A Dr. Seuss musical opens in Emmaus and an Allentown dinner theater presents a musical based on the music of Neil Sedaka.

Star of the Day Event Productions stages “Seussical: The Musical,” May 9 - 18, St. John’s United Church of Christ, Emmaus.

Pines Dinner Theatre opened “Breaking Up is Hard to Do,” May 3 - June 21.

“Seussical: The Musical” is the first main stage production of the Star of the Day Event Productions’ 10th anniversary season.

“We are so excited to be bringing ‘Seussical’ to Emmaus,” says company founder and show choreographer Kirsten Almeida.

“I’m excited to work with each of the wonderful artists in our cast and staff. Their energy and willingness to breathe life into these bold characters is going to have audience members wanting more,” Almeida says.

“The joyful community they are forming is incredible, and we can’t wait for audiences to experience it,” says Almeida.

The show brings to life beloved Dr. Seuss characters, including The Cat in the Hat (Alexis Leon), Horton the Elephant (Safran Astra), Gertrude McFuzz (Julisa Trinidad), Mayzie LaBird (Maggie Toner), Yertle the Turtle (John Toner) and the Grinch (Daniel VanArsdale).

The story focuses on JoJo (Henry Wills), a little boy with a big imagination who lives in the invisible world of the Whos, in a musical adventure which tests the powers of friendship, loyalty, family and community.

The musical, written by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, has the songs “Alone in the Universe,” “Oh, the Thinks You Can Think!” and “How Lucky You Are.”

The cast includes Almeida, Courtney Bodnar, Jack Warnke, Deven Windisch, Olivia Davison, Alanna McLaughlin, Jack Yost, Jack Ruch, Nick Ruch, Alex Racines, Arlo Guzman, Kyleigh Vicoso, Maeve Yanes, Jasper Smith, Jaycie Hutnick and Elisa Osorto.

Parker Ryan is director. Phillip Wallens is music director. Mickey Brown is set designer.

The May 10 performance is sensory-friendly: no bright lights, a lower-volume sound, sensory bags available and a pre-curtain introduction of actors in costume to make them less intimidating when they appear onstage.

On May 11, there’s a Mother’s Day meet-and-greet with The Cat in the Hat and Horton after the performance.

The May 16 performance is “Student Night.” Students receive a free bag of popcorn.

“Seussical: The Musical,” 7:30 p.m. May 9, 16, 17; 2 p.m., 7:30 p.m. May 10; 3 p.m. May 11, 18, Star of the Day Event Productions, St. John’s United Church of Christ, 139 N. Fourth St., Emmaus. 484-809-9228, https://www.staroftheday.org/

Pines Dinner Theater opens its second show, “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do,” at its new location, Shops at Cedar Point, 315 S. Cedar Crest Boulevard, Allentown.

The musical of Neil Sedaka songs premiered in 2005. It’s a 1960s-set story of Lois and Marge, two friends from Brooklyn seeking romance at a Catskills resort during a Labor Day weekend. The musical uses Sedaka’s songs to tell a humorous and heartwarming story, with a focus on love, laughter and the challenges of relationships.

The score showcases 18 Neil Sedaka classics, including the title tune, and “Where the Boys Are,” “Sweet Sixteen,” “Calendar Girl,” “Love Will Keep Us Together,” “Oh Carol,” “Laughter in the Rain,” “Stupid Cupid” and “Solitaire.”

Appetizers, entrees, desserts and beverages are available for purchase ala carte. It’s BYOB.

“Breaking Up Is Hard To Do,” 12:30 p.m. dinner, 1:30 p.m. show Thursdays, Sundays; 6:30 p.m. dinner, 7:30 p.m. show Fridays; 12:30 p.m. dinner, 1:30 p.m. show, 6:30 p.m. dinner, 7:30 p.m. show Wednesday, Thursdays, Saturdays, May 3 to June 21, Pines Dinner Theatre, 315 S. Cedar Crest Boulevard, Allentown. 610-433-2333, https://www.pinesdinnertheatre.com/

“Curtain Rises” is a column about the theater, stage shows, the actors in them and the directors and artists who make them happen. To request coverage, email: Paul Willistein, Focus editor, pwillistein@tnonline.com