Whoville Comes to Life in Sisters

The whimsical world of Dr. Seuss is leaping from the page to the stage as Ovation Performing Arts’ (OPA) Debut cast presents “Seussical Jr.” The zany musical of tongue-twisting childhood tales will take place March 27-29 at Sisters High School, 1700 W McKinney Butte Rd. This family-friendly production is a treat for all ages with high energy music and dance alongside timeless characters such as Horton the Elephant and Cat in the Hat. Tickets are $15.

“I’ll admit that I went in expecting a hodge-podge of mismatching props, musical styles, and main character species, but ‘Seussical’ quickly stole my heart,” said Director Jonathan Shepherd. “The (writers) brilliantly wove this chaotic Dr. Seuss world into a recognizable real-life fable of the preciousness of imagination, life and the elephant that’s faithful one hundred percent. It’s fast; it’s fun; it’s unexpectedly hard by the end. Seussical Jr. is the perfect sixty minute family musical package.”

Based on Dr. Seuss’ beloved stories, “Seussical Jr.” is an imaginative adaptation from Tony-winners, Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty focusing on Horton the Elephant and the microscopic inhabitants of Whoville, to remind us that a “person’s a person, no matter how small.” The colorful characters come to life in a vibrant production that celebrates friendship, loyalty and family bonds crafted along the way.

“When your source material’s already got a bipedal tuxedo cat selling an elephant at auction as canon, you can’t exactly add anything else that ruins the lore,” Shepherd said. “Seussical kaleidoscopes together dozens of memorable Dr. Seuss characters in all their extravagance, all in Broadway costumes, colors, humor and hijinks, and nonstop songs and dances.”

As with every OPA production, the show is a deeply collaborative effort. Parents take on everything from set construction and prop design to painting, costumes, and backstage coordination. Even OPA’s teen actors have joined the ranks on their off‑show, keeping the production running with the same enthusiasm they bring to the stage. With what Shepherd describes as a “dream‑show playground”—a storyline that somehow weaves together African drums, giant Uno cards, bubble guns, electric guitar, a unicycle, and even a bear trap—none of which appear in the original script—he couldn’t possibly keep the fun to himself.

In addition to the show, souvenirs, raffle basket tickets and candy grams to send to cast members will be available in the lobby. The cast of nearly 40 youth hail from across Central Oregon, ages 6-13. Although traditionally a homeschool theater group, several children are participating from public and private schools in the area, as the only requirement is they be able to attend most rehearsals.

“[Here at OPA] We’re determined to grow to meet the growing demand,” Shepherd said.

Entering its second stint of producing four shows a year, OPA will quickly be flipping the script as auditions for the full-length Broadway “Frozen” take place March 17, with show dates planned for mid-June. That will be followed by a slew of summer classes and a fifth bonus show, the student-directed “Alice in Wonderland,” a new, flexible division dubbed “OPA Passion Project.”

For tickets or more information, please visit www.ovationpa.com.

WHAT Ovation Performing Arts (OPA) presents “Seussical, Jr.”
 
WHO
Director: Jonathan Shepherd                                    Co-Director: Natalie Borg
Choreographer: Kelly Breen                                      Show Coordinator: Janet Grant
Book: Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty          
Music: Stephen Flaherty                             
Lyrics: Lynn Ahrens
 
WHEN
6:30 p.m. Friday, March 27                        
6:30 p.m. Saturday, March 28                  
3 p.m. Sunday, March 29           
 
WHERE
1700 W McKinney Butte Rd
Sisters, OR 97759
 
TICKETS
$15 ages 3+

ABOUT OVATION PERFORMING ARTS

Ovation Performing Arts, a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, was founded more than 20 years ago as a homeschool choir. It has since evolved into a multifaceted performing arts group with a legacy of serving Christ and families with chorus, acting and dance classes, and theatrical productions. OPA prides itself on growing young actors with substantial ensemble work as well as principal opportunities, brought together in one top-quality production. Traditionally rehearsals have been during regular school hours, resulting in its distinction as a homeschool theater group, but all are welcome. In 2025, OPA launched a new age-division structure: OPA Debut, for 8–12-year-olds, OPA Brava for those 13-18, OPA Forte for 14-18, and OPA Encore for ages 15 and up. OPA participants span from Sunriver to Culver, Prineville to Sisters, home-schooled actors to high school orchestra.

This story is based on submitted information and has not been verified by our news team.