PLAYBILLDER Spotlight: This Performance of Seussical Jr. Shatters the Stigma Surrounding Autism

Welcome to PLAYBILLDER Spotlight, where Playbill highlights shows from educational institutions or regional theatres and special events around the country (who have used Playbill's program-building service). By welcoming these PLAYBILLDERs center stage, we hope to give our readers a more in-depth look at theatre programs that are fostering the love of the performing arts in the next generation and the way theatre lovers are bringing Playbill along for life's big moments.

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This week's Spotlight is North Jersey Friendship House of Oradell, New Jersey, a day program that works with individuals with disabilities. Their participants recently put on Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty's Seussical, Jr. This audience favorite musical transports audiences from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus as the Cat in the Hat narrates the story of Horton the Elephant. After discovering a speck of dust containing the tiny Who people, Horton must protect them from danger. Themes of friendship, loyalty, and family collide and cavort in an unforgettable musical caper. 

Executive Director of Day and Community Services Mala Spivack and Director of Special Events and Communications Kathy English shared with Playbill how the program helps reduce stigma around autism. 

How many years have you been teaching?
Mala Spivack: 40 years.

What is your proudest moment as an educator? 
Each small gain is a proud moment for each member. Seeing our members' growth and their ability to take risks, such as going out on stage, or setting small goals for themselves and reaching them. 

Can you share a little bit about the value you see in having a performing arts program in schools?
The performing arts enhance social communication, promote self-expression, boost self-esteem, foster creativity and imagination, and can improve both fine and gross motor skills through dance and acting. It teaches team building and builds a sense of accomplishment. 

What are the most challenging and most rewarding aspects of teaching the performing arts to today’s students?
The most rewarding aspect is seeing their confidence and joy grow during the process as they embrace their role in rehearsals and on stage. 

The most challenging aspect is the need for a lot of consistency and repetition during rehearsals to help enhance memorization so that they can get off book.

What shows are your kids obsessed with right now? 
Mostly Disney musicals.

How does your school’s performing arts programs impact your community? 
It helps to reduce stigma regarding autism and both demonstrates and highlights their talents and abilities.

What are your dreams for how your drama department can grow?
To continue the theatre program, and would love to see it grow to two shows per year.

What made you pick the show? How do you choose shows for your students?
The Director bases the show choice on appropriate content and difficulty level for our group. The show needs to have a large ensemble so we can be all-inclusive during auditions. Overall cost for the rights, props, and costumes also plays a role.

What are the kids loving about the show?
They feel empowered when they are on stage. They embrace their characters and are always eager to find out what the next show will be.

What message do you have for your students as they take the stage?
The goal is not perfection but showing up and trying your best. It's okay to feel nervous. Go out on stage and have fun!

What reactions do you expect to see in students when they see their name printed in this Playbill for the first time?
Excitement! Validating for them.

How has PLAYBILLDER impacted your performing arts program as a resource?
As we launched our Theater Initiative in 2024 with Finding Nemo Jr., it was essential for us to create an authentic Playbill, just like being on Broadway. When we saw we were able to select the play, add all the information, including songs, "Who's Who" pages, etc., we figured how could we go wrong? 

Fast forward to this year, and we utilized the program for our production of Seussical Jr. We are thrilled with the program and PLAYBILLDER support. We appreciate having our show featured.

To design Broadway-quality programs for your next show or special event, head to PLAYBILLDER.com. Who knows, you might just be featured in our next PLAYBILLDER Spotlight! And if you are looking for a beautiful way to display your Playbills, click here to purchase Playbill frames.