CenterStage Theatre Works presents Seussical

Seussical

Directed by Charlotte Taylor

My thoughts on Seussical or…Horton hears an ovation

CenterStage Theatre Works presents

Seussical

Music by Stephen Flaherty

Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens

Book by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty

Directed by Charlotte Taylor

Music Directed by Marquis McBride

Choreographed by Regan Ellis, Sarah Hendrick, Noel Nieczyporowicz

I did not enjoy Seussical when I saw it on Broadway. It just didn’t live up to those books I grew up reading repeatedly. Leave it to a small theater in Plano to put the joy in Seussical and bring all the energy that the Broadway show was missing.

Director Charlotte Taylor has tapped into the magic of Seuss. She has assembled a cast of all ages that brings such an infectious exuberance to the stage that it is impossible not to enjoy this gleeful, primary color infused evening. Special kudos to the three choreographers for all the vigorous number filled with great moves to Marquis McBride’s music direction. Kudos also to costume designer Alison Kingwell and prop master Rachel Sullivan who keep the show infused with the Seuss spirit.

The show has two different casts, but I do want to mention a few performances that were outstanding on the evening I attended. Thomas Schnaible was a most charming and lithe Cat in the Hat and served as a sort of narrator/emcee for the evening. Asa Woo was a hilarious Mayzie LaBird. There were three performances that completely stole my heart. Nick Merritt was such an adorable Horton that I wanted to take a turn sitting on the egg to help him out. Avery Murphy was a terrific Gertrude McFuzz and brought both comedy and pathos to her character and Audrey Murphy was a wonder as Jojo, singing and dancing and bringing so much heart to the show.

I wish time and space permitted me to mention all who were involved with this show that champions love and acceptance of others. You took me to a place that I have not been for a long time…my childhood. You made me remember what it was like to run and play and let your imagination take you anywhere. I cannot help but think that Dr. Seuss is smiling down on you all and saying, “Thanks, guys! You got it right.”