Seussical the Musical was not exactly a hit with the critics when it ran on Broadway about 25 years ago. Nonetheless, the familiarity of the characters and its themes, including the consequences of cronyism and the importance of staying true to yourself, resonated with audiences. It continues to be performed regionally with its “junior” version popular in schools throughout the country. These messages also make it a fitting selection for EPIC’s diverse troupe. The cast’s palpable joy in performing a work that embraces such a delightful and distinctive population makes for an easy-to-love experience for the whole family.
For those unfamiliar with the script, it is adapted from several children’s books written and illustrated by Theodor Geisel aka Dr. Seuss. Music is by Stephen Flaherty with lyrics by Lynn Ahrens. Two of the plots feature a compassionate elephant portrayed by an endearing Gianluca Cirafici sporting soft floppy ears. The third story line moves the focus to his love-struck neighbor, Gertrude McFuzz, depicted with pizzazz and warmth by Natalie Kaiser, accompanying herself on kazoo. To attract Horton’s attention, the self-conscious bird grows an impressive tail with the help of Dr Dake (Ethan Jones). Other Seuss inventions that make appearances large and small are the famous trickster The Cat in the Hat (Shoshanna Gleich), a bluesy Sour Kangaroo (Emily DeMaio) and her Baby (Anjel Bell), a judicious Yertle the Turtle (Prince Hurst), and the Wickersham Brothers (Miles Butler, Ethan Homan, Nick Moscato, Sven W) who never get tired of literally monkeying around.
The opening is primarily based on Horton Hears a Who. Finding an entire populated planet on a clover, Horton appoints himself protector aided by the Smallest Who of All, Jojo embodied in the tiny but mighty Christine Newberry. It is she who calls forth a universe of Seussian creations with her unbridled imagination. Standout Matt Tierney has a wonderful time soliciting both laughs and donations from the audience as her father the Mayor. Sandy Gladstone Karpe is Mrs. Mayor rendered with overflowing glass of chardonnay in hand.
As if the Whos of Whoville and their speck of dust world (Bre Baron, Sami Binder, Miles Butler, Tess Carvelli, Shafer Gootkind, Prince Hurst, Ethan Jones, Genesis Solivan) weren’t responsibility enough, Horton then falls for the manipulations of Mayzie Labird, taken on with sass a-plenty by Kayla Robinson, who tricks him into sitting on her egg. As is appropriate, all the birds, including Kaiser and Robinson plus the powerhouse “Bad Girls” trio of Alice Frannsen, Rachel Paine, and Elisa Weiss, bring vocal purity to all of their songs.
Scenic designer Christian Flemming has done an admirable job capturing Seuss’s drawing style in three dimensions encircled by an “Oh, the Places You’ll Go” rainbow sidewalk. Likewise Izzy Kitch’s whimsical costumes and elaborate headgear. Props by Dana Weintraub include miniature everyday items for the Whos and of course a Red Fish and a Blue Fish. Against this background, Artistic Director Aubrie Therrien and her Co-Director Meggan Dodd have added their usual high-energy interaction. Choreographer Travis Burbee provides several effervescent dance numbers.
Since 2016, EPIC Players (Empower, Perform, Include, Create) has been dedicated to creating professional performing arts opportunities and a supportive social environment for Neurodivergent and Disabled artists. With its wonderful range of colorful characters, Seussical the Musical is a perfect match for their talents and mission. As a Mother’s Day “gift,” on Sunday May 11th their performance will be relaxed with ASL interpretation. There couldn’t be a better time to deliver the message that “a person’s a person’s no matter how small.” So if you could use a reminder of How Lucky You Are, head to ART/NY The Mezzanine Theatre, 502 W 53rd St. now through May 18. Tickets are $35-$65 and can be purchased online at https://epicplayers.ticketspice.com/epic-players-presents-seussical.
Photos by Zui Gomez
The Unforgettable Line 