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Cultural Park Theater starts season next weekend

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The famous Dr. Seuss series will kick off the Broadway season at the Cultural Park Theater.

“Seussical The Musical,” a musical based on the popular children’s books and “The Cat in the Hat,” will open on Friday and play through Sept. 18. The season will consist of 10 productions in total.

“‘Seussical The Musical’ is a family-favorite musical that’s been out the last few years,” Michael Moran, executive director for the theater, said.

As always, the season’s opening production will feature the younger performers.

“So this is their opportunity to get out there before the season starts and shine,” he said.

Tickets are currently on sale for “Seussical The Musical.” Individual tickets are $19 for adults and $17 for senior; student tickets are available for $13 and tickets for children under the age of 12 are $10.

“Once ‘Seussical’ opens, you can buy individual seats for any show,” Moran said.

Season ticket packages are on sale through Sept. 18 for $140.

“The season package is a great way to take care of seeing all 10 (productions),” he said.

Following the Dr. Seuss musical, “Broadway Showstoppers Revue” will take the stage from Sept. 30 through Oct. 9. It is a Broadway review based on numbers from famous past and present musicals.

“Elvis Has Left The Building” will run from Nov. 4-13.

“It’s a comedy based on Elvis Presley,” Moran said. “Elvis is still alive at this point in time, but he’s kind of disappeared – so nobody knows where he is.”

His manager finds an impersonator to fill in for the King and the story unfolds.

The next production in line, “Spectacular Christmas Revue,” will be held from Dec. 14-18.

“It’s become a massive hit at the Cultural Park Theatre,” he said, noting that it will be the fifth consecutive year the theater has staged it. “The music and show is for the entire family.”

“It usually plays to a massive crowd,” Moran added.

“The Porch,” playing Jan. 13-22, is a comedy drama aimed at the adult crowd.

“It’s a comedy that’s based loosely off of characters that people would remember from ‘The Golden Girls’ and ‘Fried Green Tomatoes,”” he said. “It’s based around three older women who are sitting out on the porch of their house and they’re remembering times gone by.”

The production is not recommended for children.

“It has some adult themes to it,” Moran said.

Following the front porch performance, “All Shook Up” will run from Feb. 3-12.

“That is actually a Broadway musical that was inspired by the music of Elvis Presley,” he said, citing familiar songs like “Jailhouse Rock” and “Don’t Be Cruel.” “But, it has nothing to do with Elvis.”

Oscar Wilde’s “The Importance of Being Earnest” will be held Feb. 24 through March 5.

“It’s a story of two bachelors who create alter egos for themselves that are both named Earnest,” Moran said. “They’re trying to date women, who coincidentally will only date men whose names are Earnest.”

He noted that the men get into all kinds of mishaps.

The next production in line is “Hairspray” from March 24 through April 2.

According to Moran, the well-known musical is based on the music from the 1950s. The production previously won eight Tony Awards, including receiving a nomination for “Best Musical.”

“Very family friendly,” he said.

The story follows a young girl who wants to be on a local teen dance TV show.

“It’s fun, uplifting,” Moran said. “Great music.”

From April 21-30, Tennessee Williams’ classic “The Glass Menagerie” will take the stage.

“It’s this season’s drama,” he said.

The story is about a women try to put direction into her two children’s lives.

“It’s a very sweet drama,” Moran said. “It’s got tenderness, charm and beauty.”

The theater tried unsuccessfully to secure the production last year.

“It’s just one that people really like to see,” he said.

Closing out the season is “Don’t Dress for Dinner,” playing May 12-21. The story follows a man who plans a romantic weekend with his mistress because his wife is out of town, but things get messy.

“His friend is supposed to provide an alibi, so they have to improvise,” Moran said.

“It’s a fun show,” he added.

During the Broadway season, Cultural Park Theater will also host its concert season. Five performances are planned in total, including live tributes, bands and even comedy acts.

“They’ll be interspersed between the productions,” Moran said.

Concert dates and details will be announced next week.

This season marks the 54th one for the theater.

“So we’re really excited about the shows we have this year,” he said.

“Our Broadway series has come a long way,” Moran added.

For more information, call 239-772-5862 or visit online at: culturalparktheater.com.

Cultural Park Theater is at 528 Cultural Park Blvd.