Never has such nonsense been so much fun or so well done. “Seussical” by Muhlenberg College Theatre and Dance running through June 27 at the Dorothy Hess Baker at the Trexler Pavilion for Theatre and Dance is superb by every standard.
For those who have enjoyed the many Dr. Seuss stories from our childhood this mash-up his characters and plots into one scintillating play is a great pleasure to see. From the impish Cat in the Hat to loyal Horton the Elephant to a much mellowed Grinch, they are all doing there part.
Directed by James Peck with choreography by Noel Price-Bracey, “Seussical,” was written by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty is based on the works of Dr. Seuss. Flaherty also wrote the lyrics and Ahrens wrote the music for the play which for this production was directed by Anthony Hahn.
The show rocks from the opening number (“Oh, The Thinks You Can Think”) by Sophia Wentz as Cat in the Hat, Katelen Estrada as The Boy and as Jo Jo, and Dominick Borges as Horton the Elephant.
Estrada stands out in the role of JoJo. Estrada is terrific as the soul of this story about what happens when an imaginative boy has “to many thinks.”
“I can see that you've got quite a mind for your age!
Why, one Think and you dragged me right onto the stage!
Now, I'm here, there is no telling what may ensue
With a Cat such as me, and a Thinker like you!”
Wentz is spectacular as the story’s narrator and trickster, The Cat in the Hat.
Dominick Borges as Horton the Elephant is brilliant as the moral heart of this story about sticking to principles of love and loyalty even the face of social scorn.
Amaya Romeo is a stand-out in the role of The Sour Kangaroo. As the nemesis Horton the Elephant, Romeo is the epitome of being both loud and wrong at the same time.
Joaquin Arce (Mr. Mayor) and Josephine Glass (Mrs. Mayor) shine as the leaders of Whoville as they sing “How to Raise a Child.”
“Oh, where are the instructions
On how to raise a child?
Who has the instructions
On how to raise a child?
Who has all the answers?
I don't know.”
Rhyan Brogowski as Gertrude McFuzz and Emma Gonsalvas (Mayzie La Bird) are splendid in their feathered finery. They team with the Bad Girls (Ella DeLuca, Katy Olsen, and Molly Toner) in a rousing rendition of “Amazing Mayzie.”
“What a sight-
Mayzie's fabulous tail!”
Caden Dowgin is a marvelous martinette as General Ghengis Kahn Schmitz as he leads the Cadets and JoJo off to yet another pointless war.
“The military academy
Is the place where he should be sent.
We'll drill the silliness from his head-
I'm sure we'll make a dent!”
There is no shortage of laughs in this Muhlenberg College production, but the monkeyshines of The Wickersham Brothers (Samuel Beatty, Griffin Blackburn and Justice Tyler) are fun to watch.
Evangeline Lutz as Judge Yertle the Turtle shines as she mirrors the injustice of the world as she presides over the kangaroo court that seals Horton the Elephant’s fate.
Johnny Galetti is superb as The Grinch shows a much reformed version of The Grinch of popular cuture. As The Grinch he seems like a good citizen.
Lillian Palluzzi soars as Vlad Vladikoff the eagle.
A group of talented players comprise the ensemble that portray The Citizens of Nool, The Whos, The Fish, and The Cadets: Samuel Beatty, Griffon Blackburn, Ella DeLucca, Caden Dowgin, Johnny Galietti, Evangeline Lutz, Katy Olson, Lillian Palluzzi, Holly Toner and Justice Tyler.
Artistic Director Leslie Hill deserves kudos for a brilliant show.
Lighting and Sound Specialist Paul E. Theisen Jr. set a high standard for his craft. Well done!.
Credit for creation of the fabulous costumes for the cast of whimsical characters goes to Rebecca Lustig.
The Costume Shop Manager Whitney Vaughn, Costume Stitcher Bell Hansen and Costum Shop Staff/Wardrobe Crew members Samantha Hoffman and Ava Standler certainly all did a marvelous job.
Scenic Designer You-Shin Chen created a stunning, visually striking set.
Lighting Designer Haley Brown’s mastery of light and shadow produced a mesmerizing stage.
Sound Designer Minjae Kim presented a first class production.
The Scene Shop and Electric Staff (Tim Gaffney, Griffin Grushow, Justin Medina) created a memorable set with lighting and sound effects.
Tickets: https://www.muhlenberg.edu/muhlenberg-experience/arts-at-muhlenberg/summer-arts-events/