Think Dr. Seuss – live on stage

“Think left and think right and think low and think high. Oh, the thinks you can think up if only you try!” Dr. Seuss, Theodor Seuss Geisel, was born March 2, 1904, and wrote some of the most popular children’s books of all time.

Heavier Than Air Family Theatre Co. thinks that is something worth celebrating, and brings Dr. Seuss’ best-loved characters to life in its upcoming production of “Seussical.”

The musical premieres at 7 p.m. Friday, March 24 on the main campus of Green River College, 12401 SE 320th St., Auburn, and runs Fridays and Saturdays through April 1.

Arguably, Dr. Seuss’ genius was displayed in the scores of characters he created with quirky behaviors, peculiar names and silly appearance. His classic figures are as varied and sundry as the theatre company’s actors who portray them on stage.

The iconic Cat in the Hat is played by Dr. Kurt Eby, a Kent chiropractor who can also crack a wonderfully witty joke on set. Terry Thibodeaux Jr., a.k.a. Horton the Elephant, spends his days teaching arts and music to students at Chinook Elementary in Auburn, and everyone’s favorite mean and green Grinch is actually Hans Ulland, a mild mannered financial director for a local aerospace corporation.

When Lenee Lameyer isn’t a frolicking fish in McElligot’s Pool, she can be found working as a service delivery manager at a nearby auto glass company. And of course, the biggest imagination in “Seussical” belongs to JoJo, the little Who that saves Who-ville, thanks to the efforts of Auburn Mountainview High School sophomore, Lauren Kramer.

Decades ago, director Joe Baker landed on a formula that links a medley of community members for family fun and an age defying hobby to produce some of the most extraordinary live theatre in the south end. The proof is in the cast of “Seussical.”

For tickets and information call 253-833-9111, extension 2400, or visit heavierthanair.com.