A strange and fantastic red-and-white striped top hat appears on an empty stage, full of possibilities. A young child enters and is drawn toward the magical hat. He begins imagining what type of wonderful person would wear such a hat, when The Cat in the Hat suddenly materializes!

“You’ve got quite a mind for your age,” quips the cat as he begins singing about the power of imagination. Throughout the fun and silly musical production famous Seussian characters are brought to life: Horton the Elephant, Gertrude McFuzz; the Whos of Whoville; General Genghis Kahn Schmitz, Mayzie La Bird, Sour Kangaroo and the Citizens of the Jungle of Nool.

From the energizing opening number to the uplifting final scene you’ll be transported to the magical zany world of Dr. Seuss. All are invited to join this world of limitless possibilities and become part of the Whidbey Playhouse Summer Youth Production.

Auditions will be held for “Seussical, the Musical” on Friday, May 29, at 6 p.m. for ages 14 to 18; and Saturday, May 30, for ages 9 to 13 at 1 p.m. Parts are available for 25 to 30 cast members, all voice ranges. No previous stage experience is necessary. Auditions will be held at the Whidbey Playhouse, 730 SE Midway Blvd. in Oak Harbor. For specific information about available roles and audition requirements, visit www.whidbeyplayhouse.com.

If you love the theatre, but on-stage performance is not your thing, several youth apprenticeships and multiple workshops opportunities are available for kids 11 and up. Visit www.whidbeyplayhouse.com.

This family friendly musical, directed by Brooke Smith, will be performed at the Whidbey Playhouse July 30 through Aug. 9. For more information, contact the Playhouse at 679-2237, or visit the Web site.