HOUSTON (April 24, 2017) – The Houston Symphony celebrates the whimsical world of Dr. Seuss with a semi-staged, orchestral version of “Green Eggs and Ham” at 10 and 11:30 a.m. Saturday, April 29, 2017. Led by Associate Conductor Robert Franz, the animated, fun-filled celebration of Dr. Seuss at the Symphony will also feature familiar music from animated television classics and lively musical works that capture the imagination.

Guest vocalists Lauren Pastorek and Kelly Lomonte will join the orchestra in the orchestral adaptation of the popular children’s book. With unmistakable characters and signature rhymes, this beloved favorite by Dr. Seuss has cemented its place as a children’s classic. Nearly six decades after its initial publication, the book remains a best-selling children’s book.

A native Houstonian, Pastorek was an original cast member in the off-Broadway production of The Marvelous Wonderettes. She has appeared in the national tours of Oklehoma! and My Fair Lady, at the Kennedy Center in Carnival!, and as a soloist with the Houston Grand Opera in the premiere of On This Muddy Water. Lomonte, a high school sophomore and student at the Humphreys School of Musical Theater, has been featured in Theatre Under the Stars’ productions of Mary Poppins, A Christmas Story, The Music Man, Oliver!, and Hairspray, among others. Both Pastorek and Lomonte will be making their Houston Symphony debuts.

Dr. Seuss, whose real name is Theodor Seuss Geisel, published over 60 books during his career, spawning numerous adaptations, including 11 television specials, four feature films, a Broadway musical, and four television series. His work includes several of the most popular children's books of all time, selling over 600 million copies that were translated into more than 20 languages by the time of his death 25 years ago. Geisel’s honors include an Academy Award, two Emmy Awards, a Grammy Award, a Peabody Award, a Pulitzer Prize and the Laura Ingalls Wilder Medal.

Also on the program is Rossini’s ever-popular Overture to The Barber of Seville, iconic cartoon music like the Looney Tunes Overture and “The Jetsons Meet the Flintstones” theme. With its trotting rhythm reminiscent of peaceful, country roads, Leroy Anderson’s vivid musical snapshot of Americana, Horse and Buggy, will be featured alongside the timpani rolls and cymbal crashes of Thunder and Lightning by Johan Strauss Jr.

An instrument petting zoo, which allows children to hold and play orchestral instruments, as well as a craft activity will be offered in the lobby beginning one hour before the 10 a.m. concert and immediately following the 11:30 a.m. concert. Concertgoers are encouraged to come in Dr. Seuss-inspired costumes.

The concert will take place at Jones Hall for the Performing Arts, 615 Louisiana Street, in Houston’s Theater District. For tickets and information, please call (713) 224-7575 or visit www.houstonsymphony.org. Tickets may also be purchased at the Houston Symphony Patron Services Center in Jones Hall (Monday–Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.). All programs and artists are subject to change.

DR. SEUSS AT THE SYMPHONY

with music from green eggs and ham

Saturday, April 29, 2017, at 10 a.m.

Saturday, April 29, 2017, at 11:30 a.m.

Robert Franz, conductor

Lauren Pastorek, vocalist

Kelly Lomonte, vocalist

Humphreys School of Musical Theater

Sam Brown, director

Tickets from $22