Review: SDMT's ‘Seussical' a sweet, imaginative musical for families
San Diegans are very familiar with Dr. Seuss, the nom de plume of author Theodor Geisel, who made La Jolla his home from 1948 until his death in 1991. And the stage adaptation of Geisel’s “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” has been an annual holiday staple at The Old Globe since 1998.
But fewer locals know “Seussical the Musical,” which opened Saturday in an entertaining production at San Diego Musical Theatre. The 2000 Broadway musical is a mashup of characters and stories from many of Seuss’s children’s books, including Horton the Elephant, The Cat in the Hat, Gertrude McFuzz and more.
The two-act musical’s score, written by “Ragtime” collaborators Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens, has many lovely songs. But the musical’s book isn’t as great. It has a meandering and sometimes slow-moving plot that’s more engaging for children than for adults.
Fortunately, the production co-directed by Xavier J. Bush and Van Angelo, with choreography by Bush, is filled with imagination, movement, playfulness and poignancy. The barnlike scenic design by Michael Wogulis gradually transforms into a world of Seuss-like pastel colors. And Patricia Lutz’s whimsical costume designs mix real life with fantasy.
Jordan Brownlee leads the cast as Horton the Elephant, who opens the show dressed as a janitor sweeping a theater’s floor on a night shift. Perhaps the musical’s entire story springs from his own imagination? Brownlee’s Horton anchors the story as he tries valiantly to protect the tiny specklike planet of Whoville from a sea of disbelievers.
Brownlee is gentle and sweet, with big expressive eyes and a warm singing voice. His soft-hearted character contrasts well with the arch naughtiness of Cameron Blankenship’s mischievous Cat in the Hat, who is constantly putting ideas into the heads of others.
Jasmine January is endearing and funny as Gertrude McFuzz, the lightly-feathered bird in love with Horton. And Dacara Seward and Carjanae Evans are both vocal powerhouses as Horton’s twin nemeses Mayzie La Bird and Sour Kangaroo.
The musical’s other principal character is Jojo, the young son of the mayor of Whoville and his wife, played by Nick Siljander and Alyssa Lucero Vingerelli. Christopher Smyres is cast as Jojo, but at the performance I attended Sunday, Jojo was played by understudy Arden Johnson who was poised, prepared and adorable in the role.
The musical’s best feature is its big ensemble song-and-dance numbers. The show has a cast of 26, and Bush’s detail work in creating both the intricate choreography and the scenery transformation work they all perform is quite impressive.
Van Angelo served as the production’s music director, Sammy Webster designed lighting and Paul Peterson designed sound. The musical is performed to a pre-recorded score.
San Diego Musical Theatre has just launched an emergency fundraising campaign to raise $100,000 by the end June to ensure they can carry on with their next planned production, “Rock of Ages,” in August. Another way to the support the company is to bring out the family for “Seussical.”
‘Seussical the Musical’
When: 7 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. Through June 7
Where: San Diego Musical Theatre, 4650 Mercury St., San Diego
Tickets: $30 and up
Online:sdmt.org
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