Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE – The Cat in the Hat, Horton the Elephant, Mayzie La Bird, Gertrude McFuzz and Sour Kangaroo are just some of the colorful characters created by Theodor Seuss Geisel, best known as Dr. Seuss, that will literally come to life Friday night as the Presque Isle High School Shipmates’ Playhouse begins its run of the musical “Seussical.”
Contributed photo
MAYZIE La BIRD (Madelyn Carson, back left) can’t get the attention of Horton the Elephant (Josh Rowland, front) even with the help of the Cat in the Hat (Zach Fowler, back right). Carson, Rowland and Fowler are all veterans of the Shipmates’ Playhouse at Presque Isle High School and play principal roles in this season’s production of “Seussical,” opening Nov. 7.
“‘Seussical’ is a wonderfully quirky, heartwarming show for the whole family,” said stage director Tamia Glidden. “The name Seuss conjures up memories of wonderful children’s stories, but ‘Seussical’ is definitely not just a kid’s show. It’s a creative, modern musical that is a conglomeration of many Seuss elements woven together into a new story.
“It’s loosely based on ‘Horton Hears a Who’ with a lot of other Seuss characters that normally never get to meet one another all coming together in a show that addresses issues involving humanity, perseverance, honor, worldwide peace and the power of the imagination,” she said. “The Cat in the Hat serves as narrator of the show and devil’s advocate … popping up anywhere and everywhere you don’t expect him. The music that weaves all of this together is hip, contemporary and electric.”
Glidden and music director Jay Nelson said there are a number of factors they consider when selecting a production.
“We chose ‘Seussical’ using the same criteria that we look at for all our shows: a good mix of strong characters to showcase our talent; memorable music fitting our student’s vocal ranges; and something different than we’ve done previously,” she said. “We try to have a variety in the theme of the shows each year; for instance, we wouldn’t want to do a Western immediately followed by another one the next year. There is also the ‘Fun Factor’ … do we think it will be something the kids will enjoy working with for almost three months? The answer to all those questions this year was ‘Seussical!’”
“As with every show we’ve done the past four years, we perused several shows,” said Nelson, noting that they looked at approximately 15-18 shows this year for consideration. “From my perspective as music director, my first concern is voice range and sing ability for our high school students. Cast size is also a consideration and since we had a stellar group of singers – both boys and girls – we were looking for a show with a lot of characters. This show fit the bill with several good roles and it is very sing able music.”
“Seussical” was written by Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens and was co-conceived by Eric Idle of Monty Python fame. “Seussical” premiered on Broadway in 2000.
Nelson said people will enjoy the variety of musical styles found in the show.
“The music is very eclectic incorporating many styles such as Latin, gospel, patriotic, jazz, rhythm and blues, and many others,” he said. “There are some very poignant songs (“Solla Sollew”), dramatic songs (“All For You”), circus music (“Circus Mcgircus”), mysterious music (“Havin’ a Hunch”) and even a Beach Boys’ style song (“It’s Possible”).”
Costumes this year were created by Kelly Mathes.
“Dr. Seuss’ world is one full of animals and odd creatures that are combinations of things and Kelly’s talent really shines in making these characters come to life,” said Glidden. “Whether its flamboyant birds, creepy Hunches, tiny Whos or a crazy Cat in the Hat … you’ll love them all. A special thank you also goes out to Ellyn Whitten-Smith and PIHS’ art department for creating our fish and Hunch masks.”
Joining the directorial team this year as choreographer is Rebeckah Perry. Joe Zubrick returns as the musical’s set director.
Assistant music director Kyle Green said he’s looking forward to opening night.
“While this is probably the most challenging score I’ve ever done at any level – high school, college, or community theatre – it is also the most exciting and fun. It draws influences from so many genres and, at times, zigs and zags into and out of them,” he said.
“‘Seussical’ is a challenging musical. There’s a lot of music to learn, and, because the show is almost non-stop music, the timing is a lot more critical,” said Green. “Entrances and exits need to be precise. Rehearsals are long, especially with everything else a high school student has on his or her plate. They’re progressing nicely, though, and I look forward to seeing them shine in front of sold-out audiences!”
Nelson and Glidden agreed.
“The kids have rehearsed on their own outside of rehearsals and in the halls when they were not busy during rehearsals,” he said. “They really have taken ownership of this show; this is why this show will be amazing. Everyone is strongly encouraged to attend this magical show!”
“The kids are doing a wonderful job making this crazy Seussian world come to life,” Glidden said. “They’re working very hard, but having a lot of fun with it. They’ll be ready on Nov. 7 to thrill and wow you.”
The “Seussical” cast, crew and pit includes Divya Bisht (set), Karrie Brawn (Dr. Drake’s Nurse), Julia Brown (set), Jacob Buob (Wickersham Brother), Leslie Campbell (A Who), Liana Cao (set), Madelyn Carson (Mayzie La Bird), Courtney Colligan (A Who), Sam Corey (set), Deidre Dicker (Max/D’Lion), Seth Doughty (Wickersham Brother), Zach Dow (lights), Anne Elish (Gertrude McFuzz), Paul Elish (saxophone), Matthew Flora (Gen. Ghengis Kahn Schmitz), Rich Flora (Mr. Mayor), Zach Fowler (The Cat in the Hat), Tamia Glidden (stage director), Sarah Gorneault (A Who), Michael Greaves (set), Kyle Green (assistant director/instrument ensemble), Nick Green (Wickersham Brother), Christina Hallowell (A Who), Mariah Hanning (set), Codie Henderson (set), Jenice Jarvis (A Who), Josh Jones (trumpet), Kori Kinney (Bird Girl), Bethany Lord (Cindy Lou Who), Jordyn Madore (set), Kelly Mathes (costume design), Melissa Morrison (Mrs. Mayor), Hannah Nelson (Bird Girl), Jay Nelson (music director), Nick Norton (percussion), Rebeckah Perry (choreographer), Joshua Rowland (Horton the Elephant), Aidan Sawyer (A Who/Cadet), Keely Sawyer (Sour Kangaroo), Katy Schneider (Bird Girl), Adam Scott (trumpet), Jon Simonoff (bass), Daniel Sipe (Cadet/Yertle the Turtle), Kent Smith (Grinch/Vlad/Cadet), Mimi Smith (Marshall), Matthew Sullivan (lights), Joe Theriault (set), Caroline Thibodeau (Bird Girl), Sophia Willette (JoJo, The Mayor’s Son), and Joe Zubrick (set design/construction).
Performances are at 7 p.m. Nov. 7-8 and Nov. 13-15 at the PIHS Auditorium, with a 2 p.m. matinee Saturday, Nov. 8 and Saturday, Nov. 15. Tickets are $8 for adults and $6 for students and seniors, and are available at the PIHS main office, Goin’ Postal and at the door.
