Stage Door Theater in St. George Brings us all the Things You Can Think with Suessical the Musical

Suessical the Musical shines on Stage Door Theater‘s whimsical stage and you won’t want to miss it. Like many people my age, I was raised on Dr. Seuss books. I fell asleep to the Lorax, and learned to read with The Cat in the Hat. My childhood experiences led me to have certain expectations when walking into Seussical the Musical at the lovely Stage Door Theater in St. George, Utah.

The moment the curtain opened, and Seuss worlds came to life, masterfully combined (Set Designer Josh Scott). The classic two dimensional Seuss style is transported directly onto the stage and each of the props used throughout the show. 

The show kicked off with a larger than life number, “Oh, The Thinks You Can Think!” It started with just The Cat in the Hat (Geoffrey Reynolds) and JoJo (Davin Smith) two talented and comical actors who are a delight. Then character after character joined in. I was surprised at just how many stories and people appeared. By the end of the song, I was surrounded by vibrant characters on the main stage, bright yellow Whos on the lower platform, and a variety of animal characters dancing and singing in the aisles. The energy is infectious, the choreography is sharp, and their vocals immediately grab hold of my attention. I was immediately invested. Director Brianna Rosia took a big risk putting so many individuals on such a small stage, but she did so gracefully. Rosia’s casting was bold and inclusive, one that should be applauded. Each character is enthralling and captivating from the ensemble to the leads. The smaller parts (reminiscent of Horton’s Whos) have unbound energy that carry the show. As one who has seen Seussical the Musical a variety of times, Rosia’s vision and different take on the production is a breath of fresh air.

Seussical the Musical is a light opera, meaning nearly every line is sung or is written to be said with music. Music Director Amy Gleave‘s talents shine bright as the cast have strong vocals and rhythm. The show flows smoothly through transitions (even some that included entertainment), and I was impressed at how well and quickly the set changes locations.
The main stage captivates the Jungle Of Nool, a circus, and a variety of Seuss settings, while the lower platforms hold residence for Who-ville, a tiny town floating on a dust speck. The Cat in the Hat (and his helpful Things 1 and Thing 2 Allison Aliverson and Ada Holt) move between the two worlds, meshing all of my childhood memories into one big beautiful, thought-provoking story.

The Cat in the Hat just kept me laughing. He plays up the audience, annoys Horton the Elephant (Joel Thomas), toys with the Whos, and genuinely seems to be having as much fun doing it as the audience members.

Horton the Elephant opens his heart to the audience the first moment we meet him, and he continues to be one of the most loveable characters onstage.
Smith, who embodies the character of young JoJo manages to be vulnerable but strong. Meek, but powerful, and small, but loud. His yopp has to be heard to be believed. He captures the hearts of everyone from the small to the tall.

Gertrude McFuzz and Mayzie LaBird, played by mother/daughter duo Emeline Christensen and Barb Christensen round out the principles with their enviable vocals. Emeline creates the innocence and desperation of young love, especially as she fills the theater with stunning vocals during “Notice Me, Horton”. While B. Christensen embodies the spotlight in “Amayzing Mayzie”.
Sour Kangaroo and Young Kangaroo who are played by another mother/daughter duo Jamie Cook and Rodda Cook, also capture the audience’s attention rather quickly. Their stronger than life vocals fill the space and took our breath away.

Not to be outdone, the Suessical the Musical ensemble is full of talent and power. It isn’t surprising at all that there is a complete cast of younger leads lurking about as birds, frogs, and monkeys. Nothing can hide the powerful energy of the ensemble.

I loved seeing how many families are involved, a quick glance at the program reveals many repeats of family names, including a 15-month-old baby dressed in yellow as the tiniest Who.

With numerous guest choreographers, the movement throughout the show provides countless stand out moments that it’s impossible to choose a favorite.

Costume Designer Tonya Christensen managed to separate the very Victorian/Slightly Steampunk world of the Whos (even the noble looking Grinch has a furry green cravat) from the more modern 20’s style of the Jungle of Nool, where multi-colored flapper Bird Girls and a pinstriped Zoot suited Vulture just seem normal. I was pleasantly surprised at how well these two design styles mesh together to create a strong and colorful cohesive look.

Overall, Stage Door’s Suessical The Musical is a joy and full of heart. Sprinkled throughout the show we see humor, tears, heartbreak, but multiple messages from the heart that appeals to all ages. Only two shows left. 5th, and 16th at 7:30pm at the Electric Theater.

Stage Door Theater presents Suessical the Musical, by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty.
The Electric Theater,  68 E Tabernacle St, St. George, UT 84770
$20 Adults, $12 Children. thestagedoortheater.com
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