Youth workshop opens with 'Seussical the Musical'
By Sylvie Belmond belmond@theacorn.com

Moorpark children between the ages of 7 and 18 who are interested in the theater arts are invited to join the cast of "Seussical the Musical" to finetune their acting, singing and dancing skills. The Steve Robertson Youth Workshop production is sponsored by the High Street Theater Foundation.

"This workshop is a wonderful opportunity for young people interested in theater and even for those who had not thought of it before," said foundation spokesperson Colleen Graven. Theater builds self-image and offers skills that can move a child out of difficult circumstances and into a higher quality of life; performing arts also encourage students to seek further education, she said.

Based on characters and stories by Dr. Seuss, "Seussical the Musical" follows the adventures of Horton, an elephant who one day hears voices coming from a speck of dust.

He soon discovers that within this tiny speck exists the smallest planet in the universe, with a tiny race of creatures known as "Whos."

Jojo, the smallest child in the city of Who, parallels Horton's journey as he is ostracized for the unpopular act of thinking- an activity not encouraged by the parents and teachers of Whoville.

The story also includes a Cat in the Hat that pops in and out of scenes, narrating, playing numerous characters and helping the younger members of the audience keep track of what's going on.

The play's musical score is written by the Tony Awardwinning team of Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens.

The local workshop will be directed and choreographed by Jeff Wallach, and the music will be directed by Rick Pratt.

Both Wallach and Pratt worked with the foundation's 2006 youth theater production of "The Pirates of Penzance."

Wallach has enjoyed a long and successful career in musical theater in Ventura County and beyond, according to Graven.

The local actor, director, choreographer, producer, set decorator, costume designer, lighting designer and educator has been involved with many productions in community theater and regional thespian groups, such as the Kingsmen Shakespeare Festival, the West Valley Playhouse and Moorpark College.

"The High Street Theater Foundation is fortunate to have secured the services of someone not only highly qualified but someone with a continuing interest in youth," organizers said in a press release.

He appeared at the High Street Theater in "Sleeping Beauty" and "Xorro: the Be-Bop Bandito" melodramas, was the choreographer for "The Ice King" melodrama and directed "Man of La Mancha."

Wallach also was involved with "Vaudeville Returns to Moorpark," and he's the artistic director for Curtain Call Youth Theatre at the Camarillo Community Theatre. The youth theater group provides education and training for young actors in Ventura County.

Rehearsals begin Wed., Jan. 16 and will take place after school at the Boys & Girls Club of Moorpark on Casey Road. Shows will be performed at the Walnut Canyon School performing arts center on Sun., March 9. Participation fee is $295.

The workshops traditionally have about 24 attendees, and sponsorships are available to all Boys & Girls Club of Moorpark members.

For more information or to sign up for the youth workshops, call Ralph Mauriello at (805) 529-7580