“After all of those years being stuck on a page,” says the Cat and the Hat, “did you ever imagine you’d see me on stage?”

Few names in children’s literature are more beloved than Dr. Suess– the writer, cartoonist and master of rhyme who brought us such gems as The Cat and the Hat, Green Eggs and Ham, and Horton Hears a Who.  Though Seuss sadly died in 1991, his legacy lives on in the theater world in the surprise hit Broadway musical, “Seussical.”

Inspired by some of Seuss’ most memorable tales, “Seussical” has been touring the US and UK since its initial Broadway run in 2000.  While “Seussical” is arguably every bit as colorful and imaginative as the classic books, its complex plot and overwhelming cast of characters have caused some to say that it isn’t as accessible to a young audience as it ought to be.  This criticism inspired playwrights Lynn Ahrens and Steven Flaherty to develop a shorter, simpler version of the “Seussical” that could be enjoyed –and performed– by a Seuss-appropriate audience.

A one act rendition of the 90-minute play, the aptly-named “Seussical, Jr.” features all of the most beloved Seuss characters, including Horton, Gertrude McFuzz, and the Whos of Whoville, who romp through the Seussian universe amid a fun musical score that blends everything from Latin to swing to R&B.  Meanwhile, the script is designed to be easy to understand and interpret, making it ideal for adaption by elementary- and middle-schoolers; dramatic licensing agency Music Theatre International provides schools and theater companies with everything they need to produce their own small-scale “Seussical,” including Ahrens & Flaherty’s original music and choreography.

This month, Dallas gives its rendition of the musical adventure, with all-kid performances of “Seussical, Jr.” at Theatre Arlington and University of Texas, Arlington.  *Ticket procees to benefit Doctors Without Borders, as part of StubDog’s Unite for Healing Haiti campaign.*