REVIEW: Seussical
Sometimes Silly Stories Have the Most to Say
I'll admit it—I wasn't exactly chomping at the bit to see another production of Seussical. Even though I'd enjoyed Vincent DeGeorge's brilliant award-winning CCM production years ago, it's been a long couple of weeks, and I was mainly showing up because, well, I don't miss CCM shows, and The Carnegie has proven itself to be the best non-collegiate theatre for musicals in the region. I expected a high-quality escape, nothing more. A chance to check out from the news, stress, and realities of life. But director Rachel Stevens had other plans for this Stephen Flaherty/Lynn Ahrens musical, reminding me of the power that even silly stories from a master storyteller like Dr. Seuss can have.
Stevens sets the show on Tyler Duncan Gabbard's amazing set—designed like a backstage vaudeville theatre—where actors transform themselves in a play within a play while Jojo observes (and eventually participates in) the action. It's a clever framing device that works beautifully, especially with Julie Cowger's captivating lighting design and Dani Lobello's well-balanced sound. Charlotte Campbell's inventive costumes and Candace Leyland's wig and hair design enhance Stevens' vision, while Jessica Harris's high-level choreography showcases just how talented these CCM students truly are.
Speaking of talent, Joey Baciocco's Cat in the Hat is unbelievably good. His hilarious choices are just sinister enough without distracting from the story's heart, which really belongs to Horton and Jojo. His physicality is remarkable. Carter Minor is perfectly cast as Jojo, bringing wide-eyed wonder, sweet presence, and kind eyes to the role, along with impressive vocals. Matthew Danforth shines as Horton the Elephant, a role that accentuates all his strengths—vulnerable yet strong.
Monique Churchill's Gertrude McFuzz is perfectly silly with a voice that's out of this world, while Sydney Short brings bombastic energy to Mayzie LaBird. Essence Bell as Sour Kangaroo is vocally astounding with charisma for days. Josh Devine understands the assignment perfectly as a Wickersham Brother and The Grinch (a show highlight), bringing triple-threat talents to both roles. Dominic Carroll's characterizations (as another Wickersham Brother, General Schmitz, and Yertle the Turtle) are very funny while remaining true to the show's spirit.
Nick Gundrum showcases his versatility and physical strength as a Wickersham Brother and The Mayor of Whoville—at one point climbing and dancing on a rope! Both he and Ry Dever (they/them) enhance any cast they're in, with Dever being particularly mesmerizing as a Bird Girl and Mrs. Mayor. Fellow Bird Girls Arden Allmon and Indya Lincicome command the stage, especially in their impeccable dance numbers together.
Under Julie Spangler's musical direction, the entire cast delivers crystal clear, soaring vocals. While I missed not having a live orchestra, the swings/pit singers (Grace Baker, Jack Haroutunian, Edin Kebede, and Gabe Raskind) provide sweet harmonies that fill the space beautifully.
One theme of the show is the power of imagination, and it’s one that resonates with my childhood self. Watching the children in the balcony lean in, absorbed in the climactic action near the end of Act Two, proves that you don't need to condescend to young audiences to hold their attention. Meanwhile, the show's message that "all people matter, no matter how small" strikes a particularly poignant chord given current events. It stands in stark contrast to some of the things happening in our country right now.
So while I went in expecting mindless entertainment, I walked out inspired and hopeful that despite who is currently holding power, there's still a chance that love and kindness can prevail.
Sometimes the most profound messages come wrapped in the silliest packages.
“Seussical” plays at The Carnegie through February 16th. Tickets and more information can be found here.