Stageworks Theatre Opens ‘Seussical the Musical’ July 24, Bringing Family-Friendly Summer Fun to Northwest Houston
Families searching for live theater and indoor summer entertainment in Northwest Houston can step into the imaginative world of Dr. Seuss beginning Friday, July 24, when Seussical the Musical opens at Stageworks Theatre.
Running through Aug. 16 at the Garza Mainstage, the family-friendly musical brings together memorable songs, playful comedy and a large community cast to tell a story centered on friendship, loyalty, family and believing in others — even when the rest of the world does not.
For residents across Cypress, Tomball, Spring, Klein and surrounding Northwest Houston communities, the production offers more than a familiar collection of childhood characters. It is also a showcase of local performing arts talent, with children, teens and adults sharing the stage in a production designed to appeal to audiences from age 5 to 95.
Dr. Seuss Characters Come Together in One Musical Story
Written by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, with music by Flaherty and lyrics by Ahrens, Seussical the Musical brings several of Dr. Seuss’ best-known characters into one interconnected adventure.
The Cat in the Hat guides audiences through the story of Horton the Elephant, who discovers a tiny speck of dust containing the Whos of Whoville. Among them is JoJo, a young Who whose tendency to dream and think differently causes concern for the adults around him.
Horton becomes determined to protect the Whos, even though no one else can see or hear them. His challenge grows when Mayzie La Bird leaves him responsible for an abandoned egg, forcing Horton to defend two vulnerable lives while facing ridicule, danger, kidnapping and an eventual trial.
Through those challenges, Gertrude McFuzz remains loyal to Horton, while JoJo’s imagination becomes increasingly important to the survival of Whoville.
The show’s familiar invitation — “Oh, the thinks you can think” — sets the tone for a production that moves between the Jungle of Nool, Whoville and a series of increasingly unpredictable situations.
Beneath the humor and colorful characters is a message that has helped make the musical popular with schools, community theaters and family audiences: people deserve to be heard and valued, regardless of their size, age or place in the world.
Local Cast Brings Whoville and the Jungle of Nool to Life
Stageworks Theatre’s production features performers from multiple generations, reflecting the community-based approach that has become a regular part of the nonprofit theater’s work.
Sarah Naquin portrays the Cat in the Hat, with Jeff Stallings appearing as Horton. Aria Eagleston and Arabelle Howard share the role of JoJo, while Gillian Grace and Catherine Denno share the role of Gertrude McFuzz.
The principal cast also includes Jackie Cortina as Mayzie La Bird, Zoe Bullard as Sour Kangaroo, Carter Peterson as General Schmitz, Devin Simpson as Mr. Mayor, Abbi Rodrigue as Mrs. Mayor and Brandon Tanner as Yertle the Turtle.
The production’s Wickersham Brothers, Bird Girls, Adult Ensemble and Youth Ensemble add dozens of performers to the stage, creating the busy and colorful worlds surrounding Horton, JoJo and the Whos.
Ensemble performers include Ruby Jefferies, Isabella George, Sarah Nelson, Emma Cook, Abby Hill, Scarlett Fischer, Bella Harbour, Serafina Morales, Wren Fodrie, Reese Unkle, Beckie Simpkins, Jonathan Duttweiler, Stephen Guerra, Garrison Glass, Robbie StClair, Elvis Barksdale II, Shannon Dillon, Jordan McDonald, AJ Dow, Lucy Lammons, Ava George, Taylor Hoyles, Morgan Hughs and Joel Guerra.
The production is directed by Kiara Steelhammer, with musical direction by Katie Heaton and choreography by Adam W. Delka.
A Family Musical With a Community Message
Although Seussical is built around larger-than-life characters and imaginative settings, its central questions are grounded in experiences many families recognize.
What happens when someone is dismissed because others cannot understand them? Who chooses to stand beside a friend when doing so is difficult? How much can one voice matter when it seems too small to be heard?
Horton’s answer is found in the musical’s best-known message: “A person’s a person, no matter how small.”
That idea runs throughout the story as Horton protects the Whos, Gertrude remains committed to helping him and JoJo learns that his thoughts are not simply distractions. They may be exactly what his community needs.
The themes give parents and children an opportunity to enjoy a lighthearted summer musical while also talking about kindness, acceptance, responsibility and the courage to believe in someone others have overlooked.
Stageworks Theatre’s Role in Northwest Houston
Stageworks Theatre has served Northwest Houston audiences for more than two decades, presenting musicals, dramas, comedies and youth productions from its home near the Cypress and Champions areas.
The nonprofit community theater provides opportunities for actors, musicians, directors, technicians and volunteers with a range of experience levels. Its productions regularly pair seasoned performers with younger or first-time participants, giving local residents opportunities to develop their skills while building connections behind the scenes and onstage.
That intergenerational approach is especially visible in Seussical, where performers of different ages work together to create a production intended for families across the Greater Houston area.
Community theaters such as Stageworks also give residents access to live performances closer to home, while creating spaces where local artists can learn, participate and contribute to Northwest Houston’s cultural life.
What Audiences Can Expect From ‘Seussical’
The production combines strong vocals, energetic choreography, humorous characters and emotional storytelling in a fast-moving musical designed for both children and adults.
Longtime Dr. Seuss readers will recognize the Cat in the Hat, Horton, the Whos, Gertrude McFuzz, Mayzie La Bird, Yertle the Turtle and other characters drawn from several familiar books. Audiences who are new to the story can follow the musical as a stand-alone adventure about protecting others and remaining faithful to one’s convictions.
With its large cast, imaginative settings and mix of humor and heart, the show is positioned as one of Stageworks Theatre’s most accessible family productions of the summer.
It also gives local audiences a chance to support neighbors, students, working adults and volunteers who have spent weeks preparing to bring the production to life.
Show Dates, Location and Tickets
Seussical the Musical opens July 24 and runs through Aug. 16, 2026, at Stageworks Theatre’s Garza Mainstage, located at 10760 Grant Road in Houston.
Tickets are on sale through Stageworks Theatre’s online ticketing portal. Families planning to attend are encouraged to review available performance dates and seating options as the production begins its limited Northwest Houston run.
For residents looking for things to do with kids in Houston, family-friendly theater near Cypress or live musicals in Northwest Houston, Seussical offers an opportunity to share an imaginative story while supporting community-based performing arts.
What Happens Next
Following opening night, Seussical the Musical will continue for just over three weeks, giving families throughout Cypress, Tomball, Spring, Klein and nearby communities several opportunities to attend.
The production arrives during the final stretch of summer, when many families are looking for memorable local activities before the start of the new school year. Its message — that friendship, loyalty and one determined voice can make a difference — may be what audiences remember long after the final song.
Stay tuned to My Neighborhood News for more updates on local theater, family events and community entertainment across Northwest Houston.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.