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Seussical, The Musical
Music by Stephan Flaherty
Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens
Book by Lynn Ahrens & Stephan Flaherty
Based on the Works of Dr. Seuss
Directed by Eric Rosen
Music Direction by Doug Peck
At Chicago Shakespeare Theater
Navy Pier
Chicago, IL
Call 312-595-55600,
Tickets $18 (students 18 and under) $23 adults
Wednesdays at 11 Am
Thursdays at 11AM & 2 PM
Fridays at 2 & 7 PM
Saturdays at 11 AM, 2 & 7 PM
Sundays at 2 PM
Running time is 75 minutes with no intermission
Through August 20, 2006
“A Person’s a person, no matter how small…” Horton the Elephant
Sessical, The Musical is a sweet, tender children’s tale
In a production that was far superior to the last tour of Sussical, The Musical, director Eric Rosen has mounted a delightful kid’s show. That is the point here – it’s a kid’s show, so, on a hunch, I purposely went to a matinee instead of the opening night performance. I was the only adult without a child in attendance so I observed how the kids reacted to the show as much I analyzed the show. The verdict is unanimous – the kids loved Sussical, The Musical. They were quiet throughout and cheered and laughed at the funny parts. They seemed to enjoy the show and so did I. This is a kid’s show that is adult friendly.
With a terrific cast from the “A” list Equity acting pool and an energetic sounding orchestra led by the talented musical director, Doug Peck, Sussical is a smart, well sung, funny fable that engages the kids and leaves them with a positive feeling. That’s a nice thing.
Sussical, The Musical has a serviceable score and cute lyrics by Stephan Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens. The cast enhanced the bland, basic score. The staging, lighting (by Diane Ferry Williams) and customs (by Janice Pytel) added vivid colors to the Dr. Seuss tales that many of the kids readily related to. Cute rhymes and lovable characters easily got the kids engaged.
Bernie Yvon, as the tender Horton the Elephant and Brandy McClendon, as Gertrude the bird, were especially cute. E. Faye Butler, as the Cat in the Hat; Alexandra Billings, as Mayzie La Bird and Mitchell Hollis, as the boy, each added terrifically effective performances.
The show is a collection of Dr. Suess’ tales come to life with songs like the optimistic “Oh, the Thinks You Can Think,” “It’s Possible” and the tender “Alone in the Universe” carry meaningful messages while thoroughly entertaining us. The show has a fine mixture of R & B, pop and Broadway style tunes with anthems, ballads and cute little ditties. This quick 75-minute musical has touching moments and a positive message. This well sung, energetic piece works with rich humor and its uplifting spirit that kids enjoy. The cast is having fun and so will the kids. Hey, an old kid like me had fun too!
Recommended
Tom Williams
Tom99@chicagocritic.com for comments
Talk Theatre in Chicago podcast
Date Reviewed: July 6, 2006
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