Greensburg Civic Theatre kicks off 74th season with 'Seussical'

If the “Seussical” musical was a person, it would surely be related to Mallory Grantz’s Monroeville family.

“This is the fifth time in our family that one or more of us has been involved in ‘Seussical,’” said Grantz, 39, who will direct a production of the show to kick off the Greensburg Civic Theatre’s 74th season on Sept. 19-21.

“My husband was Horton in a production at the old Apple Hill Playhouse, I directed it for a charter school the year before that, and my son has done two versions of the junior edition of the musical,” Grantz said.

The show brings to life many of Dr. Seuss’ classic book characters, tangling their stories together into a tale of friendship, loyalty and community.

Grantz said the cast, drawn from Pittsburgh’s east suburbs, is one of the most talented she’s encountered.

“All my leads have such a natural comedic ability,” she said. “I can let them come up with interpretations and bits that make my job easier. I don’t have to spoon feed them direction.”

Grantz said her main challenge will be adapting the musical to the Civic Theatre stage.

“Each space has its own unique challenges,” she said. “There’s also a challenge in revisiting a show I’ve done before, and I’m trying to find things that maybe the audience hasn’t seen or noticed before. I don’t mean a weird re-imagining, but I try to think outside the box a little.”

Musical director Hazel Braun, 65, of Murrysville, views “Seussical” less as a musical.

“It’s almost like ‘Seuss: The Opera’ — it’s all music!” said Braun, who directs the student musical at Saint Vincent College and has directed at Apple Hill Playhouse in the past. “That is a particular challenge. There are so many genres of music in it, but it’s all a lot of fun.”

Braun said she’s enjoyed rehearsals in the run-up to opening night.

“It’s work, but we’re also fleshing out ideas, seeing what works,” she said. “The actors are great and the production team has been wonderful. I love all of the creativity on display.”

“Seussical” will take place at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 19 and 20, with a 2 p.m. matinee Sept. 21. Advance tickets are $15 to $20 and $18 to $23 at the door. Order reserved seats at GCTheatre.org.