The Cat in the Hat is back, more fun and mischievous than ever, in Running to Places’ production of “Seussical,” January 10 and 11 at the State Theatre of Ithaca.

The musical brings the beloved characters of Dr. Seuss to vivid life. The Cat in the Hat (Erin Hilgartner) is host and MC to a colorful cast that includes Gertrude McFuzz (Keara Byron), Mayzie (Allie Young), the Grinch (Gilday Ryan), Yertle the Turtle (Caitlin Mallory) and Sour Kangaroo (Jewell Payne). The plot centers on Horton the Elephant (Noah Elman), who is valiantly trying to protect his tiny friend JoJo (Imri Leshed) and the other diminutive denizons of Who-ville on their endangered speck of dust.

Written by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty (“Once on This Island,” Ragtime”), the show is a tribute to the imagination and the fun you can have with “the things you can think.”

“‘Seussical’ is pure joy,” says R2P artistic director Joey Steinhagen. “It’s the perfect show for youth theater. I’ve had a blast watching these unbelievably creative kids let loose and take the show to its absolutely best extremes. The show is a wonderful mix of the next generation of up-and-comers and powerhouse veteran performers who can really blow the doors off.”

In the spirit of R2P’s mission of providing young people with opportunities for theatrical performances in which they are the primary artists and technicians, the show’s choreographers are company members Erin Hilgartner, Laura Fegely, Elisheva Glaser, Maddie Vandenberg, Loie Faulkner, and Lisa Podulka, as well as Fatima Sowe, alum of R2P and Armstrong school of Dance, who also served as dance mentor.

“The choreography team explored the styles of calypso, ragtime and 60's rock and roll dance in crafting this show,” says Sowe. “I know the audience will enjoy the dances as much as we’ve enjoyed putting it all together.”

Music director Jeremy Pletter, a senior at Ithaca College, says the non-stop singing and dancing make the show perfect for kids of all ages--including adult fans of Dr. Seuss’ “You’re Only Old Once,” adds Steinhagen.

The set design (by Deb Drew) uses simple elements that have been combined in imaginative ways, which is what makes it work so well for the show, says Steinhagen. “The set design gives us a literal playground. It's been a ton of fun to stage scenes and numbers on. And the costumes, designed by Mary Young, are an explosion of color. To see those wild characters from the books come to life is thrilling."

The show runs one weekend only: January 10th and 11th with performances on Friday at  7 PM, and Saturday at 2 PM and 7 PM.

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