The curtain is set to rise on the magical musical, Seussical, for the very first time at the Civic Theatre Newcastle this month.

Presented by Hunter Drama’s finest, this full-length production – which hits the stage on Thursday 14 July – will take you on a full-blown adventure through The Jungle of Nool.

Join the talented cast for this all-singing, all-dancing, fantastical extravaganza as the most famous of Cats in the most iconic of Hats guides us into the endlessly fascinating world of Dr Seuss.

It’s a world where Horton, the kind-hearted elephant, discovers a speck of dust on which the civilisation of Whoville exists.

There JoJo lives, a small Who child sent to military school for the crime of thinking too many “thinks”.

Horton is thrust into an urgent battle – he has to protect the speck of dust and the residents of Whoville and an abandoned egg left to his care by the lazy Mayzie la Bird.

Unable to convince the other animals in The Jungle that The Whos exist, he is ridiculed and put on trial for insanity, with only a loyal few never losing faith in him.  

One of the world’s most widely produced musicals, Seussical weaves a story of friendship, loyalty and love.

Despite all odds, Horton and Gertrude band together to save the Whos, secure Horton’s freedom, and restore peace and unity to the Jungle of Nool.  

Director Daniel Stoddart said the core meanings of the timeless classic were more relevant than ever, in our post-pandemic, conflict-challenged world.

“At the heart of this gorgeous text is a message of children finding their voice, challenging the establishment and speaking up for themselves, to save what should be important to us all,” he explained.

“Throughout this non-stop musical adventure, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family and community are challenged and emerge triumphant.

“In an interesting coincidence, the colours of the Whos – blue and yellow – reflect the colours of the Ukrainian flag, under which their brave citizens are currently battling gallantly.

“Our hero, Jojo, is sent to war and we soon realise this story is not that far removed from our world’s current plight.

“Now more than ever, it’s a story which resonates with and is relevant to our young people.

“I’m incredibly proud of this fabulously talented cast which has embraced the story and made it their own.

“A true celebration of those who are different, this show is for anyone who has ever felt too small to matter, or even be heard.

“What a perfect story to welcome young audiences back to the theatre.

“It is guaranteed to warm the heart, provoke a gleaming grin, and remind us all how important it is to fight for what we believe in.”

Seussical The Musical opens at the Civic Theatre these holidays for four rollicking performances: Thursday 14 July (7pm); Friday 15 July (7pm); and Saturday 16 July (2pm and 7pm).