Jr Seuss Program - July11 (1)

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Gateway Center for Performing Arts' Youth Theatre Company

Book By Lynn Ahrens & Stephen Flaherty Music By Stephen Flaherty

Lyrics By Lynn Ahrens

Co-Conceived By Lynn Ahrens, Stephen Flaherty, and Eric Idle Based on the Works of Theodor Geisel (Dr. Seuss)

CREATIVE AND CREW Music Director Lori Pagano

Director Alyssa Durbin

Choreographer Stephanie Fox

Stage Manager Juno Mayer Production Assistant Levi Money Lighting Design Tanner Douglas

Sound Design Russell Sides

Set Design Patrice Nelms

Costume Design Andrea Robb

Props Design Laura Skroska

Scenic Artist Tobias Reynolds

Artistic Director Stephanie Fox Production Photographer Marketing Mike DePope & Susannah Egley Lisa Teadt Photography

Crew Emily O’Leary Jillian Romano, Joe Swain, Lily Teadt, Lily Wymore

CONGRATULATIONS AND BREAK A LEG TO THE CAST OF SEUSSICAL JR!

314-739-1600 DESIGNAIRESERVICE.COM DESIGNAIRESERVICE.COM

Artistic Director’s Note Welcome to the 11th season of Gateway Center for Performing Arts’ Youth Theatre Company! This season, we have carefully selected productions that not only showcase incredible entertainment but also resonate deeply with contemporary themes and timeless stories.

We open our season with the beloved musical Oliver! Based on Charles Dickens' classic novel Oliver Twist, this heartwarming story captures the resilience of youth in the face of adversity. The themes of hope, belonging, and the struggle against societal injustices are as relevant today as they were in Dickens' time. The rich, vibrant score invites audiences into a world of both sorrow and joy, making it an ideal choice to highlight the power of musical theatre.

Following Oliver!, we will present The Prom, a contemporary musical that shines a light on love, acceptance, and the fight for equality. Set against the backdrop of a small town’s high school prom, this uplifting show addresses issues of identity and the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ youth. Its heartfelt message remind us of the importance of inclusion and the need for a community that embraces all its members.

This summer, we invite performers to join us for Seussical KIDS and Seussical Junior, production camps designed for ages 6-10 and 11-16, respectively. These registration-based programs provide an inclusive environment where students can explore their creativity without the pressure of having to “get in.”

Through the whimsical stories of Dr. Seuss, campers will embark on a journey of imagination and self-expression, developing confidence and teamwork skills that will last a lifetime.

For our more seasoned young performers, we are excited to announce our audition-based productions of Shrek Junior for ages 10-14 and Into the Woods for ages 14-18. Shrek Junior brings the beloved story of the ogre and his friends to life, celebrating themes of acceptance and friendship with humor and heart. Meanwhile, Into the Woods marks a significant milestone as our first foray into the works of Stephen Sondheim. This intricate, enchanting tale intertwines the stories of familiar fairy tale characters, encouraging us to reflect on the complexities of our desires and the consequences of our choices. It promises to be a rewarding experience for our older students, pushing them to explore the depths of their artistic expression.

If you like what you see, please consider joining us on our mission to provide quality, challenging, and out-of-the-box theatre for St. Louis youth. See our shows, take our classes, spread the word, volunteer, or donate. We’d love your story with GCPA to begin today.

Stephanie Fox Artistic Director

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Director’s Note Hello thinkers big and small!

Welcome to Seussical Jr.! This joyful, imaginative show brings to life the colorful world of Dr. Seuss, weaving together some of his most beloved stories and characters. The story follows Horton the Elephant, who discovers a tiny world called Whoville on a speck of dust and vows to protect it, despite being ridiculed by the other animals in the Jungle of Nool. Along the way, he meets characters like the Cat in the Hat, Gertrude McFuzz, and Mayzie LaBird. Themes of friendship, loyalty, and the power of imagination shine through as Horton stays true to his belief that “a person’s a person, no matter how small.”

I am so honored to be directing my first GCPA show! I am even more ecstatic that my first how with the center is Seussical Jr.! I have a strong emotional attachment to Seussical built from my experience performing in it and directing it in the past. It is one of my favorite shows because it addresses serious subject matter like bullying, inclusion, and doing what is right in the face of adversity in an approachable way. I believe the show is underrated and often overlooked or swept to the side as being too simple or silly when it is actually a beautiful, poignant, and inspiring show.

Seussical Jr. is about the creative power that all people, but especially children, hold and how that spark should be encouraged and nourished instead of stifled. The characters may be larger than life, but they are still very much rooted in truth, which is what makes this show so endearing and relatable.

No celebration of the works of Dr. Seuss would be complete without The Cat In The Hat. The Cat serves as a throughline character in the show. They break the fourth wall and make the audience feel like a part of the show. They are a symbol of JoJo’s creativity personified. The cat serves as an embodiment of JoJo’s sheer creative force, which is so powerful it can get him in trouble sometimes.

Seussical teaches us the importance of imagination, embracing differences, and staying true to ourselves no matter the consequences. I think it is essential for kids to be exposed to ideas like these at a young age. I have always related to the lovable outcast characters that make up this production, and I hope you do too. Whether you identify with Horton’s loyalty, Gertrude’s determination, or Jojo’s ability to dream big, we hope you’ll be transported and immersed by this whimsical tale.

Working on this production has been a celebration of creativity and teamwork.

Our young cast has poured their energy and spirit into creating a world where anything is possible, and their enthusiasm for storytelling has been truly inspiring. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Dr. Seuss or you’re discovering these characters for the first time, thank you for supporting the arts and joining us on this fantastical journey to the Jungle of Nool and beyond!

Alyssa Durbin Director

SONGS OH, THE THINKS YOU CAN THINK!....................................The Cat, JoJo, Company

HORTON HEARS A WHO.......................................The Cat, JoJo, Horton, Bird Girls, Jungle Animals

BIGGEST BLAME FOOL.....................Sour Kangaroo, Young Kangaroo, Horton, Wickersham Brothers, Bird Girls, Gertrude, Mayzie & Company BIGGEST BLAME FOOL/GERTRUDE MCFUZZ..............................Sour Kangaroo, The Cat, Mr. Mayor, Wickersham Brothers & Company HERE ON WHO.............................................................................Horton, Mr. & Mrs. Mayor, JoJo, The Grinch, Whos HOW TO RAISE A CHILD............................................................................Mr. & Mrs. Mayor

OH, THE THINKS YOU CAN THINK (REPRISE).....................................JoJo, The Cat IT’S POSSIBLE (Pt. 1 and Pt. 2)............................................................JoJo, The Cat, Fish ALONE IN THE UNIVERSE.................................................................................Horton, JoJo THE ONE FEATHER TALE OF GERTRUDE MCFUZZ/ AMAYZING MAYZIE..............................................................Gertrude, Mayzie, Bird Girls AMAYZING GERTRUDE (Pt. 1 and Pt. 2)............................Gertrude, Cat, Bird Girls

MONKEY AROUND/CHASING THE WHOS.......................Wickersham Brothers, Horton, Bird Girls, Sour Kangaroo & Company

NOTICE ME, HORTON.................................................................................Gertrude, Horton HOW LUCKY YOU ARE..................................................................................Mayzie, The Cat MAYZIE’S EXIT/HORTON SITS ON THE EGG/DILEMMA/HUNTERS......Horton, Bird Girls, Gertrude Sign up for our eblasts and be the first to know about news and upcoming events!

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SONGS EGG, NEST, AND TREE........................Sour Kangaroo, Young Kangaroo, Horton, Jungle Animals. Hunters, Bird Girls

SOLD/MAYZIE IN PALM BEACH....................Horton, Mayzie, The Cat Company

MAYZIE AT THE CIRCUS....................................................................................................Mayzie AMAZING HORTON...........................................................................................Horton, Mayzie ALONE IN THE UNIVERSE (Reprise)..........................................................................Horton

SOLLA SOLLEW...............................................................Horton, JoJo, Mr. & Mrs. Mayor, Whos & Company GERTRUDE/ESPIONAGE (Pt 1 and Pt. 2)...........................................................Gertrude ALL FOR YOU.......................................................Gertrude, The Cat, Bird Girls, Horton THE WHOS RETURN/THE PEOPLE VERSUS HORTON (Pt. 1 & Pt. 2).................. ...Company YOPP!...............................................................................Sour Kangaroo, Young Kangaroo, The Cat, Mr, & Mrs, Mayor & Company

ALONE IN THE UNIVERSE (Reprise)................................................Horton, Gertrude OH, THE THINKS YOU CAN THINK (Finale)...................................................Company GREEN EGGS AND HAM (Bows)...........................................................................Company

CAST HORTON

Jackson Money

GERTRUDE

Madeline Smeds

BIRD GIRLS

CAT

JOJO

Jamie Boudreau

Ascher Phillips

MAYZIE

SOUR KANGAROO

Jane Phillips

Evah Hoven, Cate Menkhus, Emily Mueller

Mira Friedman

WICKERSHAMS

Adella Brauer, Ruby Crouppen, Reese Warticovschi

YOUNG KANGAROO Anna Martin YERTLE THE TURTLE Molly M. VLAD VLADIKOFF Gabe Rothmel

MR. MAYOR Maxwell Tjaden MRS. MAYOR Wynne Brakefield GRINCH Miles Friedman

WHO SOLO 1 Grace Bujnak WHO SOLO 2 Mary Elizabeth King WHO SOLO 3 Amelia Martin WHO SOLO 4 Sebastian L. WHO SOLO 5 Vivian Swooda HUNTERS

Laine Auffenberg, Sophia B., Jane Snyder

CIRCUS ANIMALS

Laine Auffenberg, Sophia B., Molly McKernan, Kate Roberts, Jane Snyder

WHOS

Fallon B., Riley Brinkman, Coco Crouppen, Miles Friedman, Neil G., Claire Otto, Cora W.

FISH

Fallon B., Riley Brinkman, Grace Bujnak, Coco Crouppen, Neil G., Zoey Greiner, Reese Heimgartner, Mya I., Mary Elizabeth King, Cassidy Koenig, Hannah Lewis, Sebastian L., Amelia Martin, Fiona M., Claire Otto, Vivian Swoboda, Teagan W., Cora W.

JUNGLE ANIMALS

Laine Auffenberg, Sophia B., Zoey Greiner, Reese Heimgartner, Cassidy Koenig, Hannah Lewis, Star M., Molly M., Fiona M., Kate Roberts, Gabe Rothmel, Jane Snyder, Teagan W., Mya Ingram

Who's Who

Laine Auffenberg

Adella Brauer

Wynne Brakefield

Riley Brinkman

Grace Bujnak

Fallon B.

Sophia B.

Jamie Boudreau

Coco Crouppen

Ruby Crouppen

Miles Friedman

Mira Friedman

Neil G.

Zoey Greiner

Reese Heimgartner

Evah Hoven

Mya I.

Mary Elizabeth King

Cassidy Koenig

Hannah Lewis

Sebastian L.

Molly M.

Amelia Martin

Anna Martin

Fiona M.

Who's Who

Cate Menkhus

Jackson Money

Emily Mueller

Claire Otto

Ascher Phillips

Jane Phillips

Kate Rpberts

Gabe Rothmel

Madeline Smeds

Jane Snyder

Vivian Swoboda

Maxwell Tjaden

Teagan W.

Cora W.

Reese Warticovschi

Ages 6-10 Registration-based production In-class casting in the fall Rehearses September-May Mondays & Thursdays at 7pm Performs May 2026

Ready for the stage, but not quite ready to audition for a massive production? This is the class for you! In this year-long class, students will put together a full-length musical. They will learn how to audition, be cast in the show, learn choreography, music, and blocking, and perform their work on stage in the spring with costumes, sound, set, props, and lights! This class is perfect for the beginning performer that's ready to experience a musical in a stress-free environment!

This year we are excited to produce the classic favorite Annie KIDS! Tell the story of the spunky orphan with a heart full of hope on her journey toward finding a loving family, and all the colorful friends (and devious villains!) she touches along the way.

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Acknowledgments Thank you to all of our donors:

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Kim Garland Michelle R. Gardner Jennifer Gardner Christine Geiger Miranda Gelven Lea & John Gerdes Drue Gerken Katie & Kurt Gerwitz Ron Gibbs Edward & Julie Glotzbach Caleb Goldkamp Mike & Elaine Goldman Judy & Al Goldman Lisa & Timothy Gorline Mary & Jerry Grace Misty Jo Green Shelley Gregg Catherine Griffin Catherine Griner Denice & Matt Griner Olivia Griner Rob Grumich Susan Gudermuth Erin Gulley Timothy & Monica Gunn Aida Hadzisabic Jennifer Haislar Trishia Haislar Lawrence Haliburton Laurie Hamilton Keith Hamilton Liv Hand Michelle Hand Bekah Harbison Rachel Harpin Susan Harris William Hart John Harvey Brian Harwood Elaine Hauck Katie & Dan Hauck Moira Healy Andrea Hellin Steven & Sarah Hellin Rechelle Hembree & Carrie Bechtold Elizabeth Henderson Jason Henderson Laura Hewgley Jonathan Hey Shawn Hicks Mike & Tammy Higgins Corinne Hilbert John Hildebrant William Hildebrant Jen Hobin anner Hobin Aubrey Hollis Kristi Holsinger Elizabeth Holzer Laura Hughes Kristin Humes Greg & Victoria Iken Autum & Eric Jennings Armetrice Johnson Nita Jones Mary & Vic Jost Jennifer Kapetanovich

John Kepler Alia Khoukaz Pamela Kibler John Kepler Laurie Kick-Tournier Kevin Kickham Casey Kleekamp Kimberly Klick Tina Klobe LIsa Kohlenberger Catherine & Adam Kopff Diane & Bob Kopitsky Al Koller Pia and Matthew Koster Beverly Kramer Jane Krasnoff Roxanne Kroeger Yelena & George Kroeger Janet Kuelker Colleen Kuhn Kathleen & Alex Kummant JoAnne Lacey Joseph Lambson Maureen Lampert Marian Lang Connor Langford Angie Langhauser Cara Langhauser August Larson Kendra Larson Linda & David Latham Shanie Latham Shannon Lay Bryan Lawrence Marcus Leab William & Shannon Lemp Jessica & Shawn Leonard Lisi Levy John & Laura Limbaugh James & Allyson Linck Aurora Lindsey Laurie & Sean Lock Sharon Lombardo Courtney Loosemore Kathy Lottes Emily & Dennis Lowery Alaina Macia Jennifer & John MacPhee Andrea Maddock Lanette Madison Jaclyn Marino Steve Marshall Michael Maroney Robin Martell Kim Mathis Nathan & Amy Mattia Andrea Mattingly Eric Maupin Sarah McCann Jerry & Dawn McCoy John & Susanne McDonald Kelli McDonald Rita McElhany Colleen McIntee Ann McReynolds Katie Medeiros Megan Meier Susan Meland George Mellman & Beth Nathan

Sarah Mermelstein Mary Meyers Tina Meyer Kathy Miller Regina & Brian Miller Kevin Mitchell Karen Moehlman Lindsay Mohr Matt Mohr Amy & Charles Moll Tim Mooney Betsey Mooney Aimee Moore Michelle Moore Barbara & Thomas Moran Christopher Morris Kate Morrison Gabrielle Mueller Amy Musgraves Alex Newcomb Scott Neufeld-Wall Tim Niedbalski Alex Newcomb Sandy Newcomb Stacey Nolan Ben Nordstrom Mandi & James O'Leary Jennifer Ono Jim & Kathy Pagano Joseph & Emily Pagano Paul & Lori Pagano Charles Parish Jerre Parsons Tim & Cathy Pasierb Carla Patterson Douglas Paul Kathy Collier Paul Stephen Peirick Mary Pentz Tammy & David Pentz Mike Peretz Susan Perlut Jill Perry Phylan Peters-Bahkou Angela Petsch Nancy Phillips-Kuelker

Jo Phinney Jodi Pierce Kristianna Pirrie Matt & Maggie Poling Kat Poppen Tonya Porshinsky Marquis Powell Mikeysa Powell Cathy Pratt Ray & Lisa Preston Susan Prichard MJ Probst Hallie Rainwater Danny Ravensberg Carolyn Recke Maxine Retzer Mary Rhodes Brooke & Kurt Richars Megan Richwine Riggan Family Amanda Riley Vanessa Roman Emily Rosenfeld Elizabeth Rosebrough Emily Rosenfeld Laura Roth Stacy Rubenstein Susan & David Rubin Erin Runnels Erin Ryan Kathleen Sacks Sakiyama Family Foundation Carmelita Salamon Courtney Sampson Amanda Sasser Maureen & Joseph Satorius Beth Schartner Ruth Shiflet Danielle Schmidt Christine Schmiz Penny Schneithorst Stephanie Schnuck Lisa Schoemehl Holly Schuler Elizabeth Schult Ann Schulte

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Molly Turpin Katie Vance Mary VanDeWiele Lakeasha Veasley Sarah Veninga Ranie Verby Diane Villhard Julie & Peter Villhard Paul & Karen Villhard Sarah Vlodek Jenny Vordtriede Jan Wacker Jennifer Wade Kathryn Wagner Sarah Wahl Dennis Wall Hillary Wall Jodi Ward Lisa Warticovschi Linda Welborn Patricia Westby Andrea Wiegert Keith & Julie Williams Marquitta Williams-Powell Erin Willis Christina Wilson Sarah Wirthlin Andrea Wolfe Stacey Woodrome Jody Woodward Marisa & Kevin Yoder Jody S. Young Bio Tab Clean Tech Company Eaton Husch Blackwell Keeley Companies Koller Enterprises, Inc. Melvin F. Brown Trust Plancorp Shade Guard Take Two Productions Waterway Wee Ones

GCPA Board of Directors Rebecca Schulz President

Jason Battaglia

Elaine Goldman

Treasurer

Secretary

Karen Bland Binh Gant Dave Gant Lauren Knickman Beth Schartner

Many thanks to all the parent volunteers!

Seussical Jr. is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International. www.mtishows.com. The use of cameras or other recording devices is strictly prohibited.

Thank you and enjoy the show!

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