Review: SEUSSICAL THE MUSICAL is a 'Good Think' at NextStop Theatre

In the whimsical and imaginative world of Dr. Seuss, anything's possible. Dr. Seuss' books are beloved by children and adults generation after generation. Seussical, narrated by the Cat in the Hat (Ben Cherington) and imagined by a Boy (Erik Peyton), combines the stories of Horton Hears a Who, Horton Sites on an Egg, and the story of Gertrude McFuzz from Yertle the Turtle and Other Stories. Gentle Horton the Elephant (Matthew "Moose" Thompson) hears a small noise coming from a speck of dust and discovers a town of small people, known as the Whos, along with the mayor's son, Jojo (Erik Peyton). Horton promises them that he will protect them from harm and places their small world on a clover. The creatures of the Jungle of Nool led by the Sour Kangaroo (Katie McManus) do not believe Horton that Whoville exists with the exception of a one feathered bird named Gertrude McFuzz (Jaclyn Young) and Horton is left to having to defend Whoville from his dangerous world. While trying to protect Whoville, Horton must also care for an egg belonging to Mayzie LaBird (Allie Lytle).

While NextStop Theatre's Seussical isn't like the traditional holiday musicals that come with the beginning of the holiday season à la Christmas Carol, it is full of lessons of friendship, responsibility, and acceptance that are true to the season. Through these stories about Horton the Elephant and his friends, Seussical, directed by Jennifer Lambert and music directed by Evie Korovesis, captures the imaginations of children and adults alike.

The cast of Seussical is made up of twenty eight young actors and three professional actors. The cast's enormous size did not cause any issues during large group numbers and they are able to use the space to their advantage especially during the opening number, "Oh the Thinks You Can Think," in which some members of the cast stand along the stairs next to the audience. From the opening number, "Oh the Thinks You Can Think," to the closing finale, Seussical is full of catchy songs reminiscent of blues and jazz. In Act I, standout songs include "Biggest Blame Fool," "It's Possible," and "Alone in the Universe." "Biggest Blame Fool" is a soulful group number in which Katie McManus leads with Tina Turner-like grace. "It's Possible" is a lighthearted, magical song. Erik Peyton and Ben Cherington's voices mesh well during this song. "Alone in the Universe" is a heartbreaking duet with Erik Peyton and Matthew Thompson that pulls at your heart strings. In Act II, "Solla Sollew" and "How Lucky You Are" are the top songs. "Solla Sollew," which highlights Matthew Thompson's voice, is a lullaby that gives you the chills as the Whos, Horton, and the circus animals sing about wishing to be in "Solla Sollew" instead of dealing with their present circumstances. "How Lucky You Are," which features Allie Lytle's voice, is an entertaining song to listen to as well as to watch as Mayzie tells a story about Tweet McFirth and her time in West Palm Beach.

The set of Seussical, designed by Jack Golden, is a page torn right out of a Dr. Seuss book from the backdrop with bright pink trees to the swirls of green and purple paint on the stage's floor. The props from a tall hat red and white hat and a bright green egg add to the background design. The costumes by Kristina Martin fit the world of Dr. Seuss well, such as the brightly colored costumes of the Who villagers.

NextStop Theatre's Seussical is a holiday treat for children and parents. It runs until December 20, 2015. Tickets can be purchased online.

Photo caption and credit: The cast of Seussical at NextStop Theatre. Photo by Traci J. Brooks Studios.