Horton the Elephant, the Cat in the Hat, and all of your favorite Dr. Seuss characters spring to life onstage in Seussical Jr., a fantastical musical extravaganza from Tony-winners Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty.

Transporting audiences from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus, the Cat in the Hat narrates the story of Horton the Elephant, who discovers a speck of dust containing tiny people called the Whos.

Horton must protect the Whos from a world of naysayers and dangers, and he must also guard an abandoned egg that’s been left in his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird. Although Horton faces ridicule, danger, and a trial, the intrepid Gertrude McFuzz never loses faith in him. Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family, and community are challenged and emerge triumphant.

The Area Stage Company, committed to its excellence in performance, theater and dance, announces that its first summer session will be Seussical Jr. Students ages 6-12 will work with professional coaches while experiencing life in a conservatory setting. Scholarships are available depending upon the applicant’s demonstrated financial need, maturity as a person and artist, and overall merit as determined by the theater directors.

The show features music by Stephen Flaherty, lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, and book by Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens.

Camp hours are Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., June 12-July 2, with performances: Friday, June 30, at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, July 1, at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, July 2, at 5 p.m.

Area Stage Company is based at the historic Riviera Theatre, 1560 S. Dixie Hwy. in Coral Gables. The session cost $825 (DVD Included). Scholarships are available via an application form on the website. Call 305-666-2078 or visit areastagecompany.com.

Source: www.communitynewspapers.com