Seussical the Musical

Seussical (The Musical) bursts off the pages of your favourite childhood book and onto the stage at the Hills Musical Theatre Company as they take on a rather famous Cat!

It’s like walking into a cartoon with giant sets recycled, lovingly painted, and recreated by the cast and community. It’s bright, vibrant, and fun. It’s everything you want a living, singing, dancing Seussical Musical to be.  

Seussical (The Musical) is a whimsical and enchanting musical that combines the colourful world of Dr. Seuss and is filled with memorable characters. 

It all begins with a very familiar silhouette, a pair of pointy ears and a rather tall hat. The Cat in the Hat, played with mischievous charm by Renee Bechara, holds the audience in her paw with her playful demeanour and witty dialogue from the moment she steps onto the stage. 

Bechara’s interactions with the other characters serve as a delightful narrative device that guides the story along, and she relishes this role from the top of her hat to the tip of her tail. Hills MTC has gone all out; Bechara is a giant, full-faced, fluffy black cat. The Cat in the Hat stole the show, appearing and reappearing to conduct mischief, assume various roles or just bop and dance around in the shadows. You couldn’t help but be drawn to watch that cat, and on a particularly chilly night in the hills, the audience warmed to her. 

 Gertrude McFuzz (Tessa Marsden), a love-struck bird with a big heart, comes in a close second. Marsden’s ballad “Notice Me, Horton" is a charming and humorous solo in which she expresses her heartfelt desire to be noticed by Horton. The lyrics and sprightly melody showcase Gertrude's endearing personality and unwavering devotion to the elephant she loves. The playfulness between Sensitive Horton the Elephant (Reuben Hann) and Gertrude McFuzz is a touching layer to the storyline. Their duet "Alone in the Universe" is a standout number; both heartfelt and emotional, they capture the power of connection. 

Jo Jo (Lawson Booth), the imaginative young boy with a big heart, is another standout with his innocence and curiosity. His solos are filled with hope and wonder, capturing the essence of childhood dreams and limitless possibilities. 

Mr. Mayor (Jason Mok) and Mrs. Mayor (Leanne Mordini), the quintessential leaders, exude warmth and authority in Whoville, where the Who’s are aplomb with orange and yellow and some magnificent hairstyling!

Mayzie (Taylah Lennard), the extravagant and charismatic bird, adds a touch of glitz. Her flashy costumes and larger-than-life personality bring fun and mischief, while the ensemble cast of colourful, recognisable characters, from the mischievous Thing 1 (Summer West) and Thing 2 (Lucy Bull) to the sassy Sour Kangaroo (Jenelle Magtibay) and Young Kangaroo (Sierra Watdon), brought vibrancy and energy to the stage. There is even a Grinch (Jayden McEwan).

Director Sally Brown has cast an all-inclusive group in ensemble roles. There are those performing for the first time and those with experience in local dance or performing arts schools. Brown has ensured that no child is left behind, showing genuine care and commitment to inclusion and advocating for all abilities. 

Brown and her team also costume and include care workers and support staff. She brings a community onto the stage, allowing everyone to shine bright, adapting for wheelchairs (I loved Evie Huggins pink wheels) and making on-stage provisions for cast with sensory needs. I genuinely hope there will be opportunities for all abilities because the stage will shine brighter when everyone is included.

Susan Brown, with her familiar Musical Director hat on, weaves magic in her baton, shaping the production's sound. The orchestra provide a vibrant musical backdrop to the performances joining in the fun themselves, at times bopping along to their musical sounds.

The harmonious blend of voices during ensemble numbers was a testament to the talent and dedication of the cast. That started right from the start with "Oh, the Thinks You Can Think!". The cast tackled the energetic opening number, setting the tone for the entire show and inviting the audience to use their imagination and embrace the fantastical world of Dr. Seuss. Another stand-out number is "It's Possible (McElligot's Pool)", A whimsical and uplifting ensemble celebrating the power of belief and the wonders of possibility.

Choreographer Gai Reckless did an exceptional job with a massive cast of Fish, Cadets, Citizens of Who, Nool, and Circus McGurgus. The dance sequences were engaging, adapted for all cast members' abilities and showcased the featured dancers' athleticism and precision.

The show was well-executed, keeping the audience engaged from start to finish, and it’s a tough ask. Seussical is a more extended musical, and the little ones in the audience enjoyed themselves.  It is quite a feat with a cast of 41!

Sally Brown has also coordinated the fabulous costumes, designed the set and props and worked on constructing and painting. The set design of the production was a visual feast, transporting the audience into the fantastical world of Dr. Seuss. Bold colours, oversized props, and imaginative backdrops created a fantastical and larger-than-life aesthetic that perfectly complemented the playful and imaginative tone of the musical. 

The show closes with a rousing and energetic finale that brings the entire cast together. The uplifting chorus and vocals create a triumphant conclusion to a show that is a joyful and heart-warming musical and celebrates the power of imagination and friendship. With its charming characters and vibrant production elements, it is a musical for audiences of all ages. The cast and creative team behind this production have indeed brought the world of Dr. Seuss to life on the stage, and their dedication and passion shine through in every aspect of the show.

Nicole Smith

Images: Grant Leslie Photography