Seussical: Only a Grinch Would Pass on This Musical!

by Stephen Kreal

On Friday, May 15^th, I went to see Bridge Players Theater’s production of “Seussical”. This is the last show of their 49^th season. The production was directed and choreographed by Joanne Piazza, and stage-managed by Alice Weber. Credit for assistant stage managers is given in the program to Kate Petrovich and Damon Strothers. Seussical was co-produced by Lauren and Marissa DiPilla.

Inspired by the Dr. Seuss books, the music was written by Tony Award-winning composer Stephen Flaherty, with lyrics by Lynn Ahrens. Flaherty and Ahrens won a Tony Award for the music/lyrics from “Ragtime”. Suessical was co-conceived by Flaherty, Ahrens and Eric Idle (of Monty Python fame). The story is a mash-up of Dr. Seuss books, primarily “Horton Hears a Who”, "The One-Feathered Tail of Gertrude McFuzz", and “Horton Hatches an Egg”, with references to many other classic Seuss stories.

It premiered on Broadway in 2000, and was a commercial and critical flop. That original Broadway production was plagued by turmoil and director changes. Notable cast members from that initial Broadway production were: Kevin Chamberlain as Horton and David Shiner as The Cat in the Hat. In spite of the inauspicious beginning, “Seussical” has definitely found its niche. It is one of the most popular musicals produced in high schools year after year, and is also very popular on the community theater circuit. I have seen numerous productions over the years. “Seussical” ranks among the top-three most licensed properties in MTI's catalog, with three versions now available. With themes that include: being true to oneself, imaginative thinking, and standing up for what you believe in, it has a universal appeal. It also features some very catchy tunes.

Bridge’s production featured a simple set, a mostly wide-open stage, with a stairway on the (house) right side of the stage leading to a raised platform. Entrances and exits were sometimes made beneath these stairs. The backdrop was a huge, mostly blue mural with Dr. Seuss-inspired images painted on it. Set construction is credited to: Ken Kauker, Kris Kauker, and Lou DiPilla. Props and props design is credited to Thaddeus Espinoza. Some of the props were very fun and whimsical, in true Seuss-style.

The opening number is Oh, The Things You Can Think, featuring JoJo (the role was shared on alternating performances with McMahon and Robert Hill, the night I went JoJo was played by Arya McMahon). McMahon showed tremendous poise and confidence as the young JoJo. McMahon really shines in McElligot’s Pool solo number.

Musical accompaniment is provided by a live orchestra, under the direction of Jim Scheffer. The musicians were Matt Ackiewicz, Dave Atkinson, Talia Fisher, Rob McNamara, Robbie Simmons, Rob Ziccardi. Individual instrumentation was not listed in the program. The orchestra was wonderful, and I appreciate the added dimension of live musical accompaniment. Thank you, Bridge Players Theater.

We then meet The Cat in the Hat, played by Lofn Klaus. The character is part narrator, part M.C and Klaus showed the necessary swagger for this pivotal role. Costumed in a tuxedo with tails and face paint, I liked the costuming choice as it made it easier to see the facial expressions. Costuming credit is given in the program to Jackie Reinhart who did a phenomenal job with many fantastical and colorful creations. Klaus performed with a clear singing voice and the charisma vital to this important and varied role, as this character wears many “hats” (pun intended).

We are then introduced to Horton the Elephant. Horton is played by Ed Elder. Elder is a Delaware-based stage actor with many years of experience and in the playbill it states this is his fourth time playing the role. Elder really shines as the loveable, loyal, ever-hopeful pachyderm. His singing voice is highly polished, and his facial expressions are demonstrative and full of optimism, especially his eyes. He was costumed all in gray, without an elephant head cover. Elder’s performance was a highlight of the evening!  As in the classic story, it is only Horton who can hear the Who’s living on a tiny ball of fuzz.

The third number of Act 1 is Horton Hears a Who, which features virtually the entire cast. We get to meet, among others, The Wickershams. These characters are mischievous monkeys, who antagonize Horton and cause trouble. The Wickershams are played by, in alphabetical order: Thaddeus Espinoza, Castien Hansen, Darius King, Jean Martinez, Felix Ramos, and Rachael Wallace. This contingent of ensemble players really brought the energy! They were high-energy and, in some cases, quite acrobatic! Costuming for this ensemble was “street tough”, which worked very well.

Another mini-ensemble were the bird girls, played by Vae Gilbert, Anjelica McMahon, and Shannon Reed. These colorful characters are part hype-birds for Maysie and are also flirtatious with the Wickershams, providing humor, color, and flourish to the larger dance numbers.

Mr. & Mrs. Mayor (of Whoville) are played respectively by Steve McMahon and Keiytho Omanuwa. This couple is adorable, with complementary costumes and tight harmonies (congratulations to vocal coach Steve McMahon). Mr. and Mrs. Mayor are fun to watch and a joy to listen to!

We then get to meet Gertrude McFuzz, played by Alysssa Winkelspecht. I have seen Wikelspecht in numerous previous productions. Winkelspecht has a beautiful, operatic voice and a magnetic stage presence. Gertrude has an unrequited crush on Horton, and is heartwarming in her attempts to get Horton to notice her, eventually, oversized feathers (kudos to costumer Jackie Reinhart). Winkelspecht gets her time to shine in The One Feather Tail of Miss Gertrude McFuzz, Amazing Gertrude, and Notice Me Horton.

As a contrast to Gertrude’s earnestness, we meet Mayzie, played by Annelise DeFinizio. Di Finnizio takes full advantage of their stage time. Powerful vocals, expressive dancing, with energy and gusto! Amayzing Mayzie and Mayzie in Palm Beach were sung and danced with exuberance! This performance was another highlight of the evening!

Playing the role of Vlad Vladikoff is Deitra Oliver. Oliver’s bio in the program states they are returning to theater after a long hiatus. Having seen two of their recent credits, “Rent” (HPP) and “Hairspray” (BPTC), one would never suspect that there was a period of theatrical inactivity. Oliver is polished and menacing as the eagle who steals and drops Horton’s clover containing Whoville.

As mentioned, the story is a mash-up of several Dr. Seuss stories, and Horton winds up dutifully tending Maysie’s egg for a very long time. Horton is mocked and belittled for his loyalty. He is eventually placed on trial, and they sentence him to the Nool Asylum for the Criminally Insane. They also threaten to drop the clover containing the microscopic speck of dust into a boiling kettle of beezenut oil.

Leading this case against him is The Sour Kangaroo, played by Eva Helene Kleinlein. Kleinman is positively outstanding in this role, and really belts out some powerful singing in the “R & B” style. The Sour Kangaroo’s sidekick, is a joey named Young Kangaroo, played by Desmond McMahon (who also plays Cindy-Lou Who in a brief scene). One of the things I love about “Seussical” is the many opportunities for young actors to hone their craft. McMahon shines as the bratty toady who shares the Sour Kangaroo’s contempt for Horton. I also love that this production featured several members of the same family!

This production of “Seussical” featured multiple strong individual vocal performances, a lively and acrobatic ensemble of Wickershams, a fabulous, talented pit orchestra, clear and coherent direction, simple but effective choreography, and vibrant, creative costumes. There were minor issues with sound (some feedback a few times). Unfortunately for you, dear readers, the production has wrapped by the time this review will be posted. But I give a hearty and heartfelt congratulations and good job for the cast’s unwavering dedication to this production!