The Dana Center has not seen such vibrancy since the Sir Gawain Humanities lecture that highlights the living energy of the colour green. Now, think oranges and yellows, with pinks and (naturally) green, and the set of Seussical (the Musical) begins to splash into life and onto the stage.

The Anselmian Abbey Players' spring musical production is quite extraordinary. The entire act spills off of the stage proper onto the house floor and up the center aisle. A set complete with two staircases, two ladders, and multiple creative locations for entrances and exits is the launching pad for creative staging, varied blocking, and artful motion. A rough count numbers at least 16 different works of literary great Dr. Seuss, expressed in characters, lines, and plot elements. (Dr. Seuss tally does not include at least one Aretha Franklin reference.)

The student actors' passion is directed into an energetic, continuously developing performance. Inspired by an upbeat score, the plot line is generally based on Dr. Seuss' Horton Hears a Who. Horton, an elephant with the heart of a Benedictine, the temperament of a yoga instructor, and the dedication of a true friend, hears a cry for help and seeks out the source. Although seemingly alone, he spots a small speck of dust, which he entrusts to the care of a clover. "A person's a person," he says, "no matter how small." The Jungle of Nool, Horton's home, is one of many "thinks" of an unsuspecting youth, JoJo, who will not be satisfied without letting his (actually, her) mind, conjure the grandest dreams and daydreams. He is aided by one of his creations, the dignified Cat in the Hat, who will never leave JoJo alone without "one more" think. (Any review of the acting would not be complete without acknowledging the great risk in entrusting the key narrator role to a freshman, Ashley Therrien, who commands the performancewith all the qualities expected of Seuss' great feline. In addition to the Cat, Horton, and JoJo, Gertrude McFuzz, Mayzie LaBird, and the Sour Kangaroo are unmistakable individual dramatic presences; supporting roles with experienced Abbey actors and actresses provides reliable leadership among the large ranks of cast members.)

Besides capable and professional direction, the acting is channeled by the remarkable set and properties pieces that combine the whimsical worlds of Dr. Seuss with the practical needs of theatre. Versatile set pieces push the action to and beyond the front of the stage. The blocking takes advantage of the center aisle -- actors dance, run, and even march up the promenade with ease as though it were their own living room. The orchestra sits on the stage under a platform; the void where the orchestra once sat is a pit no more, allowing for a triple-tiered stage.

From makeup to costumes, the roles come alive through bright colors in continuity with the props and set. By the end of the evening, the stage and audience alike are showered with feathers, confetti, and contagious lessons of friendship, love, and maybe even a little piece of Heaven ("They say its warm there, and people are kind").

The best seats in the house are orchestra level (rather than the mezzanine/balcony). Wear clean clothes (there are several blacklight scenes which can inadvertently highlight spills from dinner -- or worse), and be ready for the center of attention to shift dramatically, without a moment of notice. Pay close attention to facial expressions, and prepare to travel -- "Oh, the places you'll go!"

Tickets are $6 for Saint Anselm College students; $11 for faculty, staff, alumni, senior citizens, and children; and $13 for adults. The show opens Friday, March 27, and runs Saturday, March 28th, as well as Friday and Saturday, April 3 and 4.