Based on the whimsical work of Theodor Seuss Geisel, known as Dr Seuss (2nd March 1904 – 24th September 1991), Old Carey Performing Arts Club’s (OCPAC) production is slick and sassy. It is lively, energetic and highly entertaining. Musical direction comes from Olivia Jackson and Julian Smith-Gard. There are many rousing up-tempo numbers in the score and the vocals, backed by a talented band, are outstanding.
With music by Stephen Flaherty, lyrics by Lynn Ahrens and book by the pair, Seussical first played on Broadway in 2000. The story centres around the vivid imagination of a 10-year-old boy, known as Jojo, played with charm, innocence, clarity and conviction by Stephanie Smith-Gard. Jojo is the first who appears in Seussical, spotting a red and white striped hat and wondering whose it is. You see, he is a thinker.
Among those he considers is The Cat in the Hat. At the mere mention of his name, the rascally feline shows up and begins to weave a magical tale. It involves a fiercely loyal elephant named Horton and a spec of dust, upon which live microscopic creatures, known as Whos. Placing these little people on a clover, Horton promises to guard them, but is mocked mercilessly by other jungle animals who believe Horton is having a lend of them.
Not so Horton’s bird neighbour, Gertrude McFuzz, who admires his compassion. One who takes advantage of Horton’s kind and caring nature is Mayzie La Bird, who asks him to mind her egg for an afternoon while she takes a break. All well and good, but Mayzie fails to return. A series of wild adventures follow, which will see Horton jailed and tried, and Jojo moving way outside his comfort zone.
Colour and movement are the name of the game for OCPAC. Angelo Vasilakakos is responsible for the choreography. Kim Bishop is behind the dazzling costuming (a black and white clown ensemble in Act II is among the many highlights). A surfeit of shapes in many hues constitutes the set (the work of Bianca Pardo). With direction from Joey Phyland, the impressive cast tackles the show with the youthful enthusiasm that it demands. The result is a fun-filled hour and 50 minutes (excluding interval).
I have already extolled the virtues of Stephanie Smith-Gard, who opens a window to a world of fantasy. Cassie Ogle revels as The Cat in the Hat, stirring the pot at every opportunity and milking the melodrama. With his splendid style of delivery and vocal timbre, William Maloney is a standout as the sympathetic Horton. Kristen Ryan is another with a glorious voice and tantalising expressiveness as Gertrude McFuzz.
Two other performers who excel in their showmanship are Ariana Rigazzi, who plays a character known as Sour Kangaroo, and Isabella Gangi as Mayzie La Bird. Tim McDonald brings bombast to the warmonger General Genghis Kahn Schmitz. Making the most of their roles as the Whos’ Mayor and his wife are Jake Radford and Sarah Cuthbert. I also appreciated the efforts of four birds, all dressed in fetching red, namely India Bell, Quinn Cameron, Shan D’Cruz and Tahlia Pizzicara. There is a jaunty quality about Finn Mezzetti as The Grinch.
In fact, all the principals, along with the ensemble do a fine job. I didn’t pick up a single dropped note. OCPAC’s Seussical makes for a delightful evening of musical theatre excellence that the company appears to be having a wow of a time delivering. It is on at Carey Grammar until 5th October, 2024. For tickets, go to https://www.ocpac.com.au/seussical
Alex First
Alex First is a Melbourne based journalist and communications specialist. He contributes to The Blurb on film and theatre.