Director: Drew Humphrey | Choreographer: Dawn Gilbertson | Music Director: Khalid McGhee

Book by Lynn Ahrens and 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 Dr. Seuss
Music Supervised, Adapted and Produced by Bryan Louiselle

Seussical JR. is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International
(MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.

Variety the Children’s Charity of St. Louis and the Center of Creative Arts are once again teaming up for a fully inclusive Performing Arts program! This initiative unites kids and teens with and without disabilities aged 9-20, giving every child the chance to shine on stage. Participants will develop new skills such as singing, acting, and dancing while building friendships and boosting their confidence. The production will feature both COCA Kids and Variety Kids, coming together to bring this fantastical story to life!

Horton the Elephant, the Cat in the Hat and all of your favorite Dr. Seuss characters sprang to life on the Catherine B. Berges Theatre stage in August 2025. The production of Seussical JR., proved to be a fantastical musical extravaganza transporting audiences from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus. The Cat in the Hat, played by Cameron Hadley, narrated the story of Horton the Elephant, played by Zane Pfeil, who discovered 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, played by Abby Hixenbaugh.  Although Horton faces ridicule, danger and a trial, the intrepid Gertrude McFuzz, played by Braylee Peyman, never loses faith in him. 

Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family and community are challenged and emerge triumphant! 

This unique theatre program will run July 21-August 8 from 8:30am-3pm with performances on Friday, August 8 at 7pm, Saturday, August 9 at 2pm and 5pm, and Sunday, August 10 at 2pm. Tickets can be purchased at the COCA box office or through the COCA website HERE.

Questions? Contact us at PerformingArts@varietystl.org or 314-720-7720.

Are you interested in working with our campers to make Seussical Jr. a completely unforgettable show? We’re hiring seasonal staffers now! The job description can be found HERE.