5 Ways to celebrate Dr. Seuss in Indianapolis

I hit the jackpot with my first job out of college: As an Associate Editor for a small custom publishing company, I was a writer and editor of articles that appeared in large grocery chain magazines. It was a great place to get my feet wet and learn some of the ins and outs of the editorial business. Plus my co-workers were dynamite and I met a tall blonde I eventually married.

But the highlight of that job was something even more subtle than you’d expect. In fact it’s a mere 20-minute conversation {my first phone interview mind you} that I will always remember.

“HELLLLLLLO Jeanine!”

Her voice rang out over the line – this sweet, energetic and spunky voice. Her name was Audrey Geisel or Mrs. Theodor Geisel. And if that name doesn’t ring a bell, allow me to say one more: Dr. Seuss. She was “Mrs.” Dr. Seuss. Her husband had passed away 11 years prior but her memories of how his stories came to life, the characters in them and their movement from idea to book were just beyond fascinating and worthy of another story indeed.

March 2 may feel like any other day but to avid readers and dreamers alike, it’s something special: It’s Dr. Seuss’ birthday. So often you’ll find mini events dotting calendars around town to celebrate.

Here, we’ve rounded up our Top 5 picks:

1. Go see a Cat In The Hat performance at Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre

IC Insider Luis and his family had a chance to check out the show on opening day and well, Millie’s smile to the right might tell you what she thought. Show runs thru March 3; tickets range from $10-$15 with various showtimes.

Location: Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre, Carmel

More info: Call {317} 843-8000 or visit their website

2. Enjoy a family-friendly tribute to Dr. Seuss at Hamilton East Public Library

Watch Don Miller’s Tribute to Dr. Seuss Show in honor of the birthday of this classic children’s author. This is a fun family show great for kids in Pre-K through grade 3. Stay after the show to make a Dr. Seuss craft to take home. Wednesday, March 2 from 6:30-8pm. FREE.

Location: Hamilton East Public Library, Noblesville branch

More info: Call {317} 773-1384 or visit their website

3. Put on your party hat for a Dr. Seuss Celebration Storytime with Barnes and Noble

Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss! Join Barnes and Noble in celebrating the beloved Dr. Seuss’s birthday. At this celebration you will pin the tail on Horton, decorate your own Cat in the Hat hat and more. Don’t miss out on this fun-filled Storytime! Saturday, February 27 at 11am. FREE.

Location: All Indianapolis Barnes & Noble locations including Keystone, Carmel, Greenwood, Noblesville and Plainfield

More info: Phone your local store or visit their website

4. Stop in for a Tribute To Dr. Seuss Magic Show at local Indianapolis Public Library branches

Don Miller has also partnered with multiple Indianapolis Public Library branches to offer his special “Tribute To Dr. Seuss” magic show. With dates varying from now-April 23rd, you can celebrate this favorite author well into the spring. FREE and open to children of all ages.

Location: Various Indianapolis Public Library branches throughout the city

More info: Phone your local branch or visit the Indianapolis Public Library website

5. Go full tilt boogie and see Seussical The Musical at Broad Ripple High School

Just up the street from our Indy’s Child HQ – the Broad Ripple Magnet High School for the Performing Arts and Humanities will perform this classic and fun musical at the Gene Postov Auditorium. “Seussical” is a musical based on the works of Dr. Seuss, with a story which weaves together his most famous tales and characters. “Seussical” incorporates elements from at least 15 of his books. Tickets are $8/adults, $5/students. February 25-27; various showtimes.

Location: Broad Ripple Magnet High School for the Performing Arts and Humanities, Broad Ripple

More info: Visit their Facebook events page

Wherever your Seussian adventures take you, do them with energy, spunk and flair – Audrey Geisel does, and frankly, she learned from the best.

Jeanine Bobenmoyer is an explorer by heart. Her enthusiasm for trying new things drives her family out into the Indianapolis community as often as possible. Her son Hunter may become the next Bo Jackson and daughter Emerson is headed for Broadway or Harvard. Or both.

When Jeanine is not checking out the latest hotspot, she puts on her hat as the Chief Mom Officer for theCityMoms, the largest support and social network for moms in Indianapolis. She guest writes for Hamilton County Tourism, Inc., loves yoga, University of Michigan football, and trail running. She’d also drop everything if Eddie Vedder asked her to join Pearl Jam on tour. Find Jeanine onTwitter and Instagram.