"Seussical The Musical" is based on the works of children's author Dr. Seuss (Theodore Seuss Geisel). The work is a combination of a variety of Dr. Seuss works including "Horton Hears a Who!," "McElligot's Pool" and "Yertle the Turtle".
"Seussical" was written by Tony award-winning songwriters Lynn Aherns and Stephen Flaherty, who previously wrote "Ragtime" and "Once On This Island".
Opening on Broadway on November 30th 2000, Seussical received mixed reviews. The show eventually closing on May 20th 2001--completing 198 performances and losing over $10 million.
After rewrites, "Seussical" returned as a successful touring production, completing two US tours between 2002 and 2004.
Music Theater International has four versions of the show available for license: A full-length version similar to the touring production, a one-hour version to be performed by children, a thirty-minute production for younger children and a 70-minute production aimed at all ages.
Once under license, "Seussical" became Music Theater International's number one licensed show and remains among its top licensed productions.