Seussical The Musical

I love all things Dr. Seuss and this production of Seussical the Musical did not disappoint. Imaginatively directed and choreographed by Rebecca Waghorn with Ian Strachan shaping the fine young voices in a score that is almost entirely sung.

This young but significantly talented cast took the audience on a magical fantastical journey and brought to life my favourite Dr Seuss characters. The production had all the pace that this musical needs and the scenes all flowed with ease amongst the innovative and imaginative set, cleverly constructed by Stage Manager Allyson Jane Fraser and her team and lit perfectly by Phil Cooney. Visually this was an outstanding production and credit must go to the costumes and props teams which were excellent as were make-up and hairstyles.

Complimenting a highly enthusiastic and energetic ensemble playing the Whos, Citizens of the Jungle, Cadets, Circus performers was a well selected principal cast who transported us from the show opening to another world for the duration of the evening.  

Fraser Patterson gave an outstanding performance as The Cat in a Hat bringing the character to life brilliantly with lots of humour and breaking that fourth wall with great ease.Bethany Wylie played Jo-Jo was charming, playing the role with an unusual stage maturity for a child so young. Horton the Elephant was brought to life in every way possible by Michael Muir, his natural stage presence, enthralling characterisation, and acting through song skills were phenomenal. Cara McKenzie was fantastic as the cute but feisty Gertrude McFuzz, a truly captivating strong performer with excellent comic timing and great vocal. Everything about Mayzie LaBird was captured by Hannah Shepherd – incredible facial expression, strong vocals. An exceptional performer.

Some very impressive performance also came from Rhio Deuchars who played The Sour Kangaroo; Great character acting from Joshua McCallum as Mr Mayor and Adelene Foote as Mrs Mayor who along with the rest of the Whos were delightful, especially some of the youngest members of the cast who showed great promise for the future of youth theatre. Well done to Charlie Clark who brought some humour to the role of General Genghis Khan Schmitz.

The Wickersham Brothers worked well together and demonstrated very good seamless dance routines. Very good performances too came from The Bird Girls, The Grinch, Vlad Vladikoff, Baby Kangaroo, Thing 1&2 and Yertle the Turtle.

Everyone worked together and displayed lots of dynamism in their roles and choreography throughout the production.

A fantastic show. Well done everyone.

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