MANILA, Philippines — For the past 19 years, the Repertory Philippines’ Children’s Theater has been the Filipino child’s window to the world of magical stories that come alive on stage.

This year, however, the theater company explores not only fairy tales but popular, modern-day productions that are equally fantastic, magical, and full of heart and imagination.

Taking the lead is “Seussical (Theater for Young Audiences)” based on the works of celebrated author Theodor Geisel, otherwise know as Dr. Seuss. “Seussical’’ has been the most performed musical in the United States and all over the world.

Set to open on Aug. 13, at Onstage, Greenbelt 1 in Makati City, “Seussical’’ will offer the audience lavish concepts and design, amid visually exciting movement, music, dance, and costumes, all the magic that theater has to offer, in short.

“They say that Dr. Seuss is more of that 70s this generation, but the children have to go in, watch and love Dr. Seuss, because he taught us to love reading,” says Joy Virata, director of “Seussical’’.

Kindness, acceptance, ability to think and use the imagination, faithfulness, loyalty and creativity are subtle themes that are taught throughout “Seussical,’’ much alike Dr/ Seuss’ ultimate ambition to encourage students, and children to love reading. With his books acclaimed for its unique way of fostering imagination, he makes reading fun for children all over the world.

His popular books include “Horton Hatches the Egg”, “Green Eggs and Ham”, “I think I Saw That in Mulberry Street.” Three movies entitled “The Cat in the Hat”, “The Grinch”, and “Horton Hears a Who” were also based on Dr. Seuss’ books.

The plot

“Seussical’’ revolves around Horton the Elephant, who finds himself faced with a double challenge — not only must he protect his tiny friend Jojo (and all the invisible Whos) from a world of naysayers and dangers, but must also guard an abandoned egg, left to his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird.

Although Horton faces ridicule, danger, kidnapping and a trial, the intrepid Gertrude McFuzz never loses faith in him, the only one who recognizes “his kind and his powerful heart.” Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family and community are challenged and emerge triumphant, in a story that will make you laugh and cry.

Tony winners Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty (‘’Ragtime,’’ ‘’Once on this Island’’) have lovingly brought to life favorite Dr. Seuss characters including Horton the Elephant, Gertrude McFuzz, Mayzie La Bird and a little boy with a big imagination—Jojo.

Repertory Philippines’ Children’s Theater will be staging this modern musical in celebration of its 19th year of producing well-loved musicals for children of all ages, and adults as well.

The Children’s Theater has produced a number of popular musicals including Sleeping Beauty (1992, 1999 and 2010), Cinderella (1993 and 2001), Aladdin (1993), Jack & the Beanstalk (1994, 2000 and 2009), The Emperor’s New Clothes (1994 and 2005), Snow white & the Seven Dwarfs (1995 and 2002), Annabelle Broom (1995), Pinocchio (1996 and 2004), Alice in Wonderland (1997), The Wizard of Oz (1998), Beauty & the Beast (2003), Disney’s Aladdin, Jr. (2006), Disney’s Cinderella Kids (2007), Disney’s Mulan, Jr. (2008).