By Adam J. Woodhouse-Keele
Seussical at Draper Historic Theatre is a great show for all ages, so you can bring the kids or make it a date night. Just don’t miss this gem.
When I entered the theatre I was met with a beautiful, colorful set. It’s lively and looks like it’s directly out of a Dr. Seuss book. After sitting for a bit, The Grinch (Casey Dean) came onstage and delighted the crowd with a “turn off your cell phones” speech in character. Dean is quite the entertainer and does some improv comedy based on crowd reactions during the speech and it was a very fun way to start the Suessical.
When the overture began, I was transported back to the other side of the curtain. Some backstory, I was involved in a production of Seussical and fell in love with the show. This show really speaks to me in a lot of ways. I’ve seen Seussical several times in addition to being in a production of it, so I had a high bar set for this show, and I was not disappointed.
The Cat in the Hat (Michelle Hickman) and Jojo (Ally McCune) light up the stage the moment they walk out. Hickman is animated and really commands your attention while she is onstage which, as the narrator of the show, is extremely important. McCune plays a more reserved and controlled character, which really helps to balance Hickman. They both work very well together to tell this eclectic story.
Though I enjoyed the vocals and acting of all three Wickersham Brothers (Paul May, Robert Van Noy, and Joseph Rose) I was blown away with Rose’s performance. At the age of ten, Rose takes the lead vocal solo during the Wickersham song, “Monkey Around” and he slays it. Rose’s stage presence is well beyond his age and with a voice to match, this kid is going places.
Horton the Elephant (Doug Cahoon) is a star even after a ten-year absence from theatre. Cahoon plays a loveable elephant who is just trying his best to take care of everyone. I believed his character emphatically and enjoyed watching him onstage. As far as singing goes, this man kicks it into high gear. Cahoon in tandem with McCune performed “Alone in the Universe” and it brought tears to my eyes. Though he deserves more than praise, I sincerely would like to thank Cahoon for sharing his talent with me and everyone who comes to see the show.
The directors Taylor Twitchel, Alix James Van Noy, and Max A. Moreno should be applauded for their efforts. The show is incredible and you should make the time to see Draper Historic Theatre’s production of Seussical the Musical.
Draper Historic Theatre presents Seussical the Musical by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty
Draper Historic Theatre 12366 South 900 East, Draper, UT 84020
August 4-5, 7, 11-12, 14, 18-19, 21, 25-26 7:00 PM Saturday matinee August 19 2:00 PM
Tickets $7-15 (not a bad seat in the house)
Contact: 801-572-4144
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