About the Play

Seussical is a story woven loosely around the main plot of Horton in the Dr. Seuss book Horton Hears a Who. As Horton carries out his quest, the play incorporates characters and plot bits from other beloved Dr. Seuss books, with narration provided by The Cat in the Hat. Seussical opened on Broadway in 2000 after the creators adapted the Dr. Seuss rhymes into a musical with the assistance of Monty Python’s Eric Idle. The production showcases a variety of musical styles that are used to establish specific character types and moods for scenes.

The play is based on the works of Theodor Seuss Geisel (1904-1991) who first took the pen name Seuss while illustrating for a school humor magazine at Dartmouth. Under his self-granted doctorate title, he created 44 books that have been published in 15 languages. Geisel’s distinctive rhythmic style came about in 1936 when creating rhymes to the meter of a ship’s steam engine on a return trip from Europe. Dr. Seuss books have entreated generations of children to consider the integrity of one’s word, act against injustice, and have fun doing it!

About the Director

Louis Gibilisco has done a lot of “stuff” as a performer and teacher, but he is proudest of his accomplishments as a husband and father. For the past 23 years, he has been privileged to be the Director of the Performing Arts Department at Notre Dame High School. He feels honored to have his wife, Debby, as choreographer with him every step of the way.

The G’s take pride in watching all of Notre Dame’s Art programs grow and flourish and have flourished a little themselves with their greatest productions: Gigi, Jaime, and Jenna.

From the Gibilisco family to yours, we wish you God Bless, hope you enjoy the show, and give a BIG Thank You to all of you who have been a part of the Performing Arts Program at Notre Dame.