By Teresa Gashler
When I brought my young family to see Seussical the Musical at the SCERA Shell Outdoor Theatre in Orem, I didn’t know what kind of show to expect. I have been a librarian and I have a deep love for Dr. Seuss books. I was nervous because it is a full-length show and my kids struggle making it all the way through anything over an hour. Despite that, even my six-year-old enjoyed it the whole time. While that is a plus, it is more important to me that a Seuss show convey the important themes throughout Dr. Seuss’ books, and some of those themes are aimed at adults more than children. I am happy to say that SCERA’s production carefully integrates those themes. I love that Dr. Seuss combines whimsical elements with serious messages, and I feel this production embodies that. This show leaves some great discussion opportunities for families or friends to engage in.
Seussical is a musical celebrating many of the children’s books written by Dr. Seuss (Theodor Seuss Geisel.) It focuses primarily on the storylines of the books Horton Hears a Who, Horton Hatches the Egg, and Miss Gertrude McFuzz, but includes many smaller portions of other Dr. Seuss books. The Cat in the Hat (Eric Smith) serves as the mischievous narrator and tells the story of Horton (Kyle Baugh), an elephant who discovers a community of people who live on a speck of dust. These people, called the Whos, include Jojo (Seth Sherman), an imaginative boy who is sent to join the Who military for thinking too many “thinks”. Horton vows to protect the Whos and places their dust spec on a clover. The animals around Horton ridicule him for believing in the Whos and steal the clover, putting the Whos in danger. As Horton painstakingly tries to protect the Whos, he ends up also taking care of an egg for Mayzie La Bird (Abbey Wood). She promises to return soon, but does not. Meanwhile, a bird named Gertrude McFuzz (Emily Bennett) wants to win the love of Horton, but she is self-conscious because she only has one feather on her tail and thinks that Horton won’t care for her because of it. She comes to learn to love herself for who she is and assists Horton with his commitments. Despite the challenges they face, Horton, Gertrude, Jojo, and the Whos are able to convince those around them to not only believe in the existence of the Whos, but also to be willing to change their thinking.
Seussical was created by Stephen Flaherty, Lynn Ahrens, and Eric Idle. It premiered on Broadway in 2000 and has been nominated for many awards, including a Tony Award. It has toured throughout the United States, has been performed in London, and it has been adapted into a shorter version for younger performers called Seussical Jr.
When I first heard about Seussical a few years ago, I have to admit, I cringed thinking about cramming so many great stories into one play. I was afraid it would be watered down and cheesy, focusing on the whimsical and skimping on the brilliant themes and ideas throughout Dr. Seuss’ books. I am glad to say that I was pleasantly surprised. While there are a lot of characters and stories crammed together, the focus is primarily on Horton, Jojo, and Gertrude. This keeps the story coherent and gives opportunity to explore the themes. I do feel there are still too many subplots. In the original version, there was a Lorax sequence they had to cut for time. I think this show could use a few more cuts to tighten it up. While it is fun to see so many recognizable Seuss characters, they do detract from the main flow of the musical. That is the inherent challenge of having a musical celebrating all the works of Dr. Seuss – you honestly don’t have time to celebrate them all in one play.
That being said, I feel that SCERA’s performance deals with that challenge very well. The cast, as a whole, are brilliant. I enjoyed scanning the ensemble of colorful characters because each one is invested in the show. Director Shawn M. Mortensen does a tremendous job making each member of the ensemble an important part of the show. I didn’t feel like anyone was standing around filling space. I was stunned by how unified the cast is through the choreography. Mortensen is also the choreographer. The dance and movements are not only fun to watch, but keep a great flow and pace for the show.
The music, directed by DeLayne Bluth Dayton, is excellent as well. The lead roles sing with good technique and great passion. I enjoyed the solos that I heard. Unfortunately, there were a few solos I could not hear at all. I don’t know if it was because those particular actors were not loud enough, or their microphones were having difficulties, or another reason. Those moments were only a few, and the sound, designed and engineered by Chase Elison, is generally great.
The scenic design by Cole McClure, lighting design by Seth Mergist, costume design by Kelsey Seaver, and prop design by Christy Norton all complimented each other very well. I imagine it would be easy to go overboard on design for a show with Seuss characters, but they keep the design very well balanced. There is the right amount of whimsical elements, including trees that swing occasionally and airflate dancers. I also loved the choice to give the Whos colorful custom-made wigs and hats instead of doing the Who hair seen in movies (Who hair hurts so much!) The design elements are the right amount of fun and never overwhelming.
Smith as The Cat in the Hat drives the show with his hilarious antics and abundant enthusiasm. The Cat plays many side roles which Smith performs brilliantly. The Cat has a duality of being a mentor and a devil’s advocate and Smith portrays both very well. My kids always loved it when he was onstage. Baugh does an excellent job portraying Horton as thoughtful and gentle, though simultaneously passionate about protecting the Whos and the egg. Sherman, who portrays Jojo, plays his role remarkably well for a young actor. Bennett and Wood bring great characterization to their characters Gertrude and Mayzie. All actors in this show invest in their characters and no one falls flat.
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The SCERA Shell is an outdoor theater on a grass slope that can accommodate more than 4,000 patrons. Audience members can rent a chair or bring a blanket to sit 
on. It is a more casual setting and great for families. Concessions are sold and patrons are allowed to bring their own food with some exceptions about how the food is brought in. The volunteer staff is friendly and helpful.
Overall, my little family had a great experience and I look forward to supplementing it by checking out all the Dr. Seuss books I can get my hands on during the next few months. Thank you, SCERA.
SCERA Shell Outdoor Theater presents Seussical the usical by Lynn Ahrens, Stephen Flatery, and Eric Idle
SCERA Shell Outdoor Theater, 699 South State Street Orem in SCERA Park
July 7-22, 8:00 PM Mon-Tues, Thurs-Sat
Tickets: $10-16
Contact: 801-225-ARTS
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