The Montevideo Senior High School music department will present “Seussical the Musical” April 16-18 at the Fine Arts Center.
Show times are 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 3 p.m. for Sunday’s matinee.
“Seussical the Musical,” based on the books of Dr. Seuss, debuted on Broadway in 2000. The play’s story is a rather complex amalgamation of many of Seuss’s most famous books. It has become a favorite for school, community and regional theaters.
Now one of the most performed shows in America, “Seussical” is a fantastical, magical, musical extravaganza that brings to life favorite Dr. Seuss characters, including Horton the Elephant, The Cat in the Hat, Gertrude McFuzz, Lazy Mayzie, and a little boy with a big imagination —Jojo.
The story centers around Horton the Elephant, who finds himself faced with a double challenge. Not only must he protect his tiny friend Jojo (and all the very, very small Whos) from a world of naysayers and dangers, but he must guard an abandoned egg, left to his care by the irresponsible Mayzie LaBird. Although Horton faces ridicule, danger, kidnapping and a trial, the intrepid Gertrude McFuzz never loses faith in him, the only one who recognizes “his kind and his powerful heart.”
Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family and community are challenged and emerge triumphant, in a story that makes you laugh and cry.
“Seussical” is directed by Dan Hampton. Ann Wachtler is the assistant director and Ron Stary directs the production’s 18-member orchestra.
Playing leading roles in the 41-member cast are Jenna Hildahl as The Cat in the Hat, Lukas Hampton as Horton, Elizabeth Albers as JoJo, Katreina Gibson as Gertrude McFuzz, Megan Stevens as Mayzie LaBird and Charlie Landmark as Mr. Mayor.
“The show has really been fun to produce. It allowed Ann and I to explore our creative sides and come up with some really unique sets and props. Seussian-style props especially,” said Hampton.
“The music is difficult, because it reflects a rather diverse and unusual world. The show is a departure from the norm for me in that nearly the entire show is set to music or with a orchestral backdrop. Songs are only periodically spaced by a short section of Seussian rhymes, then right on to the next song, often with quite abrupt changes. Quite often the plot progresses through a series of songs that are seemlessly connected.
“The actors have been great to work with and they have really embraced the fun opportunities to be creative and even kid-like that the show provides. They’ve put in a lot of long hours in rehearsal and preparation and should be commended for all of their work.”
