

Since the show remains so popular, putting together an adaptation comes with its challenges. “This show is a huge challenge. It is an epic with lots of characters, but we have been working hard and have created something amazing,” he explained. “(Our show) challenges audiences to use imagination to tell a story a different way than it is typically told. We have to work within certain means, which is good because it challenges us to be creative in a unique way.”

The cast is eager to share their talents with the community. “I think what Narrows is doing is so important,” Gotay said. “There’s not enough of that in the school system. It’s important for kids to create and work as a team. It’s important.”

“Seussical: The Musical” will be performed at the Fort Hamilton Army Base Theater, 101st Street and Fort Hamilton Parkway. It debuts on Saturday, August 22 at 8 p.m. Additional shows will take place on Sunday, August 23 at 2 p.m., Friday, August 28 at 8 p.m., Saturday, August 29 at 2p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday, August 30 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and students and $10 for children 12 and under. Customers can save $5 by ordering in advance. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.nctheaterny.com.

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