I first heard of "Seussical" in 2001, when Rosie O'Donnell announced that she would play the part of the Cat in the Hat on Broadway. "Seussical" is a musical based on the beloved works of children's author Theodore Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss, with a story that weaves elements from 15 of his books and incorporates characters in the most unexpected ways. This is truly a "kid-friendly" show and is for kids of all ages, even us older ones. Be sure and get the kids ready for the show by visiting Random House's Seussville ahead of time.
Director Deborah Fleischman, along with her assistant director, Linda Meigs and student director Trent Morris, have done an outstanding job with this large cast of 62. This is a very young group of actors, ranging in age from 5 to 27 years of age, but you would think they are all veterans with their energy, talent, gymnastics and enthusiasm. This show is a joy to watch and a real feast for the eyes. Choreographers Delle Lloyd and Monique Ryan have made magic appear right before our eyes with their dance numbers. Carol Morris and Yolanda Wild have some of the most colorful, creative costumes I've seen in any musical. Bill Lloyd is the music director and he and his band deliver the best sounds for "Seussical." Tom Morris and Mark Bannister were technical genuses on this show and seem to make everything magically happen. Kristen Tumminello's whimiscal set design fits in perfectly with the whole theme of the show. This show has every part working in perfect harmony to result in a spectacular event.
What a fabulous cast! I'm sure you'll all have your favorites when you go to the show. It's hard to choose a special one with so many great performances but I'd like to mention a few that stood out for me. Will Cooper as the Cat in the Hat keeps the show moving and Will Erwin as JoJo is the perfect "boy" in this cast of monkeys, elephants, fish, birds and turtles. I particularly liked the "jungle creatures" (Keegan Butler, Jacobi Hall, John David Jacobson, Dairro Reeves, and Russell Stephens) and thought they did an outstanding job standing in character and having fun throughout the scene.
My two favorite characters, however, were Horton the Elephan (Michael Luwoye) and Gertrude McFuzz (Nina Dee Banta). Luwoye is adorable as Horton and has a great voice. It's important to the theme that we love Horton, and we do. Banta has one of the "cutest" voices I've ever heard. I would recommend this show to you if only to hear that voice! I can easily see her holding her own in the animated film industry. Unfortunately for Nina, but actually, lucky for me, on dress rehearsal night, Nina hurt her leg, a half way through the first act and had to perform sitting down on the edge of the stage for the reminder of the show. I think that just highlighted her voice (because you couldn't see her) and it was a tremendous experience to hear that chirpy, pure little bird voice complaining about her "one feather tail." How precious!
I hope you take the kids (or just yourself, if you don't have kids) to see this absolutely fanciful show before school starts. This will be a great show experience for everyone. Even the younger children should be entertained with all the movement and color.
Show dates and times are 7:30 pm, July 28-29 and August 3, 4, 5; 2:00 pm matinees on Saturday, July 29, and August 5, and on Sunday, July 30. Don't miss it!
Special performances for children in group situations such as day care, home schools in session, etc., are available at reduced rates. These performances will be presented on Thursday, Aug. 3, and Friday, Aug. 4, both at 9:00 a.m. HCCA received funding from the Alabama State Council on the Arts to support these performances, so certain requirements must be met. Call the HCCA office at (256) 533-6606 for more information.
Tickets are $21 adults, $16 students/seniors, and various discounts are offered, including those for groups, military (with ID), and NASA employees (with ID; advance purchase). With each purchase of an adult ticket at the full price of $21, ticket purchasers can get student tickets (ages through 12) at half price ($8). This is a student special, good for run of the show. Tickets can be purchased at the HCCA office, 3312 Long Avenue, 35805 (Fantasy Arts Center) or by calling (256) 533-6606.
"Seussical" Photos
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