Northwest Savoyards present easy life lessons in ‘Seussical’

The wonderful thing about a show like “Seussical” is that, in the end, the kids won’t even notice how much they’ve learned from the Cat in the Hat.

Along with a rather gripping tale and a snappy musical score, “Seussical” offers lots of life lessons, such as the importance of friendship, how to keep a promise, and to be happy with what you’ve got.

The Northwest Savoyards musical theater troupe is opening its 20th season Friday with this family-friendly tale that brings together a suite of well-known Dr. Seuss characters.

For those unfamiliar with the doctor, these characters are the Cat, of course; Horton the Elephant, Gertrude McFuzz, Mayzie La Bird, Sour Kangaroo and the Wickersham brothers.

The setting is the Jungle of Nool, where Horton hears a voice coming from the tip of a clover.

The voice is asking for help. And Horton doesn’t resist because “a person is a person no matter how small.”

That connection between Horton and young Jojo from atop the clover ignites the nonstop action as it seems the whole jungle is against Horton, who will stop at nothing to help a friend.

This production presents the full version of the score and book, along with a full chorus, a live orchestra and an experienced cast to carry the story.

“Seussical” opens at 8 tonight at the Historic Everett Theatre, 2911 Colby Ave., Everett. Performances are at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and at 2:30 p.m. Sundays through Nov. 7. There’s no show on Oct. 30; on Nov. 6 there will be a 2:30 and an 8 p.m. show.

Tickets are $22 for adults, $19 for seniors, students and military personnel. Call 425- 258-6766 or go to www.EverettTheatre.org.

Theresa Goffredo: 425-339-3424; goffredo@heraldnet.com.