Reviving the Summer Theater Tradition

For the first time since 2019, this summer’s Lehigh Valley arts scene will feature musical theater onstage at Muhlenberg College. Muhlenberg’s Theatre and Dance Department presents “Seussical,” the Dr. Seuss-inspired musical by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, for a three-week run, June 12-27.

“Seussical” marks the return of summer musicals to the Muhlenberg stage for the first time since the Covid pandemic forced Muhlenberg’s acclaimed Summer Music Theatre series into hiatus. The 2020 season would have been the 40th for the SMT series, which began in 1981.

Theater professor James Peck will direct “Seussical” this summer. Peck has been directing for Muhlenberg’s summer stages since 2008’s “The Who’s Tommy” — about a dozen summer shows in all, he says. He’s excited to be back.

“I’m thrilled that Muhlenberg is bringing back summer musical theatre productions for the Lehigh Valley community, especially for our many longstanding summer patrons,” says Peck. “These shows provide vital opportunities for our students and enrich the cultural life of the region beyond measure.”

All-Ages Seuss Musical

“Seussical” brings to life all of our favorite Dr. Seuss characters, including Horton the Elephant, The Cat in the Hat, Gertrude McFuzz, Mayzie and a little boy with a big imagination — Jojo. The colorful characters transport us from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus to the invisible world of the Whos.

“At its heartbeat, it’s really a play about people who are outsiders to the society that they are a part of, but those societies desperately need their voices,” he says. “It’s about the guts that it takes and the beauty that it yields when people stand up for what they think is right. And really, what they think is right is treating others with kindness and decency.”

Choreographer Noel Price-Bracey says that while kids will love “Seussical,” the show explores themes that resonate with audiences of all ages. “The story is for a family audience, but there’s so much more to it,” says Price-Bracey, a professor on Muhlenberg’s dance faculty. “There’s a message in it for everyone.”

Price-Bracey says the “Seussical” story particularly resonates with her as a parent, hoping to raise her son in a world where his voice matters. 

“This story is about standing up for those whose voices aren’t loud enough to be heard,” she says. “I think it’s beautiful, the idea that every time you dive back into a kids’ story, you realize the commentary that’s being made and what it means to be approaching it in this way.”

During the run of the show, Muhlenberg will host Seussicamp: a performing arts camp for students grades 6-8. This two-week program features daily instruction in acting, voice, and dance culminating in a final showcase for family, friends, and community members.

Reviving the Summer Theater Tradition

Peck emphasizes the vivid design and production values in store for the show. “In the Summer Music Theatre tradition, this show will look gorgeous,” Peck says. “You-Shin Chen’s scenic design and Rebecca Lustig’s costume design are full of fun surprises, Seussian curves and colors, and Haley Brown has eye-popping ideas for the lights.”

In addition to “Tommy,” Peck’s summer musical highlights through the years have included audience favorites “Spamalot” and “In the Heights.” He was slated to direct “Legally Blonde” for the 2020 season and had actually cast the show. “Then Covid brought the curtain down,” he says. He can’t imagine a more apt show to reinvigorate Muhlenberg’s summer musical tradition.

“It’s an urgent, beautiful, necessary, and worthwhile show, about the importance of loyalty and community,” he says. “I’m honored and thrilled to help revive this 40-year tradition as its director.”

“Seussical” runs June 12-27, with performances Thursdays and Fridays at 7 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 7 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets for the first weekend range from $17 for patrons 18 and under to $27. Tickets for the second and third weekend range from $20 to $32.

Weekday matinees will be performed Thursday, June 18 and 25 at 10 a.m. with tickets ranging from $15 to $22 and special prices for youth groups. These ticket prices include a $2 processing fee.

The production is sponsored by the Dexter F. and Dorothy H. Baker Foundation, and will be performed in the Dorothy Hess Baker Theatre, Muhlenberg College, 2400 Chew Street, Allentown.

Tickets are available at 484-664-3333 or muhlenberg.edu/summerarts