“Seussical the Musical” has completed the first weekend of its five-week run at Theatre 29. Managing Editor Tami Roleff reviews the kid-friendly musical…
Theatre 29’s “Seussical, the Musical” brings out the kids in all of us. Director Gary Daigneault and musical director Bill Barrett have done an outstanding job of putting on this kid-oriented musical. “Seussical” is like a mad dash through several Dr. Seuss books. Chris Fleischman’s Cat in the Hat guides the show, leading young JoJo, played by Kayleigh Coughlin into mischief. Fleischman’s interpretation of Louis Armstrong in “How Lucky You Are,” brings down the house. Other outstanding players are Robin Wilson as the brassy Mayzie LaBird and Lauren Schmelling as mousy Gertrude McFuzz. Jasmine Schaffer has a terrific voice and belts out her songs as Sour Kangeroo. Natalie Coughlin, all of 8 years old, is absolutely adorable as Cindy Lou Who. And of course, who else could be Horton but Theatre 29 veteran Charles Harvey? Mandi Pushkar has done an impressive job of teaching the entire cast their dance moves. The set design by Butch and Jackie Pelfry has re-created the Seussical look perfectly, along with a new projection system that displays Seussical backgrounds. And with a cast of more than two dozen taking on many roles, Kathy Ferguson’s spectacular costumes bring endless whimsy to the stage. Most impressive are the Bird Girls, who are dressed like Las Vegas show girls with bright colors and feathers. Every aspect of Seussical is outstanding. It’s a must-see for kids and the kid in every adult.
SEUSSICAL THE MUSICAL REVIEWED
