Seussical the Musical

Butter Side Up theatre company continue raising the bar with their latest production. Seussical The Musical explores the various characters from Dr Seuss, bringing them to life in a joyous display of colour and flair. A comparatively new society with exceptional drive, bringing lesser performed productions to life. A society all inclusive and with this production affording so many opportunities for the 20 strong cast to explore and perform to a very high standard. A totally minimalist set with simple back cloth and a series of stage boxes cleverly moved during varying scenes providing sufficient differences throughout. My compliments to Michael Hudson as director and Jack Wheatley as your MD who clearly provided the whole cast with excellent guidance. It is always a pleasure to visit your productions as from the moment we enter the theatre, we are met and welcomed by all. You should be so pleased that whether on or off stage you have a willing and supportive team all striving to provide memorable theatre.

The musical moves along at a considerable pace with large group ensemble pieces interspersed with smaller group and solo singing and performance. When Horton the Elephant performed by Callam Fellowes discovers the tiny world of Whoville he promises to protect it at all costs and later due to his total elephant loyalty ends up looking after an unhatched egg for months, never leaving his role and responsibilities. A really well acted and sung part requiring high levels of stillness and disciplined emotion. JoJo performed by Abby Lever a character with an amazing imagination, great part played with poise and purpose, lovely singing and stage presence with many memorable scenes with The Cat,  ensemble and others.

The all-encapsulating part of The Cat in The Hat performed by Laura Edwards totally brought to life the character, in some ways the narrator of the piece giving a thoroughly professional performance throughout, your vitality, acting and singing a joy to watch. So many memorable scenes with Jojo, The Elephant and the bird along with full ensemble involvement. This musical whilst being somewhat mad actually explores many modern day traits of friendship, emotion, loyalty and creates a genuine belief in what you do and what your principals stand for. Sour Kangeroo performed by Tara Kulbatski along with your outlandish bow which you did well to wear as head gear. Another well performed and clearly delivered character part. Gertrude McFuzz performed by Lilly Connelly, the bird lady who decided a long term vacation was better than sitting on her egg after passing the responsibility to the loyal Elephant, strong and totally convincing role played well. This production, as said above, gave many opportunities for further actors to explore their many talents, including Rob, Lauren, Harvey and Amy Along with the trio of singers El, Becky and Georgia along with all the remaining cast whilst not specifically mentioned all performed,  be it cameo or full ensemble work, to as high standard. The movement and direction was well delivered by the whole group who clearly gave everything . The costumes were a delight adding so much colour, brilliantly thought out and produced. The back stage team took their moment with delight passing a slight smile or nod in the audience direction.

It was a pity you had a few teething issues with the mics but as with so many productions the technical teams have so little time once entering the theatre to test and try.

Sadly, you had been let down by the programmes not arriving on time so I apologise if I have got names or facts wrong.

Thank you all for making us so welcome and performing an evening of great performances, with lots of fun and meaning.

Philip Smith Noda NE District 6 Regional Rep

 

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