Seussical Jr.

I saw Seussical at the Florence Little Theatre last weekend. Mr. Flossip and I took the little Flossips and were richly rewarded with a wonderful production.

First of all, let me be clear and tell you that this is not just a production for children. This is a production for everyone– young and old– whether you have children or just still feel like a child yourself on occasion.

It is co-directed by Joey Webster and Ashley Leamon in what is a directorial debut for both. Both of these talented directors should take a moment to pat themselves on the back. It is well deserved as they did a spectacular job in bringing this show to the stage. From the choreography to the beautiful harmonies of these young singers to the acting, this show is an absolute hit. As Florence Little Theatre begins its “Season of Firsts”, it starts out with a “first” that will forever remain in your memory.

Cavender Holt is “Jojo”, the young citizen of Who that helps the story unfold. Holt is a strong performer for one so young– both his singing and his acting bring you right into the story immediately. His parents, Mr. Mayor Who and Mrs. Mayor who, are brought to life by Colby Witt and Emily Bochette. Their spirit and joy makes you want to be a champion for Who as well. Phillip Rast plays Horton the Elephant, and Horton has decided it is his duty to protect Jojo and all of the citizens of Who. Rast has been in many other performances on the Florence Little Theatre stage, and his talent truly shines. His vocal range is excellent and I know there could not have been many dry eyes in the audience during his “Alone in the Universe”.

Horton has also agreed to sit on Mayzie La Bird’s egg for her, and he has a difficult time accomplishing both tasks. Ultimately, though he is picked on and scorned, Horton triumphs with the help of Gertrude McFuzz– another unlikely heroine who perseveres through her own insecurities to help Horton and save the citizens of Who. This show is a first for Maggie McNeil, and I loved her as Gertrude. She absolutely nailed the angst and uncertainty that we all feel about our own imperfections. I truly wanted to see her succeed and pulled for her throughout the show. Her role could have easily been overshadowed by the glamorous Mayze La Byrd, but Gertrude held her own well. Mayze was played by Amber Wilkes, who did a great job as the diva that just couldn’t be stopped.

Sour Kangaroo and Young Kangaroo were absolute delights. Ryan Hilbourn as the Sour Kangaroo and Abbie Norton as the Young Kangaroo were extremely well cast. You can’t help but smile every time the Young Kangaroo takes the stage. Her dancing, singing, and acting all show that she has quite a future on the stage.

Where would Seussical, Jr. be without the Cat in the Hat? My hat is off to Jonathan Lewis for his boundless energy in a highly energized production.

I also would be remiss if I did not mention the lighting and sound effects in this show. There is one song where the theater gets really dark and it appears that the stage is actually an underwater scene. When the fish light up and “swim” across the stage, you could hear all of the children in the audience gasp in delight. I could hear my son whisper next to me “Wow…. thats AWESOME.” It was truly a magical moment.

When we left the theater, both of my children were pumped up and enthused. They want to see the show again, they want to be in shows, they want to go to theater camp next summer. If the true test of a performance is inspiring others, Seussical Jr. is clearly a winner.

Thank you to the entire cast and crew. You put joy on my child’s face, and that gives me more joy than you will ever know.

(Box Office Number is 662-3731)