Good things come in small packages

Some folks say “It’s all about the timing.” In Monticello this week, it was all about rhyming. The Arnold Packer Hughes Auditorium, inside the Monticello Central School, was transformed this past week into “Who-ville,” a technicolor world of elephants, kangaroos, turtles and exotic birds led by that famous feline, the Cat in the Hat.

Scores of students, teachers and parents all combined their talents to produce “Seussical the Musical” (junior version) at the school this week, and their efforts were rewarded with thunderous applause as these talented kids sang and danced their hearts out for the packed house on Friday night.

With music and lyrics by Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens, “Seussical” explores the world of Dr. Seuss, which has enchanted the small set for generations. This musical interpretation of “Horton Hears a Who” is a cautionary tale with a message that withstands the test of time.

We all grew up with Dr. Seuss, and it’s comforting to know that new generations are still learning life lessons from the cat, I mean man, who gave us “Green Eggs and Ham.”

“Seussical” is colorful, entertaining and inspiring for everyone—young and old—as it telegraphs these lessons through song and dance with musical numbers like “How to Raise a Child,” “How Lucky You Are” and the heart-wrenching “Alone In The Universe.”

Theodore Geisel, aka Dr. Seuss, has inspired the elementary school audience for decades, with titles like “One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish” and the ever-popular “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” “Seussical” takes these characters one step further by adding music to the message: “a person’s a person, no matter how small.”

More than 50 students, with help from parents, faculty and staff, worked overtime to transport the audience to the magical world that Geisel dreamed up in the 1950s— a world that is still going strong with no end in sight. Tolerance, kindness and an appreciation for the diversity of all living things are universal themes that never fail to remind us of the endless possibilities that life has to offer. Kudos and a tip of the proverbial hat to all involved with the show.

Speaking of “small wonders,” the Delaware Valley Arts Alliance is once again presenting “Art In Sixes” at the Alliance Gallery ( www.ArtsAllianceSite.org ) in Narrowsburg, NY. Comprised of works no larger than six inches in any direction, this group exhibition includes a large number of artists in all media including paintings, drawings, sculpture, fiber and more.

A year-end tradition, it has “evolved over the past five years—it is the innovation and quality of work that keeps the exhibit fresh each year. The underlying beauty of the collection is the wide variety of mediums that are represented,” according to gallery curator Rocky Pinciotti. Painting, ceramics, collage, photography and prints all coexist harmoniously in the Alliance Gallery space.

The opening reception, which took place this past Saturday, was heavily attended and, as usual, was a lovely affair. Snacks and libations were on hand for art enthusiasts, as folks from all over the Hudson Valley looked, admired, perused and purchased, since every piece on display is also for sale.

The beautiful gift shop was open during the reception, and the joint was jumpin’ as people milled about, discussing the various techniques represented by the wide assortment of artists, many of whom were on hand to mingle with the guests.

Upstairs at the Loft Gallery, the Valley Artists Holiday Sale is in full swing. Featuring “artful, locally made gifts,” the gallery is chock full, with a veritable potpourri of enchanting and unique, hand-crafted items that range from glassware to jewelry, hand-carved boxes and musical instruments inspired by exotic locales.

Between the Monticello school theatre and the various galleries around the region gearing up for the holidays, treasures abound ‘round every corner. Most folks I know in the Catskills love to shop locally, support our neighboring businesses and help keep dollars in our own back yard, and I am fortunate enough to preview it all for you. Nice work, if you can get it!