Seussical The Musical

Just in time for the school holidays, Hama Productions’ Seussical the Musical bursts into the Regal Theatre - a joyous, vibrant show, with excellent production values and a highly talented cast. 

Young theatregoers are spoiled for choice these school holidays, with Frozen at the Crown, the AWESOME festival in full swing, some great community theatre shows with young appeal and a couple of touring productions, but Seussical may be one of the best choices for family entertainment, as it has great appeal for an adult audience, will entertain the little people who love the Seuss books now, but perhaps surprisingly seems to resonate very well for those who whom the Seuss books are a recent but fond memory - adding extra layers for older children and teens. 

The show opens with a lovely theatrical flourish before revealing a set designed by Bryan Woltjen that calls to mind the art of Seuss, lit with exciting pizazz by Max Mackenzie. The story - which touches on 46 of the Seuss books - is brought to life with great characterisations aided by colourful and imaginative costuming designed by Nicole Marrington and makeup by Manuao Te Aotonga.

We are drawn into the story by Mike Nayar, a fun but enigmatic Cat in the Hat, working well with 11-year-old Jack Sharma as Jo Jo - a small ‘Who’ who delivers an excellent performance (Jack alternates this role with Peter Counsel). Brandyn Kaczmarczyk is a joy as central character Horton, with Mia Simonette bring a touch of fabulous to Mayzie La Bird.

On Opening Night, Georgia Rodgers who plays Gertrude McFuzz was ill and unable to perform, but understudy Bella Minniti swung into the role with a flawless performance that lit up the stage. Swinging into Bella’s role, Sophie Sutton was an excellent Bird Girl, joining Tabitha Kerlin and Claudia Haines-Cappeau to form a terrific trio. Great work also from Calen Simpson, Zac McCulloch and Ethan Churchill as the bad boy Wickersham Brothers.

Mr and Mrs Mayor, played with comic flair by Tate Bennett and Georgia Unsworth, quickly establish themselves as audience favourites. Tahlia Loren Gibbs brings a big voice and great vibe to the Sour Kangaroo (nicely supported by choreographer Natalia Separovich as Young Kangaroo). Max Conroy gives beautiful bluster to General Schmitz and Paige Fallu was lovely as Yertle the Turtle (traditionally played by a bass) making the role her own - would love to see more Paige on stage. Caitlin Lewis and Isabelle Hodge add colour and life, and help move properties and sets with panache as Things 1 and 2.

A small but extremely busy ensemble work hard throughout, playing a plethora of characters (with I assume ‘undercover’ principals boosting their numbers at times). Natalia Separovich has created cute, clever, and comedic choreography, executed with class, with the singing throughout, under the guidance of vocal director Taui Pinkerton, very strong, with tunes that you and your kids will be singing all the way home.

Lots of stage magic and surprises in this feel-good show that leaves everyone smiling. Teens, tots, and those in triple figures (and those in between) will enjoy this production - possibly HAMA’s best show to date. 

Kimberley Shaw