BWW Reviews: Students Get Noticed in CCT's SEUSSICAL JR.

Columbus Children's Theatre will make their third appearance at the Junior Theatre Festival in Atlanta this year with their Summer Youth Conservatory production of SEUSSICAL JR. Be one of the lucky ones and catch it now at the Park Street Theatre through July 19, 2015.

Performed by kids ages 10-16, SEUSSICAL by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty is based on the books by Dr. Seuss and tells the story of Horton the elephant who discovers a speck of dust containing tiny people called the Whos. Horton, the ever-loyal elephant, stops at nothing to protect the Whos from a world of naysayers and dangers. An endearing story, Director Ryan Scarlata assembles another top notched group of actors who bring the story to life and offer a refreshing rendition of a book classic.

While all the kids are very talented and will once again proudly represent CCT at the Junior Theatre Festival in January, some of the leads deserve an extra mention:

Kyle Channell (Horton), Sophie Stiltner (Gertrude McFuzz), Sadie Porter (Mayzie LaBird), Maria Dalanno (Sour/Young Kangaroo), and Kyle Swearingen (Cat in the Hat) all offer terrific portrayals of their respective characters. Some of the standout numbers include Maria Dalanno soulfully belting out "Biggest Blame Fool" as the Sour/Young Kangaroo, a tender and beautiful "Alone in the Universe" by Kyle Channell and William Gorgas (JoJo), "Amazing Mayzie" and "How Lucky You Are" by Sadie Porter, and Sophie Stiltner's "Amazing Gertrude", along with her beautiful duet with Kyle Channell, "Notice Me, Horton." Also worth mentioning are the Bird Girls, Hannah Stump, Sara Tuohy, and Emily Vilasineekul.

Choreography by Ryan Scarlata and Charlotte Brown was fast-paced and kept the show moving along swiftly to avoid restlessness from the audience. The costume design by Dayton Willison and lighting by Brendan Michna were sophisticated yet offered a variant on what traditionally is known in Dr. Seuss world to be bright and colorful. This darker "steampunk" style gave an edgy vibe with a Victorian/goth twist.

Fun for kids and adults of all ages, don't miss CCT's SEUSSICAL JR. now playing at the Park Street Theatre through July 19, 2015. For tickets or more information, visit: http://www.columbuschildrenstheatre.org/seussical-jr.html

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