Seussical The Musical

With over 600 million book sales worldwide, I'm sure most people will have read one or more of the stories by Theodore Seuss Geisel, otherwise known as Dr Seuss. Debuting on Broadway in 2000 Seussical the Musical, features some of the favorite characters from the bizarre imaginative fantasy world of Dr Seuss.

Horten The Elephant played thoughtfully and charmingly by Russell Williams, has heard a Who… But as a Who is a tiny person who lives on a planet the size of a speck of dust, nobody believes him.

Laughed at by the Sour Kangaroo, Melanie Fox-Crowther; together with her Young Roo, Emily Durber. He’s ridiculed by the monkeys and his kindly good nature is taken advantage of by Mayzie la Bird, Siobhan Hammond.

Only Horton's next door neighbour Gertrude McFuzz, Kirsty Heath; is there for him but he hasn’t noticed her.

Meanwhile in Whoville, poor JoJo, well played by Imogen Crowther, a Who, who is thinking way too many thinks… mainly because the over zealous encouragement from the zany Cat in the Hat. This causes JoJo to fall foul of his parents, Mr & Mrs Mayor of Whoville, Rob and Becs Mills.

The Cat In The Hat was superbly portrayed by William Bradely, a lively bouncing, over the top and funny character straight from the page.

The mainly youthful inhabitants of Whoville, together with Antony Clowes as The Grinch, seem to be enjoying the precarious life they lead, until the Monkeys once again intervene causing lots of mischief for Horton.

The stage set and scenery were simple but extremely effective, bright and colourful very appealing, especially to younger theatre goers. Subtle effective lighting making the most of the wonderful costumes and lively characters.

There are over thirty songs in the show, with some great harmonies and memorable melodies. The Music and lyrics are by Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens, I'm telling you this because the songs are infectious and will be going around in your heads for several days after the show.

Directed by Ian Hill, Producer Debbie Hill, Movement and Dance handled by Melanie Fox-Crowther. The production team has a real sense of fun, bringing the spectacle and humour of the world of Dr Seuss to life.

The whole company were energetic and enthusiastic, obviously enjoying performing this colourful and challenging show.

This really is a hoot of a show, for the young and the young at heart alike.

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