Seussical is a musical comedy that follows different Dr. Seuss characters as they appear throughout the show. The show mainly focuses on Horton, Gertrude McFuzz, and a young boy named Jojo. The Cat In The Hat is also a very notable presence in the show, however he acts more as a narrator. The story  “Horton Hears A Who!” is what most of the story follows, with some added parts and characters. 

I thoroughly enjoyed the SHS performance of Seussical. My friends and I went opening night with little to no knowledge of what the show was about. I was ready for a quick show that told one Dr. Seuss story and that was it. What I ended up seeing was an entertaining mix up of different stories. Although the plot got a little confusing in Act II, that was due to no fault of the performers. The Steinert actors and actresses were fantastic. From the moment the performance started, I was interested in their characters and the story they were telling. The acting and singing was completely on point. The orchestra pit was also fantastic. The sets and art were beautiful to see on stage as well. 

Senior David Zara starred in the show as Horton, and he brought heart and kindness to the role, as well as a strong chemistry with JoJo and the other members of Whoville. The role of JoJo was played by sophomore Samantha Krall who delivered one of the best vocal numbers of the show with her rendition of “Anything’s Possible.”  Another sophomore, Mischa Chorba, gave a memorable performance as Gertrude, the forlorn bird who seeks to be noticed by Horton, as she showed in her wonderful rendition of “Notice Me, Horton.” Her vocals were amazing, and she got one of the biggest laughs of the show when she entered onto the stage with a genetically modified, super long tail.

Senior Jack Buckley gave a tremendous performance as the Cat in the Hat, maintaining a perfect balance of mischief-maker, and narrator for the audience. One of his highlights was the chaotic conducting of the orchestra that he did for the overture of Act II.

There were several other dazzling performances including the tremendous vocal performances of Jessalyn Aderhold as Amazing Mayzie, and Diana Schulz as the Sour Kangaroo.  Ryan James and Molly Devlin were fantastically fun as the Mayor of Whoville and his wife, and Shay Curran, Ethan Sanchez and Matt Catalfomo were hilarious makers of mayhem as the Wickersham Brothers.

Overall, the Steinert production was a success with amazing acting, singing, and music. All of the students in the ensemble were wonderful. The dancing and the singing were simply remarkable. I can’t wait to see what fantastic production the cast and crew put on next year.