From Deseret News archives:
Rodgers' 'Seussical' is a delightful musical
Rodgers Memorial cast captures play's whimsy and spirit
CENTERVILLE — "Seussical" captures the spirited whimsy and delightful characters of Dr. Seuss and teaches some solid principles about commitment, helping others and family love along the way.
With sharp direction by Jansen Davis and snappy choreography by Stephanie Thomas, the show, from the same creative team that wrote the music and lyrics for such diverse musicals as "Ragtime," "Lucky Stiff" and "Once on This Island," moves briskly along with no lulls.
The opening-night cast was in fine form — and Davis' casting gives this "Seussical" some nice touches as well. With nearly 40 songs — featuring lyrics that bring Dr. Seuss' lovable characters to life — there is plenty for both children and adults to enjoy.
In an interesting shift from how "Seussical" is generally cast, Davis has Katrina Nelson playing the Cat in the Hat. She's got a great voice and smoothly moves in and out of several additional roles as young JoJo (played wonderfully by Zachary Glaittli) embarks on two hours worth of adventures.
Andrew Elia Taula gives Horton the Elephant a sweetly gentle persona, more compassionate than comical. You believe him when he declares that "a person's a person no matter how small."
Some other standouts in the large cast include Meagan Madill (she'll remind older patrons of a very young Joan Blondell) as Gertrude McFuzz; Michelle Smith as the flamboyantly amazing Mayzie; and Alan Edwards as the military school's goose-stepping General Schmitz.
Ron Glaittli and Lindsey Ward are well cast as JoJo's parents, the Mayor and First Lady of the dust-speck-size planet of Who, and Jason L. Gordon, Brad Brough and Minka Hole as the playfully boisterous Winkersham Brothers.
Launi Pettersson's bright and colorful costumes are also faithful to the "Seuss" look. Lindsey Snarr's musical direction and Aaron Bushnell's set design are also big pluses.
E-mail: ivan@desnews.com
