Theater Review – December 21, 2024

EXUBERANT “SEUSSICAL THE MUSICAL” BRINGS THE FAMILIAR CHARACTERS TO SPLASHY LIFE

“SEUSSICAL THE MUSICAL”
The Phoenix Theatre Company, Hormel Theatre
Phoenix AZ

By Chris Curcio
Theater Critic

Dr. Seuss’s fantastical characters from his popular kid’s books explode all over The Phoenix Theatre Company (TPTC) stage in the exuberantly charming “Seussical the Musical”.  Intriguingly cute songs by Stephen Flaherty (music) and Lynn Ahrens (lyrics) make the stories even better as the pair pens an ingenious book that links the selected legends to create a delightful romp.

Expertly staged by TPTC’s brilliantly creative Producing Artistic Director Michael Barnard with athletically high-spirited dances by Sam Hay, the production never slows down as the stories unfold in blazingly colorful settings and costumes that inspire a rich but splashy look.  On top of all this perfection are amazing performers who bring the wacky characters and their life instructional plots to throbbingly vibrant life.

The jungle of Nool is the backdrop for the adventures with the selected tales led by Cat in the Hat who tries to keep Jojo in check as playful exuberance is dispatched.  You will rarely see a show so energetically staged but with artistic reverence for the well-known accounts accompanied by such remarkably believable character interpretations.

Molly Lajoie literally pops up at the show’s beginning to serve as our rambunctious guide through the imaginative world.  She is everywhere with the biggest smile as she cavorts about in her crooked top hat.

Je’Shaun Jackson is the lovable and huge-voiced Horton who steadfastly sits on Mayze’s egg.  Alyssa Chiarello is snottily snobbish as Mayzie.  Trisha Ditsworth plays Gertrude McFuzz’s range of emotion including her one tail feather psychosis with playful spunk.  Chanel Bragg couldn’t be more evasive as the Sour Kangaroo and she sings with gusto.

The three Wickersham’s – Cameron Edris, Alessandro Lopez, and Andreas Wyder – bound about with deft finesse lending unbelievable moves and joy to their roles.  Dominic Cali was remarkable as Jojo.  Finally, Mathew Zimmerer as the Mayor and Sally Jo Bannow as his wife lend much comic frivolity as they struggle to raise Jojo.  A large ensemble provides various roles with alternative performers.

While it is true that “Seussical the Musical” isn’t much of show, the energy and enthusiasm of the sprightly TPTC production plus the well-known life messages make it a delightful joy for both young and older audiences.  Children who know Dr. Seuss’ tales will be mesmerized by the performance which is short so as not to tax even the youngest theatergoer.  On opening night several young people were anxious to return after the intermission to enjoy more of the spirited entertainment.

It continues through January 26, 2025.  To order tickets, call The Phoenix Theatre Company box office at 602-254-2151 or order tickets online at www.phoenixtheatre.com.

Grade: A