Lyman's Seussical is a Stunning Show!

by Rebecca Whitlock, East Ridge High School

A quiet night at home, what could be better than that? Why, a night spent at Lyman with the Cat in the Hat. The music, the dancing, and the rest of the bamboosical, that was Lyman’s stunning production of Seussical the Musical.

This musical, written by Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens and based of the works of Dr. Seuss, is filled with everything from a love story, to finding a friend, to finding yourself. It tells these stories with 36 songs, all of beautifully sung, imaginatively choreographed, and filled with dancers wearing every color imaginable. Diction was sometimes difficult to follow, but the stunning voices of those such as the Sour Kangaroo, played by Crystal Carter, and Jojo, played by Jimmy Reichle, definitely drove and deficiencies out of the mind.

The characters were also some of the most memorable to be seen, including the loveable Horton (played by Bobby Grenon), the flashy Mayzie La Bird (played by Lindsey Carter), the loveable Gertrude McFuzz (played by Jessica Bodine), and the cheery Mrs. Mayor (played by Kelley Smith), all really brought out the energy of the show. And who could forget The Cat in the Hat, played by Nick Marrison, whose body language, comedic timing, and energy made the show.

Inventive uses of props and sets also lent enchantment to the show. Using black-light for the underwater scene was ingenious and worked marvelously. Also, the mobility of the set was like the play itself--fluid and never repititous. Light cues were a bit off at times but were overshadowed by things like the colorful and changing costumes that always afforded something to see. The audience was always waiting for the next surprise.

This show is the ultimate family affair, bringing children into Dr. Seuss, and parents back to it. Crazy costumes, eye-catching sets, imaginative movement, and loveable characters will dance through your mind after seeing this production, and the only thing echoing through your mind will be the thought that, “A person’s a person no matter how small.”

Originally published by the Backstage Noise, 2005