Please welcome the cast of our Youth Theatre production of Doctor Dolittle, JR., with performances on April 30 and May 1 at 7:00 PM, with a matinee on May 2 at 2:00 PM.
Directed by Cassie Hickman and Haley Phillips, this musical adventure follows a doctor who discovers he can talk to animals and embarks on a journey filled with humor, heart, and friendship. Infused with catchy songs, imaginative storytelling, and a heartwarming message for all ages, Doctor Dolittle, JR. is a celebration of empathy, adventure, and the magic of communication.
Set in Puddleby-on-the-Marsh, Doctor Dolittle (Bennett Sandifer) is admired by Madeline Muggs (Aubree Matthews) and Tommy Stubbins (Luke Hickman). After a failed visit with General Bellowes (Maddox Wilson), he becomes an animal doctor with help from Polynesia the parrot (Penelope Sawyer), learning to speak with Jip the dog (Addy Miller), Rufus the dog (Julietta Martin), Dab Dab the duck (Andrew Arnold), Chee Chee the chimp (Kadence Flurry), Toggle the horse (Kinley Rushing), Sheila the fox (Della Ligon), Herbert the hedgehog (Sydnei Midyett), and Sophie the seal (Dani Legg).
Pursuing the Great Pink Sea Snail, he meets Emma Fairfax (Emma Odom), Albert Blossom (Ganon Johnson), and Gertie Blossom (Katie Legg). With the Pushmi-Pullyu (Eva Johnson and Rosie Allen), a two-headed llama, he raises funds but lands in court, joined by the Bailiff (Avery Kate Wesson), Berta (Davis Blanchard), Mavis (Makenna Thurlkill), and Vladamir (William “Tripp” Wood).
Escaping, he journeys with Emma to Sea Star Island, meeting Straight Arrow (Eve McDowell) and discovering an animal sanctuary. After finding the Great Pink Sea Snail, he ultimately returns home to a joyful welcome, joined by ensemble members Aurora Cline-Stanfill, Kensington Ballard, Kirby Wesson, Lilly Jerry, Lilly Plunkett, and Serena Vaughan.
Director Cassie Hickman shared her personal connection to the production, “As a child we moved a lot, and one time we were moving across country to a small town after living in Los Angeles. That night when we arrived at the small motel, Dr. Dolittle with Rex Harrison was on the TV. I fell in love with the show; the singing, the story, everything. Over the years, I read the story to my Little’s Theatre class and each group sat entranced and couldn’t wait to find out what happened next in the world of Dr. Dolittle. It has thrilled me to bring the fun to a new generation and, finally, we are bringing it to life on the SAAC stage with our Youth Theatre.”
Tickets are $5 for students and $10 for adults. For visit our online BOX OFFICE or call the SAAC office at 870-862-5474.