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DIRECTORS NOTE

I’m not going to lie to you, I had a very hard time writing this Director’s Note. I have had the pleasure of directing many shows , each one with a heartfelt director’s note in the program but no show has had the same impact on me as Seussical Jr. I know that sounds cheesy and a little bit crazy but that’s exactly what Seussical Jr. is and I love it.

Nine years ago I had the pleasure of playing Horton the Elephant in Suessical Jr. I was twelve years old. At the time I was sure there was nothing more fun than performing in that show. Now having the chance to direct it and work with all of these amazing kids, I am proud to say my twelve year old self was very wrong and that I have had the time of my life directing this production.

There is no show quite like Seussical Jr. so for a show this wacky and strange to be successful I believe you need a group of artists that are equally wacky and strange. I am proud to say I had an abundance of unique weridos help make this show a reality. Without their craziness this show would not be the amazing production it is.

First, Debby Ash, thank you for giving me the opportunity to work on a show that is so near and dear to my heart. To my costume and set designers Norma Polk and Nancy Koppin, I continue to be impressed with your ability to create and think outside the box. Thank you. To Stuart Selewski and Amanda Grimm, I don’t know how you get every set piece to look so incredible but I am so grateful that you do.

To my stage manager Emma Doyle, thank you for going on this crazy journey with me. I know I can be a lot to handle but you make it look easy. To my Music Director Linda Venable, thank you for making these kids sound as great as they do and a huge thank you for all the support and confidence you have given me throughout the years. I would not be here without your guidance. Finally, to my Choreographer Paige Kenyon, I feel like “choreographer” isn’t quite the right title for you since you have done so much for this show and for me this summer. You have opened my eyes to all of the insane possibilities that this show has and in the true spirt of Dr. Seuss, proven to me that anything is possible. I can’t begin to tell you how thankful I am to have you.

Lastly to our audience members, thank you for supporting a show that I promise is pure craziness. Get ready to be sucked into a world where cats wear hats, elephants sit on eggs and anything’s possible.

-Brandon Waldenmayer