Show guide
Seussical
Seussical is a colorful, family friendly musical that blends together characters and stories from the world of Dr. Seuss into one big adventure. It first reached Broadway in 2000 and has become a favorite introduction to musical theatre for young audiences.
- Broadway premiere
- 2000
- Music by
- Stephen Flaherty
- Genre
- Comedy
- Setting
- Timeless
Seussical: quick answers
What is Seussical about?
- Seussical follows Horton the Elephant as he protects a tiny world of Whos living on a speck of dust and, at the same time, hatches an egg abandoned by the flighty Mayzie La Bird, with the Cat in the Hat as narrator.
When did Seussical open on Broadway?
- Seussical opened on Broadway on November 30, 2000, at the Richard Rodgers Theatre after a Boston tryout, and closed on May 20, 2001, after 198 performances.
What kind of musical is Seussical?
- Seussical is a family musical comedy with an original score by Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens that stitches together several Dr. Seuss books, mainly Horton Hears a Who!, Horton Hatches the Egg, and Gertrude McFuzz. It is almost entirely sung.
Where and when is Seussical set?
- Seussical takes place in a timeless Seuss world: the Jungle of Nool and the microscopic planet of Who-ville on a speck of dust.
Has Seussical played in London's West End?
- Seussical played the West End's Arts Theatre in 2012, and a later London production ran at Southwark Playhouse in 2018.
Is there a Seussical movie?
- There is no film of the musical, but its source stories have been filmed separately, including the 2008 animated film Horton Hears a Who!, with Jim Carrey as Horton, and the 2003 live-action The Cat in the Hat, starring Mike Myers.
The story of Seussical
Seussical weaves together beloved Dr. Seuss characters, most notably Horton the Elephant and the tiny world of Whoville, into a single overarching tale about imagination, loyalty, and standing up for those who cannot be seen or heard. The show is narrated by the Cat in the Hat, who guides the audience through the various stories and characters.
Because the show pulls from many different Seuss books and characters rather than a single narrative, it plays like a whimsical patchwork of adventures unified by themes of kindness, courage, and believing in the power of a small voice. Its timeless, imaginative setting makes it feel at home in any era.
The music and the makers
Seussical's score comes from Stephen Flaherty, with lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, the same songwriting team behind other major Broadway works. The music is bright, playful, and eclectic, mixing pop, jazz, and traditional musical theatre styles to match the whimsical, childlike energy of the source material.
The songs are designed to be catchy and accessible, with plenty of ensemble numbers and comic set pieces alongside more heartfelt ballads about friendship and belief. It is a score built to delight both children and adults in the audience.
Seussical on Broadway
Seussical opened on Broadway in 2000, bringing the vivid visual world of Dr. Seuss to life with elaborate costumes and staging. While its initial Broadway run was relatively brief, the show found a much longer life afterward as a staple of school, community, and regional theatre productions.
Its appeal lies in its family friendly tone, its recognizable characters, and its uplifting message, which has made it one of the most frequently performed musicals for younger performers and audiences. Seussical continues to introduce new generations to the joys of live musical theatre.
Seussical: frequently asked questions
When did Seussical open on Broadway?
Seussical opened on Broadway in 2000.
Who composed Seussical?
The music is by Stephen Flaherty, with lyrics by Lynn Ahrens.
What is Seussical based on?
It draws on multiple Dr. Seuss books and characters, centered around Horton the Elephant and the world of Whoville.
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