Empire State Today

An eye-popping, visually pleasing comedy is about to hit the stage in February as the Amherst Operetta presents Seussical: The Musical during three performances. 

Based on the children’s stories of Dr. Seuss, audience members will recognize the signature red and white striped hat of The Cat in the Hat, the lovable elephant, Horton, and a host of other Seussian characters and references to favorite Dr. Seuss books.

“This show is about community and finding positivity amidst the difficult situations of life,” said Justin Pomietlarz, Operetta director. “It’s got themes of love, support and caring and seemed like a good show for this year.”

There are approximately 75 students involved in this year's production. 

The Amherst Operetta has made history in a number of ways; as the longest running musical production with shows that pre-date the 1950s and the fact that it typically does not repeat productions. 

This year’s performance of Seussical: The Musical is an exception because it was the first production that Mr. Pomietlarz did when he was first hired in 2006. 

The production has been selected as one of 10 schools as a Kenny Award finalist. 

The Kenny Award program is sponsored by the Lipke Foundation and Shea's Performing Arts Center to recognize, reward, and encourage student talent and achievement in high school musical theatre productions.

Purchase Tickets Online 

Evening performances are at 7:30 p.m. on both Friday, Feb. 10 and Saturday, Feb. 11. A  1 p.m. matinee will be performed Saturday, Feb. 11.

The Online Ticketing Site is open. 

Ticket pricing is $12.50 for adults and $10 for senior citizens and students (all students up to age 18 and seniors 65+). 

The performance is at Amherst Central High School, Theodore Masterson Auditorium, 4301 Main Street, Amherst.

Saturday Family Matinee

Children 10 years of age and under get in FREE on Feb. 11 at 1 p.m. for the Family Matinee. 

They must be accompanied by an adult. 

There will be Dr. Seuss books available for sale. 

Children are encouraged to dress up as their favorite Dr. Seuss character and all children will be able to come on stage to tour the set and get autographs from the cast after the performance.

Carrubba's Chicken BBQ Dinner

A Carrubba's Chicken Pit BBQ dinner fundraiser to support the Amherst Concert Chorale trip to New York's Carnegie Hall this April!  will be held on Saturday, Feb. 11 from noon to 6 p.m. View the flyer.

Dinners are $15 each and include chicken, salad, roll and potato salad. 

The ACHS cafeteria will be open if you want to eat before or after the 1 p.m. family matinee or the 7:30 evening performance. 

It's suggested that you use the Online Order Form to pre-order by Feb. 3.

Original source can be found here.