By Darlene Donloe
Contributing Writer
SANTA MONICA — Author and cartoonist Theodor Geisei — more commonly known as Dr. Seuss — was known for his popular children’s books including “The Cat in the Hat,” “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” “Green Eggs and Ham,” “The Lorax,” “Oh, the Places You’ll Go,” “Horton Hears A Who!” and “One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish.”
During his life, he wrote and illustrated more than 60 books.
Nine of those books come to life in a pop-up at the Santa Monica Place Mall in downtown Santa Monica where fans of the books can enjoy the wondrous world of their childhood imaginations.
Co-produced by Kilburn Live and Fever, the leading global live entertainment discovery platform, The Dr. Seuss Experience is a one-of-a-kind interactive immersion into the wondrous world of Dr. Seuss. Guests can expect a “Seuss-tacular” journey featuring themes and installations that bring Dr. Seuss’s works to life.
Inside, guests of all ages will be transported through an awe-inspiring, sensory spectacle including nine different, visually stunning Dr. Seuss worlds, with the opportunity to meet iconic characters.
There are Seuss-themed rides, carnival games and costumes representing iconic characters.
Guests can swing from Truffula Trees from “The Lorax,” navigate the Stars Upon Thars Sneetches Mirror Maze from “The Sneetches” and explore the towering clovers while listening closely for a Who from “Horton Hears a Who!”
Each world has different interactive activities. With so many different offerings, a carousel ride to photo opportunities with storybook characters from “The Lorax,” “The Cat in the Hat,” and “Horton Hears A Who!” and exclusive, bespoke merchandise, there is fun and adventure for everyone in the family.
If the giggles, playfulness, wide eyes and smiles on the faces of the children at the venue are any indication, The Dr. Seuss Experience is a hit.
Sha’doe, a 6-year-old first grader was brought to The Dr. Seuss Experience by his mother, Stacie H.
“I came because I really wanted to have fun,” Sha’doe said. “I’m having a bunch of fun. I read Dr. Seuss. My favorite is ‘The Cat in the Hat.’”
Laura Delamater, a sixth grade teacher, brought her two sons, Jude and Reid, to the experience. She grew up having her father read her books by Dr. Seuss. Her favorite is “Marvin K. Mooney Will You Please Go Now!”
“I came here to have fun,” said Delamater’s 9-year-old son, Jude Wheeldin, who is in the fourth grade. “The storytelling pipes are the most fun.”
Reid Wheeldin, Delamater’s 7-year-old son, who is in the first grade, said he doesn’t read the story very much anymore, but he was still enjoying the experience.
“This is fun,” he said. “I like this.”
“We thought this would be a good experience,” Delamater said. “We all like Dr. Seuss. Everyone likes Dr. Seuss.”
All ages are welcome at The Dr. Seuss Experience. Admission is free for infants under 1. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
The venue is fully accessible for individuals in wheelchairs and those with special needs, with the exception of one attraction (Mirror Maze). Safety measures are in place throughout the experience
The experience, which takes between 45-60 minutes, is open through January. Hours are 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.,
on Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. Days and times may vary for peak and holiday periods. Doors will close 90 minutes after the final session of the day.
General admission tickets are $31-$37.
The experience is located on two levels of 395 Santa Monica Place in Santa Monica.
Parking is available in Parking Structure 7 on the corner of 4th and Broadway at Santa Monica Place, located directly behind The Dr. Seuss Experience. Parking in Structure 7 is free for the first 90 minutes.
“Spotlight on L.A.” is a feature profiling little known places within the city. To propose a location for “Spotlight on L.A.,” send an email to newsroom@wavepublication.com.
Darlene Donloe is a freelance reporter for Wave Newspapers who covers South Los Angeles. She can be reached at ddonloe@gmail.com.
