Seussical JR.

Walking into the auditorium you cannot escape the colourful display of primary colours on show for Seussical. A large cut out Cat in the Hat hat is stage right acting as a flat. Various large sweets adorn the set, with fake grass and numerous different coloured pompoms. The stage is framed with a large arch of balloons, feathers and tutus that are effective in giving the cartoon fun feel. Two flats are either side to conceal entrances and exits. The stage has steps centre coming down onto the floor and this is used in front of the stage as an acting area too. The acting area is embraced also with various pompoms and balloons. A large video wall is at the back of the stage used to depict scenes and inform the characters’ names. Set/Staging NWTAC and Steve Hilditch.

Lighting by Gary Jones and MSL lighting worked well, although at times some characters did not hit their spot and were in the dark. Sound Tracy Harper and Tube UK. As for so many youth productions now backing tracks are needed because they won’t allow a live band. I must say how wonderfully Harrison Bramhall-Knowles and Rosie Robinson coped when there was a glitch with sound. Holding their pose and going with the music - true professionals - I am not sure some adults would have coped with that.

Costumes looked colourful and bright as they should be and just a hint of feather or bow made the character stand out. Horton dressed in grey with ears on his baseball cap looked really effective. Loved the stingrays and the sea horses. The doctors and Nurses also was a wonderful sight.  Wardrobe Janet Newcombe with assistant Faith Barton-Simms.

Director and Choreography was Gary Jones with a cast of over 70 and some very young children, Gary keeps the choreography simple. This is a confident director who does this - enabling all abilities to keep up and look in sync. It was clear the cast were having a ball and enjoying themselves in the spotlight. With a large cast extra parts were put in and this did not detract. The cast and the ensemble worked really well together - just a note when exiting stage down the side Stage Right, is to be careful of noise, as this can detract from what’s going on onstage, but I get they were so excited you could see it you could feel the energy in the room.

With such a large cast I cannot talk about everyone, so I will just pick a few out. The Wickersham Brothers with attitude were Beth Moran, Emily McCann, Ava O’Connor with additional Brothers Louis Joines-McCaw, Keegan Jones McCaw and Lana Hallam. Bird Girl Solo 1- Maggie Shillito 2- Sienna Acton and 3 Sienna Hopkins. With additional Bird Girls Annabelle Botham, Freya Hopkins, Gracie Day, Lyla Khessine and Maddison Reyes-Partington.

Yertle Turtle was played by Teddy Nikes. Isobel McConnell was The Grinch. Lily Hempstock was Vlad Valdokof. Mr Mayor was played by Harry O’Connor - his wife Mrs Mayor was played by Jessica Dunning.

Rosie Robinson played Mayzie la bird the girl with sass and won’t sit on the egg. Jasmine Messham played sour kangaroo and Layla Penny played Young Kangaroo, they worked really well together with plenty of attitude that was needed for the parts and I particularly loved Laya’s facial expressions towards the action that was happening around her.

Hannah Donoghue played Gertrude McFuzz - what a delight. Her determination and frustration to get Horton to notice her was just right and your felt her plight and drawn towards her character. Just lovely.

Jack Lightfoot played the Cat in the Hat and what a character, the confidence in talking to audience was great and the cheekiness came through. He looked to thoroughly relish the part. Oh, The Places You'll Go!

Harrison Bramhall-Knowles took on the part of Horton the Elephant. A considered part - Horton is just so honest and open: he is the only person who can hear the Hoos and takes on their plight. Not overplayed and with sincerity Harrison took us in and on his journey with a maturity. Well done!

Last but not least is Brodie Robson playing Jojo who just thinks too much according to his parents. Wow what a find and great casting. His energy was great and good in interacting with the other characters. When not speaking and listening he was engaged at all times. Excellent!

It’s great to see so much investment in youth securing amateur and possibly professional theatre for the future. Thank you for the invite and hospitality from my guest Hannah and I.

 

Liz Hume-Dawson

District 5 Rep

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