Seussical

‘Seussical’ the musical features some of the favourite characters from the fantasy world of Dr. Seuss books and is a musical which is essentially all sung with very little dialogue. This amazing young cast of so many characters sparkled from start to finish in a production which was full of joy and enthusiasm.

The opening number had an immediate impact with the company in fine voice and a flourish of stunning costumes lighting up the stage as we met all the characters.

The many musical numbers were very well rehearsed and sung with confidence by soloists and the entire ensemble. Choreography throughout was first class and executed with precision and assurance. ‘The Circus McGurkus’ with its acrobatic performers was stunning.

The character the Cat in the Hat is central to the story providing narrative and continuity and Corin Wake carried this off with real style and excellent diction. Theo Wake was a delightful Jojo with a lovely singing voice. He and Corin blended beautifully in their duet ‘Oh, The Thinks You Can Think.’ Jojo’s parents Mr. and Mrs. Mayor were well played by Kieran Burnett and Leigh MacDonald who worked and sang well together.

Lewis Boyd gave a most sensitive and mature performance as Horton and one could really feel for him. ‘Alone in the Universe’ initially sung as a duet with Jojo and later reprised by both these characters individually conveyed their thoughts and emotions brilliantly and was sung with real sincerity. The lighting in these numbers was particularly effective.

The part of Gertrude was played with utter charm by Ava Smith who sang ‘One Feather Tail’ with great feeling. Mija Cibuka was obviously having a ball as the flamboyant Mayzie flaunting her feathers and leading the Bird Girls in their singing and dance numbers which were moved so elegantly.

Young Hannah Kelly didn’t miss a trick as the hard hitting Sour Kangaroo who along with her sweet but sassy Young Kangaroo, Rowan MacLean, took great pleasure in scoffing, sneering and ridiculing Horton.

I did enjoy Jack Lister’s movement as Genghis Khan-Schmidt as he commandingly led his cadets. The Wickersham Brothers, Dean Gray, Kieran Taylor and Callum Burnett were a real fun trio as the lads you wouldn’t want to mess with!

Sean Tomassi, Yertle the Turtle, and Cameron Fleming, Grinch, were both convincing in their parts. All of the group ensembles were fabulous with everyone on stage giving it their all.

This was an extremely busy show with many costume changes and the costumes really were outstanding, colourful and pertinent to the many characters. All of the production numbers were slick and lively and wonderful lighting brought everything to life.

This was a triumphant production full of so much joy and fun from an extremely talented cast of youngsters. Congratulations to the production team and all who had worked tirelessly to ensure a presentation of such a high standard. A totally enthralling ’Seussical.’

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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