Review: SEUSSICAL, THE MUSICAL Is Lively Event

A trip to ACTA in Trussville always reminds me how important community theatre can be to a neighborhood. It raises the quality of life for everyone. As a place to try theatre for the first time or to dig in and really explore the art, it gives people in the community an opportunity to participate in a non-threatening way whether as an actor or an audience member. It gives families and the people of the area an entertaining evening out and it makes the whole community better.

ACTA theatre is presenting SEUSSICAL, THE MUSICAL now through July 31. A mixture of characters from several different stories by Dr. Seuss, with a through line that involves Horton the Elephant, the Cat in the Hat and JoJo, a small boy from Whoville, SEUSSICAL is fast paced and fun. The music is catchy, although somewhat repetitive, which has you singing the tunes as you walk out of the theatre.

Noah Graham as The Cat in the Hat wanders the audience before the show, greeting people. After intermission he comes out and messes with the audience again. Graham is very personable and has a nice speaking and singing voice.

Kerry Burrell is good as the mild and meek Horton, the Elephant. He comes across as shy, yet dependable and trustworthy. Allie Gooden as Gertrude McFuzz is funny and shows off her comic ability in this role. Her crush on Horton seems unlikely, yet sweet.

Morgan Hudgens Lufti as Sour Kangaroo has the boldest voice in the cast and uses that voice to make her character brash.

But my heart was stolen by Sara Marie Buttram as JoJo. She is absolutely precious in the role and although she is tiny, her voice is remarkable. Going into 4th grade in the fall, Sara Marie tucks her blond hair into a hat and becomes the "little boy" who makes friends with the Cat and Horton and even gets sent off to military school. Whenever I see such a talented child, I always hope that I continue to see them in future productions so that I can watch their growth as a performer, because I see great potential.

With a cast of almost 50 people, about 30 of those being youngsters, SEUSSICAL, THE MUSICAL is full of bright colors, energetic young people and familiar stories. Musical direction by Gayle Glenn and directed by Kim Hutchens, last year's BWW award winner for best actress in a musical, SUESSICAL is a local production that reminds us all of the value of theatre in our smaller communities. Ms. Hutchens does a good job of choreographing such a huge cast and Ms. Glenn does an admirable job of following so many different, less experienced singers.

Running July 21, 22, 23 and 28, 29, 30 at 7:00pm and July 24 and 31 at 2:30, contact the theatre at 205-655-3902 or go to www.actatheater.com for more information. Last night's audience was full, but with such a large cast that is to be expected. If you want to see SEUSSICAL you need to call asap!

Photo Credit- Wendy Banes Riley and Dawn Armstrong- Allen

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