Near West Theatre Presents Seussical

Posted January 06, 2026 in Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Near West Theatre Presents Seussical

A Joyful, Imaginative Youth Musical Celebrating the Power of Young Voices

CLEVELAND – January 6, 2026 – Near West Theatre is proud to present “Seussical,” a vibrant, family-friendly musical that brings the beloved world of Dr. Seuss to life while celebrating imagination and the power of young voices. Featuring a cast of talented young performers ages 9 to 15, “Seussical” runs three weekends from February 6 through February 22. Performances will take place at Near West Theatre’s ADA-compliant venue, located at 6702 Detroit Avenue in the heart of the Gordon Square Arts District. Tickets are $20, with additional Pay What You Choose options available. Visit nearwesttheatre.org or call the Box Office at 216-961-6391, weekdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Bursting with energy, “Seussical” weaves together favorite Dr. Seuss characters and stories, including Horton Hears a Who!, The Cat in the Hat, and Gertrude McFuzz, into one fantastical adventure led by the Cat in the Hat and Jojo, a young Who, whose big imagination and curious mind challenge the world around him, reminding audiences that even the smallest voice can make a powerful difference.

Director Trinidad Snider chose “Seussical” for this season because of its deep relevance to today’s young people.

“One of the reasons I wanted to produce “Seussical” this season is because it reminds us that every young person has a story worth telling,” said Snider. “Like Jojo, these artists, ages 9 to 15, are discovering the power of their own imagination and the courage it takes to speak about their truth. Today’s kids are navigating a world that feels much bigger and more complicated than the one many of us grew up in, and that can be overwhelming. “Seussical” gives them a space to ask: How do I make change? Where does my voice matter most? At Near West Theatre, we believe the answer is simple: their voices matter right here, right now, exactly as they are.”

For Near West Theatre, “Seussical” is more than a musical. It is a continuation of the organization’s commitment to youth development and access to transformative arts experiences. Through rehearsal and performance, young artists build confidence, collaboration skills, and a sense of belonging, all while sharing their voices with the wider community.

With its playful storytelling and meaningful message, “Seussical” is a joyful theatrical experience for audiences of all ages. One that invites everyone to listen closely, imagine boldly, and remember that “a person’s a person, no matter how small.”

“Seussical” will feature direction by Near West Theatre’s Artistic Director, Trinidad Snider, with Choreography by Kenya Woods and Music Direction from Heidi Herczeg. The production team also features Lighting Design by Rob Wachala, Scenic Design by Todd Plone, Costume Design by Kathryn O’Sullivan and Sydney Noelle Warren, and Props Design by Hannah & Sarah Armenta. Sound Design by Emily Ferrer with Technical Direction by Perren Hedderson. Sound Tech by Ava Simon and Assistant Technical Direction will be offered by Emily Hehnen. Near West’s Production Manager is Michael Stein. “Seussical” will be Stage Managed by Tyree Franklin with Assistant Stage Management offered by Kenedy Brooks and Russel Miller.

The talented cast includes (in alphabetical order): Mattie Adon, Zaina Alahmad, Marceline Amos-Hernandez, Selah Bisheimer, Madeline Bond, Dorothy Brown, Charlotte Cekada, Emma Clark, Graham Davies, Parker Droste, Maxine Eadie, Vivienne Eadie, Emmett Echko-Mcgory, Ivy Farnham, Simon Frederick, Ascencion "Suni" Garcia Prignitz, Guadalupe "Gussie" Garcia Prignitz, Maeve Gibbs, Nora Gupta, Jackson Hardiman, Finn Haselswerdt, Madison Nalls, Clayton Obertacz, Mikako Ottobre, Elise Paine, Kendall Pallett, Margot Payne, Parker Pinson, Harper Rinehart, Lily Risner, Cooper Rockas, Caroline Rychel, Aida Shakarian Kvidera, Juliana Shumaker, Sahana Skiftenes, Aria Sova, Teddy Tan, Nyima Turney, Shalaira Tyree, & Lydia Whitehouse.

For additional information including box office information, please visit nearwesttheatre.org. The theatre was constructed as part of the Gordon Square Arts District capital campaign and features climate-control and is fully accessible by wheelchair. “Seussical” is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).

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About Near West Theatre

Near West Theatre builds loving relationships and engages diverse people in strengthening their sense of identity, passion, and purpose, individually and in community, through accessible, affordable, and transformational theatre arts experiences. Since 1978, Near West Theatre has been shaping, changing, and saving the lives of children, teens, and adults. The community theater hosts a variety of free community events and free after-school programs to underline its commitment to accessibility for all people. The organization serves people of all ages, but a focus on youth goes back to its founding and continues to this day. www.nearwesttheatre.org. @nearwesttheatre. NWT is grateful to receive financial support from the Ohio Arts Council and Cuyahoga Arts & Culture. For more information, visit nearwesttheatre.org or follow the theatre on Facebook (facebook.com/nearwesttheatre) and Instagram (@nearwesttheatre).

[TOMBSTONE INFO]

“Seussical”

"A person's a person, no matter how small."

Youth Winter Mainstage Production
Runtime: 2 hours and 30 minutes, 15-minute intermission

Music by Stephen Flaherty
Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens
Book by Lynn Aherns and Stephen Flaherty
Co-Conceived by Lynn Aherns, Stephen Flaherty, and Eric Idle
Based on the Works of Dr. Seuss

“Seussical” is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com

Performance Dates

Fri. Feb. 06 - 7:30 PM

Sat. Feb. 07 - 7:30 PM

Fri. Feb. 13 - 7:30 PM

Sat. Feb. 14 - 7:30 PM

Sun. Feb. 15 - 2:00 PM

Fri. Feb. 20 - 7:30 PM

Sat. Feb. 21 - 7:30 PM

Sun. Feb. 22 - 2:00 PM

Suggested Performance Listing

Near West Theatre, 6702 Detroit Ave., Cleveland’s Gordon Square Arts District. Box Office: 216-961-6391 or nearwesttheatre.org. “Seussical” runs February 06, 07, 13, 14, 20, 21 at 7:30 p.m; February 15 & February 22 at 2:00 p.m. General Admission: Tickets $20 with Pay What You Choose options available. “Seussical” is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com

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