Seussical the Musical Presented
April 8, 9 and 10 at UC San Diego

Muir College musical ensemble production pays homage
to Theodore and Audrey Geisel and their generosity to the university

March 30, 2010

By Kristin Luciani

The Muir College Musical Ensemble at the University of California, San Diego is bringing to the stage some of the most beloved stories of Dr. Seuss in their production of Seussical the Musical. 

The musical weaves together several Dr. Seuss favorites, including the heartwarming tale of Horton the Elephant whose compassion allows him to hear a world that no one can see.  This colorful, fun and imaginative performance will run April 8, 9 and 10 at 8 p.m. in Mandeville Auditorium on the UC San Diego campus. Muir College senior Rachelle Fuhrer directs.

A tradition at UC San Diego, the Muir Musical will be used by students to show their gratitude to Audrey and Theodore (Dr. Seuss) Geisel, who have given generously to the university. Geisel, widow of author Theodor “Dr. Seuss” Geisel, has had a longstanding relationship with the campus, providing charitable gifts and donating more than 8,000 of her late husband’s original drawings, sketches, books and other memorabilia to the university libraries.  In 1995, UCSD’s Central Library was renamed Geisel Library in honor of the renowned author and his widow’s devoted support of the university.

Muir College is just one of UC San Diego’s six colleges for undergraduates—a college concept that is unique throughout the University of California system.   The colleges provide students with many of the advantages of a small liberal arts college plus the opportunities and resources of a large research university. The colleges are small communities within the university as a whole, each home to a diverse group of students from all majors and backgrounds.

“One of the big reasons I chose this musical was because the university is celebrating its 50th anniversary, and Dr. Seuss has a special affiliation with the university,” said Rachelle Fuhrer, director. 

“This is a way we can show our continuing appreciation to Audrey Geisel and her generosity to UC San Diego.”

Entering its 18th season, the Muir College Musical Ensemble presents the only musical theatre event on campus produced and directed entirely by students, with undergraduates representing all six colleges.  The cast of actors and actresses is supported by a production team of 20 students and 30 orchestra members. 

Past Muir Musicals include Cabaret, Once Upon a Mattress, Little Shop of Horrors, Pippin, Sunday in the Park with George, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying and Kiss Me Kate.

A new feature this year is an outreach initiative called Friends of the Muir Musical (FOMM).  Friends of the Muir Musical encourages families and friends of those students participating in the performance to contribute to the production.  This year, families donated a total of $1,350 through FOMM. 

“There are a lot of parents and families that want to help out, but aren’t sure how,” said Fuhrer.  “This creates a direct avenue for them to give.” In future years, the program is planned to expand to engage and reconnect Muir Musical alumni, strengthening the legacy of this special UC San Diego tradition.   

The performance is also funded by UC San Diego Associated Students, Muir College Council, Muir Parents Fund, founding Muir Provost John L. Stewart’s Humanities Fund, Council of Provosts and all six colleges. The annual musical is also supported through the UC San Diego Parents Fund.

Tickets are available at the UC San Diego Box Office, the Middle of Muir (MOM) and at the door. General admission is $11, faculty and staff, $10 and students, $9.

Media Contact:

Kristin Luciani, kluciani@ucsd.edu, 858-822-3353

Christine Clark, ceclark@uscd.edu, 858-534-7618