SHOW DATES: April 10th at 6PM, April 11th at 3PM
SYNOPSIS
Now one of the most performed shows in America, Seussical is a fantastical, magical, musical extravaganza! Tony winners, Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty (Lucky Stiff, My Favorite Year, Once on This Island, Ragtime), have lovingly brought to life all of our favorite Dr. Seuss characters, including Horton the Elephant, The Cat in the Hat, Gertrude McFuzz, lazy Mayzie and a little boy with a big imagination – Jojo. The colorful characters transport us from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus to the invisible world of the Whos.
The Cat in the Hat tells the story of Horton, an elephant who discovers a speck of dust that contains the Whos, including Jojo, a Who child sent off to military school for thinking too many "thinks." Horton faces a double challenge: not only must he protect the Whos from a world of naysayers and dangers, but he must guard an abandoned egg, left in his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird. Although Horton faces ridicule, danger, kidnapping 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.
OUR CONCEPT
Our production of Seussical draws inspiration from the visual and cultural language of video games from approximately 2000–2010, using the imaginative possibilities of gaming to illuminate the musical’s themes of creativity, individuality, empathy, loyalty, perseverance, family, and community. Jojo’s Game Boy Advance serves as a central visual touchstone: like Jojo himself, it represents the power of imagination and the ability to discover extraordinary worlds within something that may appear small or ordinary.
The design takes inspiration from the bold, playful, and constantly evolving world of games from this period, where characters explore unfamiliar environments, confront challenges, make choices, form relationships, and discover their place within a larger world. These ideas parallel the journeys of the characters in Seussical: Jojo learns that thinking differently can be a strength; Horton remains faithful to what he believes is right despite ridicule and opposition; Gertrude discovers that becoming someone else is not the path to meaningful connection; and the Whos ultimately survive because individuals choose to listen, work together, and recognize the importance of every voice. The gaming influence therefore serves not simply as a nostalgic aesthetic, but as a contemporary visual language for the values at the heart of the musical.
Just as a game world is made meaningful by the contributions of many different characters, Seussical asks us to look beyond appearances, expectations, and social status, to stand up for others, and to recognize that every person has something meaningful to contribute. In this way, the production preserves the imagination and whimsy of Dr. Seuss while inviting students and audiences to consider what it means to be heard, to remain true to oneself, and to choose compassion and community even when doing so is difficult.
CHARACTERS
THE CAT IN THE HAT
GENDER: ANY
VOCAL RANGE: F2-F4
Our story's omniscient narrator, he is fun loving and enjoys rhyming. Pops up throughout the story to help the audience. Wise and attentive.
GERTRUDE MCFUZZ
GENDER: FEMALE
VOCAL RANGE: F3-F5
Horton's one-feathered-tail bird neighbor. Gertrude is sweet and timid. Though kind and loyal, she is also self-conscious of her shortfalls.
THE WICKERSHAM BROTHERS
GENDER: MALE
VOCAL RANGE: A4-G6
The Wickersham Brothers, Wickersham 1, Wickersham 2, and Wickersham 3, are trouble-making monkeys
GENERAL GHENGIS KAHN SCHMITZ
GENDER: MALE
VOCAL RANGE:
A strict military leader who runs a tough cadet training program. Loud, disciplined, and comically intense.
FISH
GENDER: ANY
VOCAL RANGE:
Playful underwater characters who add movement, humor, and Seussian imagination to "It's Possible."
CIRCUS FOLK
GENDER: ANY
VOCAL RANGE:
Lively circus performers who fill the stage with movement, excitement, and personality.
HUNCHES
GENDER: ANY
VOCAL RANGE:
Imaginative characters who represent Jojo’s thoughts and ideas. Playful, mysterious, and full of creative energy.
JUNGLE CREATURES
GENDER: ANY
VOCAL RANGE:
A lively group of animals who fill the Jungle of Nool with energy, movement, and personality. Playful, expressive, and often part of the excitement surrounding Horton’s adventures.
JOJO
GENDER: ANY
VOCAL RANGE: Ab3-C5
The Mayor's son, he is a Who that is always finding trouble. Bright, creative, and inadvertently mischievous. Possesses a wildly expansive imagination and finds solace in his friendship with Horton.
MAYZIE LABIRD
GENDER: FEMALE
VOCAL RANGE: G3-Eb5
The most beautiful bird in all of the jungle. Oblivious to her self-centered ways, she relies on her talent of manipulation, and intoxicating beauty, to navigate her way through life.
MR. MAYOR
GENDER: MALE
VOCAL RANGE: A6-C5
Mr. and Mrs. Mayor are Whos who are parents trying hard to raise a difficult child in a difficult world. They may get aggravated with Jojo, but they love him dearly and try to do the right thing, even if it turns out to be a mistake.
BIRD GIRLS
GENDER: FEMALE
VOCAL RANGE:
A stylish, energetic trio who help tell the story through song, movement, and playful commentary. Confident, expressive, and full of personality, they often add humor and flair to the action.
CADETS
GENDER: ANY
VOCAL RANGE:
Members of General Schmitz’s military group. Disciplined, energetic, and ready to march into action.
WHO CHILDREN
GENDER: ANY
VOCAL RANGE:
The lively young citizens of Whoville who bring energy, curiosity, and fun to the story. Playful, expressive, and full of personality, they help create the colorful world of the Whos.
These roles are open to grades 2-8
YOUNG KANGAROO
GENDER: FEMALE
VOCAL RANGE:
Sour Kangaroo’s child and constant sidekick. Curious, playful, and often echoes her mother's opinions.
YERTLE THE TURTLE
GENDER: ANY
VOCAL RANGE:
A self-important turtle who serves as a judge. Proud, authoritative, and comically serious.
HORTON THE ELEPHANT
GENDER: MALE
VOCAL RANGE: A2-F4
Our story's main character, he is a compassionate and gentle elephant. Commonly misunderstood because of his larger size. He is protective and loving of all creatures in the jungle.
THE SOUR KANGAROO
GENDER: FEMALE
VOCAL RANGE: F#3-F5
The 'leader' of the jungle. She is loud, brassy, and stubbornly set in her ways. A caring mother, but unabashedly sassy and soulful.
MRS. MAYOR
GENDER: FEMALE
VOCAL RANGE: A3-D5
Mr. and Mrs. Mayor are Whos who are parents trying hard to raise a difficult child in a difficult world. They may get aggravated with Jojo, but they love him dearly and try to do the right thing, even if it turns out to be a mistake.
THE GRINCH
GENDER: MALE
VOCAL RANGE:
The famous green grouch of Whoville. Grumpy and humorous, with a mischievous personality and a softer side underneath.
VLAD VLADIKOFF
GENDER: ANY
VOCAL RANGE:
A dramatic black-bottomed eagle hired to get rid of Horton’s clover. Sneaky, theatrical, and villainous.
MAX THE DOG
GENDER: ANY
VOCAL RANGE:
The Grinch’s loyal and lovable dog. Sweet, patient, and often caught up in the Grinch’s schemes.
CITIZENS OF WHO
GENDER: ANY
VOCAL RANGE:
The colorful and energetic people of Whoville who bring the community to life through song, movement, and humor. Expressive, spirited, and full of Seussian charm.
AUDITIONS
AUDITIONS FOR GRADES 2-12 | December 15
CALLBACKS | December 17
WHAT TO PREPARE:
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One-minute cut of a musical theatre or pop song with an accompaniment track.
TECH CREW
TECH CREW IS OPEN TO GRADES 6-12.
Tech crew are the members that power the scene changes, prop handoffs and onstage “magic” for each production. This may include helping with scene changes, props, costumes, lighting, sound, or front of house.
Stage Manager: As a stage manager, you will be the director’s right hand helper. You will be responsible for managing the run crew backstage. Assistant stage managers will also be in charge of communication with the director through the comm system, calling cues backstage, and helping with scene changes and special effects. This role is great for people with good leadership and problem-solving skills.
Run Crew: Run crew are the members that power the scene changes, prop handoffs and onstage “magic” for each production. This may include, but not limited to, moving scenic units, striking and setting of props on stage, and so on.
Sound Crew: Sound Crew will help with microphones, sound cues, and music cues. As a sound tech, you will work with the director to test microphones and run sound cues. This role is great for students with a good ear for music, strong concentration skills, and students who have an interest in sound technology.
Lighting Crew: Lighting Crew will be in charge of running the lighting for the show. They will use the light board and spotlights to provide all lighting elements. This role is great for students with strong concentration skills and have an interest in learning about lighting.
House Crew: House managers will be in charge of making sure the house (where the audience sits) is prepared for the audience. This includes arranging chairs, picking up trash from the previous performance, making sure there are enough programs, handing out programs, and turning the house lights on and off for pre-show, intermission, and post-show. They will work with the director to make sure house opens on time and making sure everyone is able to find a seat.
Style Crew: Style Crew is charged with all Hair, Makeup, and Costume responsibilities for the show. They will help with hair, makeup, costume changes, top of show dressing, and performing costume checks following each dress rehearsal and performance.
Tech crew applications are due by the end of the day on Tuesday, December 15th.
THEATRE APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
The Theatre Apprenticeship Program (TAP) gives students the opportunity to explore the craft of theatre through hands-on learning, mentorship, and professional skill-building in all areas of production — from design and construction to performance support and creative media. Apprentices will work closely with a local professional, staff mentor, or qualified alum, gaining real-world experience in their chosen specialty. Through this mentorship, students will learn the discipline, teamwork, and artistry required to bring a production to life.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Participation in TAP requires commitment both inside and outside of rehearsal hours.
Apprentices are expected to:
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Contribute time beyond the regular school day
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Take direction well from mentors and staff
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Maintain a positive, collaborative attitude
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Approach every task with humility and curiosity
This is a program for students who want to learn, grow, and build leadership qualities such as initiative, responsibility, and communication — while understanding that TAP is not a leadership position, but a learning opportunity.
PROGRAM GOALS
Through TAP, students will:
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Gain technical and creative skills in a specialized area of theatre
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Develop collaboration and communication abilities
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Strengthen discipline, organization, and accountability
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Build confidence and professional awareness for future creative work
By the end of their apprenticeship, students will have developed both practical expertise and the personal maturity needed to thrive in artistic environments within and beyond theatre.
IMPORTANT DETAILS
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Not every apprenticeship role will be filled each season.
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Students are selected based on their readiness, reliability, attitude, and willingness to learn.
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Only those who demonstrate responsibility and commitment will be invited to participate.
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You may audition or apply for regular tech crew and still participate in TAP!
HOW TO APPLY
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Students must submit one separate application per apprenticeship they wish to pursue.
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Applications include short essay responses and a signed commitment form.
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Application Deadline: Friday, October 2nd
CLICK TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT EACH APPRENTICESHIP!