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Pictures 2006
Seussical
Presented by ACTA Theatre
Reviewed for August 9, 2007 by Lynne Long
Since I consider ACTA to be my “home” theatre, you might think I wouldn’t be objective when it comes to reviewing one of the shows. On the contrary, I think I am even more judgmental, always on the lookout for ways to improve the production. I write this preface to say, when it comes to ACTA’s thoroughly enjoyable summer musical,
Seussical
-I wouldn’t change a thing.
A stage full of color immediately catches your attention with bright stripes, panels with your favorite Seuss characters, and a floor full of polka dots. Kudos to Kerry Burrell and crew for a great set.
All roles are cast impeccably. I can’t help but mention a few stand-outs.
Reese Vines as Horton
is irresistible (I used to babysit Reese. What a wonderful actor he has grown up to be!!).
Kristen Pickrell as the Sour Kangaroo
. Hang on to your hats; her voice will blow you away.
Sara Chesler as Gertrude McFuzz
, with her beautiful voice and cute expressions is a joy to watch, as always.
Sam Torres and Stephanie Harris as the Whoville mayor and his wife
were a who-hoot. Loved their costumes, songs, and sincerity.
Lyndsay Gates as Mayzie
is a barrel of laughs. She has the moves and the voice.
Caitlin Curtis played JoJo
the night I went. Her voice is bell-clear and her acting right on. I look forward to seeing
Jonathan Hancock
as JoJo on Saturday. He did a great job as the Sour Kangaroo’s sidekick,
Young Kangaroo
. He had the ‘tude and the timing.
John Tourtellotte
was fun as
General Schmitz/Yertyl the Turtle.
Loved his costumes.
Chris Byrd
made a very cute
cat
. He cracked me up when he joined the audience for a good cry after JoJo’s accident. The mischievous
Wickersham Brothers
were a delight, adding some acrobatics and monkey business to an already high-spirited show.
Erin Lambert
is good as the gum-popping
nurse
with a Brooklyn accent.
All other players were in top form as well. The young whos, cadets, ballet dancers, and jungle citizens were all an integral and entertaining part of this explosion of music and merriment.
Seussical
has almost too many highlights to mention. Circus McGurkus was wonderful and included a parade down the center aisle, complete with animals and performers all decked out in sparkling circus attire. I think my favorite part, though, is when Horton’s egg finally hatches.
Grant Hindman,
age 11 months, dressed as a
winged baby elephant
emerges. I feel sure it is Grant’s debut. He almost stole the show.
Thanks to
Brad Forehand
for his great
choreography
- definitely a big plus for the production.
And last, but certainly not least, snaps for
Paige Turner’s
capable
direction
and use of clever ideas, such as black light bits and puppets that added extra charm and interest to an almost perfect production.
With apologies to the good doctor:
If you haven’t called yet, it may be too late.
But try right now, the show is so great.
If you don’t love Seussical, what will I do?
I think- catch a train to Kalamazoo.
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