🐘Seussical Jr 2026 🐘

Seussical, JR.

Transporting audiences from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus, the Cat in the Hat narrates the story of Horton the Elephant, who discovers a speck of dust containing tiny people called the Whos. Horton must protect the Whos from a world of naysayers and dangers, and he must also guard an abandoned egg that's been left in his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird.  Although Horton faces ridicule, danger and a trial, the intrepid Gertrude McFuzz never loses faith in him.  Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family and community are challenged and emerge triumphant!

Cast Type: Middle School     Dance Requirements: Standard

Character Breakdown

Jojo/Boy – Jojo is a "Thinker." S/He's a smart child with a wild imagination. JoJo can be played as being a little bit awkward, a little bit of a loner, or simply a rambunctious kid whose "Thinks" get him.her into constant trouble. By the end of the show, s/he learns what it means to be a responsible member of her/his community, using the power and possibilities of his/her own "Thinks." JoJo should be one of the strongest singers in the cast and can easily be played by a young girl or boy.

The Cat in the Hat

The essence of mischief, fun, and imagination. The Cat stirs things up and causes trouble but always sets things right again. He helps JoJo discover the power of his own imagination as they create the story of Seussical JR. together. Look for a physically adept actor (male or female) to play the Cat who is confident onstage, comfortable with comedy, and able to improvise with the audience if needed. The Cat does not need to be your strongest singer but should still have good rhythm and timing.

The Things

The Cat in the Hat’s sidekicks and partners in mischief.  CURRENTLY we are envisioning 2 of them, Thing 1 and Thing 2, HOWEVER, if circumstances dictate, we may add more Things to the cast.

Horton the Elephant

A gentle giant. Think of Horton as a big-hearted, blue-collar guy who is steadfast, responsible, and always tries to do the right thing. He is sympathetic and receptive to the world around him. He believes in the inherent goodness of the world, so it's no surprise that he always looks for the good in others. Horton goes on quite a journey throughout the show but stays true to himself, even when the going gets tough. Cast a great singer and actor in this important role.

Mr. Mayor

Mr. Mayor and Mrs. Mayor are parents trying hard to raise a child with a big imagination. These Whos may get aggravated with JoJo, but they love him dearly. They try their best to make the right choices as parents, even if JoJo doesn't always understand them. They are also upstanding members of their community. Cast two performers who are good singers and pair well together. Remember, Mr. and Mrs. Mayor are a team.

Mrs. Mayor

Mr. Mayor and Mrs. Mayor are parents trying hard to raise a child with a big imagination. These Whos may get aggravated with JoJo, but they love him dearly. They try their best to make the right choices as parents, even if JoJo doesn't always understand them. They are also upstanding members of their community. Cast two performers who are good singers and pair well together. Remember, Mr. and Mrs. Mayor are a team.

Gertrude McFuzz

Very self-conscious about her one-feather tail. Gertrude gains confidence throughout the show, changing from an anxious, nervous, shy bird into someone whose self-worth doesn't rest on her appearance. In other words, Gertrude realizes what's truly important in her life. Cast a wonderful actor and a great singer in this role, and make sure well with Horton.

Mayzie La Bird

Self-centered, vain, and manipulative. She ultimately means no harm, but she's immature and makes selfish decisions. In giving up her egg to Horton once and for all, she has a moment of self- awareness - she realizes she isn't the kind of bird who would be a good parent, and she does the best thing she can for the egg. Cast a performer who is a good singer and great actor and can sell Mayzie's larger-than-life personality.

Wickersham Brothers

The Wickersham Brothers, including Wickersham 1, Wickersham 2, and Wickersham 3, are not bad guys! They tease, play pranks, and get a kick out of making mischief, although often at another's expense. Cast great movers who work well as a group and encourage each of your actors to find an individual Wickersham persona.  These three are accompanied in their high jinks by other Wickersham brothers and sisters and the Bitty Wicks.

The Bitty Wicks

These are Wickersham brothers and sisters who are still very young. They cause mischief and are in the major ensemble numbers.

Bird Girls

The Bird Girls, including Bird Girl 1, Bird Girl 2, and Bird Girl 3, are a fabulous group of birds who know everything there is to know about the goings on in the jungle and support Mayzie and Gertrude throughout the show. Cast girls who are great movers, singers, and work well together as a group.

Bird Girl Wannabes

These are the younger Bird Girls who imitate everything they see the more prestigious Bird Girls doing. They are trying VERY HARD to be Fabulous too. They are also supportive of Mayzie although a bit less blindly.  These girls also need to be great movers, solid singers, and good team players.

Sour Kangaroo

Loud, brassy, and a lot of fun. She's got a lot of attitude but isn't mean - she's just very confident and unafraid to tell it like it is. Cast a great actor with a BRING-DOWN-THE-HOUSE singing voice who is unafraid of making bold choices onstage.

Young Kangaroo

Sour Kangaroo's feisty daughter. She may be pint- sized, but she's got a big personality and is following in her mother's footsteps. Young Kangaroo doesn't have to be the best singer, but she should be a great actor with lots of attitude and pair well with Sour Kangaroo.  

Judge Yertle the Turtle

The authoritative judge who presides over Horton's trial at the end of the show. Yertle is a great role for a newer performer who may not be quite ready for the responsibility of a larger part. Cast a good singer and actor who can command the stage.

Vlad Vladikoff

The black-bottomed eagle who flies off with the Whos. Vlad is onstage very briefly and doesn't sing, so this is a good role for a member of your ensemble who can make a big impression in a short amount of time.

The Grinch

Arguably the most famous Seuss character of all! He has a brief, fun cameo in Seussical JR. Cast a good actor and singer who can have fun with the Grinch's short solo.

Cindy Lou Who

Another brief, fun cameo of a famous Grinch character.  

The Whos

The Whos (including First Who Family, Second Who Family, Third Who Family, Fourth Who Family, and Fifth Who Family) are the citizens of Whoville and they look a lot like you and me, only so small they are invisible to the naked eye. They are a tight-knit, supportive community. Encourage everyone playing a Who to create his or her own unique character.

PLUS A Fabulous Ensemble Cast of

Fantastic Animals, Citizens of Who, Jungle Creatures, Circus Performers,

and Amazing Fish

Ensemble -To be precise,

We will have Jungle Citizens, Big Game Hunters, Circus Animals, multicolored Fish, Nurses, Courtroom Attendants, and others. These ensemble roles are great places for anyone who would like to be involved in the production. We will encourage (and help) these performers to create their own individual characters, especially if they are playing multiple roles.