Review By Avery Dall-Hilton, Front Row Reviewers
A delightful evening for this Front Row Reviewer, will greet one and all whether many or fewer. With music and dancing and color galore, this show will have you asking for more. Alpine Community Theater dazzles with another wonderful production: Seussical.
Seussical is an upbeat musical based on several of the beloved children’s books by Dr. Seuss such as Horton Hears a Who, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, The Cat in the Hat, and many more. Our host, the Cat in the Hat, explains the marvelous power of “thinks”, the limitless capacity of the imagination. We follow the Cat and young boy named Jojo who learn of Horton, an elephant, Gertrude Mcfuzz, a bird, a planet of Whos, and a jungle full of judgmental animals. Will Horton save the tiny planet of Who? Will Gertrude finally get Horton to notice her? And what about the self-centered Mayzie L Bird? All this and more is the adventure of Seussical. This family-friendly production will have you tapping your foot and cheering on the heroes from lights to curtain.
ACT’s performance is truly spectacular with plenty of colorful costumes, imaginative sets, and a village full of Whos with some amazing hair and makeup. The team of costumers, set builders (led by Aaron Arnesen), and hair and makeup helpers did an remarkable job bringing all the elements together to form a cohesive and fun atmosphere. Producer/director Laura Snyder does a great job with adult and child actors alike as the stage fills with dozens of talented Whos and jungle creatures. The detail put into the casting and blocking is apparent as Snyder expertly places the actors in such a way that the Whos, indeed, look like citizens of the “tiniest planet in the sky”.
A troupe of six harmonizing birds make up the muse-like storytellers. Their vocals are some of the best in the show and they dazzle the audience each time they take the stage. Led by Mayzie (Hannah Hacking-Brown) the selfish, salsa dancing belter and the shy and forlorn Gertrude (Kristen Jones). Hacking-Brown and Jones shine in their roles, countering each other in looks, attitude, and their strong vocal styles.
A fan favorite is the wonderfully nasty duo of Sour Kangaroos (Brook Jorden, Elizabeth Castleton). The sassy kangaroo and her adorable progeny lead the pack of angry jungle creatures. The Wickersham brothers are another fun bunch as they bound on stage with plenty of energy and some really great acting. They terrorize poor Horton as he seeks to protect the home of the Whos. Tommy Brown plays Horton, and brings gentleness, great vocals, and perfect diction to the beloved character.
The colorful town of Whoville is full of delightful child actors, led by the hilarious Mayor and his Wife. The Mayor (Adam Johnson), his Wife (Suzana Garrett), and their son Jojo (Weston Klemetson) are a delightful family as they navigate their family dynamic. Johnson and Garrett execute several duet moments beautifully and little Klemetson engages the audience with his boundless energy.
One of the most outstanding performances comes from the ever-present Cat in the Hat. Josh Tenney is charming and enthusiastic as he guides the story, taking on multiple roles including switching accents and costumes at the drop of his famous hat.
There are so many outstanding performances including the dedicated ensemble. They make up the animals of the jungle, the village of Whos, the fish in the pond, the mystical creatures of Solla Sollew, and a troupe of circus performers. With so many roles to fill, the ensemble really pulls off an enormous feat.
Rebecca Call and Lily Stutz’s choreography is enjoyable to watch. Every actor of all ages and abilities truly shine incorporating individual actor’s talents like tumbling and gymnastics skill. The movement is constant and works so well for this energetic production.
You don’t have to be a be a Seuss fan to enjoy this heartwarming production. The catchy music and humorous characters make Seussical a memorable one. If you are very familiar with Seuss books, you’ll be delighted at how many references are made throughout. From the Jungle of Nool to Solla Sollew, you’re certain to enjoy Seussical.
Alpine Community Theatre presents: Seussical by Lynn Ahrens, Stephen Flaherty (book, music and lyrics).
Liahona Theater for the Community, 2464 W 450 S, Pleasant Grove, UT 84062
July 12-22, 2024 7:00 PM M, Th-Sat
Tickets: $12-25
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Photos provided by Alpine Community Theater.
Suessical promo video
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