It’s not hard to be enthralled by the magic of Seuss stories, with their delectable bizarreness and moving messages about humanity at large. Seussical the Musical, MMuDS next musical production in November 2109, interweaves several Seuss classics into its plotline.
The Cat in the Hat tells the story of Horton, an elephant who discovers a speck of dust that contains the Whos, including Jojo, a Who child sent off to military school for thinking too many "thinks." Horton faces a double challenge: not only must he protect the Whos from a world of naysayers and dangers, but he must guard an abandoned egg, left in his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird. Although Horton faces ridicule, danger, kidnapping and a trial, the intrepid Gertrude McFuzz never loses faith in him. Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family and community are challenged and emerge triumphant.
It isn't often that a man as beloved as Theodor Seuss Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss, comes along. Dr. Seuss wrote more than 60 books in his lifetime, many of which have become classics in the world of children’s literature. His poetic tongue twisters and inventive illustrations have become iconic to several generations of children all over the world. Dr. Seuss' books are not only fun and full of imagination, but more often than not they teach powerful lessons of self-confidence, kindness, and even political awareness.
Now one of the most performed shows in America, Seussical is a fantastical, magical, musical extravaganza! Tony Award winners, Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty with Eric Idle, have lovingly brought to life all of our 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 colourful characters transport us from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus to the invisible world of the Who's.
Dr Seuss is, and was very clever at social commentary. The power of his work uses wit and intelligence to hold a mirror up to humanity and all its foibles. Seussical the Musical will definitely appeal to younger audiences, but the inferences within the story-lines gives the audience overall an opportunity to really reflect on human behaviour.
Based on the works by Dr Seuss
Jen O’Donnell - The Cat in the Hat
Orvokki Britton - Jojo
Michael Isbister - Horton
Judy Dixon - Gertrude McFuzz
Jess Saladin - Bird Girl
Simone Reeder - Bird Girl
Bernadette Gifford - Bird Girl
Bec Bolwell - Mayzie La Bird
Maria Lieberth - Sour Kangaroo
Jane Herbert - Mrs Mayor
Charli Cooper - The Grinch
Liam Wilson - The Hunch
Mike Fischer - Vlad Vladikoff
Jayden Harper - The Lorax
Rolf Koren- Wickersham Brother
Leigh Johnstone - Mr Mayor, Wickersham
Daryl Hunt - Wickersham, General Ghingis Khan Schmidt, Yertle the Turtle
Ensemble!
Rose Hanratty – Understudy, Sam Bell, Ruby Ersvaer-Gotje, Danae Avgerinou, Beth Chamberlain, Alex Saladin, Angelina Bell, Hayley Robinson, Lily Houston, Ivy Heron, Abigail Heron, William Arrowsmith, Jamie Fischer, Luka Valente, Briella Valente, Johanna ValenteDirector - Karen Pirie
Musical Director - Alastair Pirie
Vocal Director - Caitlin Todd
Producer - Laurel Lawrie
Choreographer - Lyn Saville
Stage Manager - Scott Ersvaer
Sound Operator - Caitlin Todd, Ian Todd
Lighting Operator - Camille Murphy
Follow-spot Operator - Tim Morgan
Sound Set-up - Rolf Koren, Michael Isbister
Sound Effects Operator - Mitch Clarke
Assistant to Choregographer - Cecelia Walker
Stage Crew - Adam Pimlot, Amalie Pimlot, Dustin Ersvaer-Gotje
Set Design - Barry Mills, Karen Pirie, Scott Ersvaer
Costumes - Karen Pirie
Wigs - Andy Dolling
Set Construction - Scott Ersvaer, Douglas Galbraith, Rick Lindsay, Trevor Thompson
Lighting Advisor - Garry Boast
Lighting Setup - Jarrah Pitt, Josh Jenkins, Tim Morgan, Ron Ahl
Props Makers - Ian Ribbons, Roger Nolan, Karen Pirie, Laurel Lawrie, St Mary’s Primary School, Camille Murphy
Photography - Kelli-Ann Gotje, Kym Stubbs
Back-room & Makeup Manager - Laurel Lawrie
Backstage Crew - Anna Houston, Cathie Smith,
Maja Valente, Joanne Arrowsmith, Shannen Andrews, Alannah Harper
Microphones & Stage Communications - Lynne Taylor
Documentary Maker - Kelli-Ann Gotje
Journalist - Allison Walker
Banner Designer & Signage - Daniel Belle
Front of House Manager - Suzie Roberts
Front of House Crew - Erica Morgan, Cat Wilson, James Wilson, Wendy Lindbom, Dallas Daniel, Lyndal Jenkins, Alyssa Lamont, Jackie Cesnik, Anne Todd, Ian Todd, Cathie Smith, Christine Zerbst, Rebecca FlemmingMusical Director – Alastair Pirie
Drums – Carey Meadows
Piano – Serena Moring
Percussion – Rolf Koren
Guitar – Stephen Wallace