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A note from the director...
Seussical has always been one of my favorite shows. The orchestration is beautifully composed, the motifs of songs are iconic and inspiring, and it is a collection of stories I have grown up with. (We even owned the whole collection of Dr. Seuss books!) Above it all, this show is about friendship, and embracing what makes you different and unique.
I got to perform in this show when I was 13 years old, here with One Stage (when it was still Stage 1 Theatre) as a Who. It has been such a privilege to be able to be on the production side and share a special show with this cast. Working with Kristen Cosico again as my choreographer also has not only been a just reunion, but a celebration of our friendship as we revisit the show that we met during in 2008.
Thank you to my artistic mentors, my team, cast and crew, and everyone who worked on this show, and thank you to all who see it for letting us share our version with you.
Enjoy the show!
-Stephanie Kara
IN MEMORY OF…
This show is dedicated to the memory of my friend, Keith Leung. Keith was a remarkable musician whose curiosity and passion led him to master more than 50 instruments and was a beloved Bay Area orchestra member. More importantly, he shared that gift generously, dedicating himself to mentoring youth in music and academics. His kindness, patience, and love of learning inspired the summer mentorship program that continues his legacy today.
Our paths first crossed in 2008 during this very show—I was on stage as an actor, and Keith was in the orchestra. Together we worked on several shows over the next 10 years. In 2018, the world lost Keith far too soon in a tragic Tesla car accident. He was only 34 years old. Even now, what I remember most isn't just his extraordinary talent, but the quiet way he cared for the people around him. Keith had a gift for showing up exactly when you needed someone, often before you even realized you did. His generosity, encouragement, and gentle spirit continue to echo through everyone whose lives he touched. #justkeith
PRODUCTION STAFF
Producers - Robert Ramirez, Lorraine VanRod
Director - Stephanie Kara
Choreographer - Kristen Cosico
Lighting Designer - Heather Radovich
Sound Designer - Ronnie Castaneda
Scenic Painter - Marwa Chopan
Artistic Mentors - Cynthia Ortiz, LaTisha Rodriguez
Stage Manager - Fernanda Miranda
Light Operator - Arabella Rodriguez
Sound Technicians/Deck Crew -Jasper Camp, Jonathan Ross
Deck Crew -Lorraine VanRod, Sofia VanRod
Costume Coordinator - Loren Echaluse
House Manager - Fred C. Rodriguez
Concessions Assistant - Ryan Vang
CAST
Siya Chetal - Bird Girl
Maggie Cheung - Bird Girl
Nora Jackson - Who
Sophia Jelinek - Young Kangaroo
Jade Lankford - Mr. Mayor
Evelyn Lee - Who
Charlotte Liu - Cindy Lou Who
Marisa McGuire - Cat
Adam Nilsson - Wickersham Brother
Cynthia Ortiz - Bird Girl, Circus McGurkis
Rachel Ristau - Gertrude McFuzz
LaTisha Rodriguez - Mrs. Mayor
Everest Roush - General Genghis Khan Schmidt, Wickersham Brother
London Roush - Horton
Venice Roush - Sour Kangaroo
Ethan VanRod - Jojo
Sofia VanRod - Mayzie La Bird
Zara Villa - Who
ACT 1
Oh The Thinks You Can Think
Horton Hears A Who
Biggest Blame Fool
Here On Who
Oh The Thinks You Can Think (Reprise)
It’s Possible
How To Raise A Child
The Military
Alone in the Universe
The One Feather Tail of Miss Gertrude McFuzz
Amazing Mayzie
Amazing Gertrude
Monkey Around
Chasing the Whos
How Lucky You Are
Notice Me, Horton
How Lucky You Are (Reprise)
Finale
ACT 2
Egg, Nest, and Tree
The Circus McGurkus
The Circus on Tour/How Lucky You Are (Reprise)
Mayzie in Palm Beach
Amayzing Horton
Alone in the Universe (Reprise)
Solla Sollew
Into the Who’s Christmas Pageant
A Message From the Front/Solla Sollew (Reprise)
Jojo Alone in the Universe
Havin’ A Hunch
All For You
The People Versus Horton the Elephant
Yopp!/Alone in the Universe (Reprise)
Oh the Thinks You Can Think (Finale Act 2)
WHO'S WHO
Adam Nilsson (Wickersham Brother) is thrilled to return to the stage for his second time in this whimsical world! Earlier this year, he appeared as a Who and Cadet in Seussical (Starstruck), bringing energy to the production. His previous credits include Mole in Frog and Toad (Mini Musical), Guard in Aladdin (Mini Musical), and Adam in Beetlejuice Jr. (One Stage). Adam is grateful to the cast and crew for their hard work and support, and he hopes you enjoy this magical journey!
Charlotte Liu (Cindy Lou Who) is thrilled to be performing in her second OST production after making her stage debut in Annie. She has also attended musical theater camps at Starstruck Theatre and Berkeley Playhouse. Offstage, Charlotte enjoys reading with her stuffed monkey, eating ribs with Guamanian red rice, and anything green or blue. She thanks Stephanie, Lorraine, and Kristen for this wonderful opportunity, and her parents for their endless love and support.
Cynthia Ortiz (Circus McGurkus/Bird Girl/Artistic Mentor) is very excited to welcome you to One Stage Theatre's Seussical. Some of her favorite previous roles include Meg March in Little Women, Baker in Into the Woods Jr with One Stage Theatre, as well as Sabine in The 3 Musketeers with John F Kennedy High School. She is very excited to be playing the character of Bird Girl, Cadet and Mr McGurkus and is very thankful for all the support she has gotten from this amazing cast and her family. She hopes you enjoy the show.
Evelyn Lee (Who) is excited for her sixth stage performance in Seussical! Beyond acting, she loves gymnastics and swimming. Recently, she started loving poetry and wrote a poem about swimming! She also knows how to moonwalk (but definitely can improve!) She extends a big thank you to her directors for choosing her, her coaches for vocal and dance lessons, and her friends and family for cheering her on! She wishes everyone a successful performance!
Jade Lankford (Mr. Mayor) dedicates this performance to all the children and children at heart, and wishes everybody joy and to never forget how to use their imagination.
London Roush (Horton/Co-Costume Designer) is very excited to perform in Seussical for a second time this year! You may have recently seen her as Cat in the Hat in Seussical (Starstruck Theatre), Tanya in Mamma Mia (Irvington Conservatory Theatre) and Lord Farquaad in Shrek Jr (One Stage Theatre). She would like to thank her family, friends, and her Gertrude for always supporting her. She hopes you enjoy the jungles great joys!
Maggie Cheung (Bird Girl) is thrilled to be making her One Stage debut! This show marks one year since beginning her community theater journey, with recent roles including Mina in Dracula (Sunnyvale Community Players), Choral Ensemble in The Prince of Egypt (SCP), and Ensemble in Oliver Twist (Foothill Theatre Arts). She has minors in Music and Theater & Performance Studies from UC Berkeley. Outside of performing, she teaches elementary school. Enjoy the show and think lots of thinks!
Marisa McGuire (Cat) This is my first production with One Stage, as the Cat in the Hat in Seussical! Marisa is a classically trained chef who spent years working at the Bellagio in Las Vegas. She has always loved musicals and the theater, but couldn't fit it into a chef's busy schedule. Now that she has a little more time, I can't wait to jump back in. Her last role was playing The Diva in her high school's production of Starmites. Marisa would also like to thank her family for being so supportive of her getting back into theater.
Nora Jackson (Who) is absolutely passionate about the arts. Nora discovered a love for acting a few years back and hasn’t stopped since. She’s brought many characters to life, from productions like Frozen Jr. to Wonka, Shrek, Annie, and others and is always excited about the next show. When not rehearsing, Nora loves to dance and also enjoys drawing and cooking. Whether she’s lost in a book or crafting with friends, Nora is always ready for her next adventure.'
Rachel Ristau (Gertrude) is a second-year college student, and is so happy to return to One Stage Theatre as Gertrude McFuzz! You may have recently seen her as Frieda in Carrie at UCLA, Ella in Cinderella at Irvington Conservatory Theatre or as Jo March in Little Women at One Stage Theatre. She would like to deeply thank her friends, family and London for always supporting her throughout her theatre journey. She hopes you have an amayzing time and enjoy the show!
Siya Chetal (Bird Girl) is excited to welcome you to Seussical! She has loved theater since she was 8 years old and enjoys bringing stories to life through singing and acting. Her favorite recent role was Dory in Finding Nemo at Ohlone College, where she truly let her brightest self shine. When she's not rehearsing, Siya enjoys running Cross Country and Track. She hopes you enjoy the magic, music, and fun of Seussical as much as the cast has enjoyed bringing it to life. Enjoy the show!
Sofia VanRod (Mayzie La Bird/Deck Crew) is thrilled to preform in Seussical with One Stage Theatre. She was last seen as Rosalie in Takin’ Over the Asylum with JFK Theatre. Other credits include Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz (Youth Edition).
Zara Villa (Who) is so excited to be in her first One Stage show! She would like to thank her friends and family for always supporting her.
Kristen Cosico (Choreographer) is so grateful to return to this show as choreographer. Almost 10 years ago, she was a jungle creature in Seussical! Her choreography was last seen in One Stage’s production of Annie. She has also directed and choreographed for One Stage Camps including: The King Jr., Frozen KIDS, and Willy Wonka KIDS. When not on stage, Kristen teaches second grade in Hayward. Much love to her family and husband Justin for their support! She hopes you enjoy the show!
Lorraine VanRod (Producer/Props/Costumes/Deck Crew) is a theatre administrator, producer, and director with more than 30 years of experience bringing stories to life on stage. Her directing credits include HAIR, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Frankie & Johnny in the Clair de Lune, Steel Magnolias, and the world premiere of Las Vegas @ Large. For One Stage Theatre, she has directed Beauty and the Beast, Pride and Prejudice, Into the Woods Jr., The Little Mermaid Jr., and The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged).
Loren C. Echaluse (Costume Coordinator) is very happy to help out in One Stage's Seussical. This is her first time doing theatre outside of school. She's excited to try more theatre opportunities in future productions!
Stephanie Kara (Director) celebrates 20 years with One Stage (fka Stage 1 Theatre) with Seussical! Throughout the years, Stephanie has accomplished many roles that include numerous credits as Actor, Deck Crew, Stage Manager, Youth Mentor, Board Treasurer, Communications and Data Base Administration, Camp Director, Production Manager, Playwright, Vocal Director, Choreographer, and Director. She sends grateful thanks and unwavering appreciation to Lorraine VanRod, for believing in her, the opportunity to contribute and create, and for inspiring her to be all that she can be. More info at www.stephaniekara.com
