As preparations are underway for International Children’s Festival of the Arts, the St. Albert Children’s Theatre, one of its most popular participants, gets ready to play with the imaginations of young and old.
The theatre troupe brings back the wacky world of Dr. Seuss in Lynn Aherns, Stephen Flaherty and Eric Idle’s conception titled Seussical JR. It is a musical mashup of three whimsical Dr. Seuss’ adventures: Horton Hears a Who, Horton Hatches the Egg and Miss Gertrude McFuzz.
Narrated by the Cat in the Hat, the plot features some of most memorable Dr. Seuss characters from Theodor Seuss Geisel’s catalogue. The magical story takes place in the Jungle of Nool after Horton the Elephant finds a speck of dust containing tiny creatures called the Whos. The pachyderm quickly develops a friendship with JoJo, a young Whoville boy. Although he is the mayor’s son, JoJo is ostracized for being a thinker, a believer that people should feel free to follow their dreams.
The kind-hearted Horton vows to protect the miniature Whos from outside dangers while also guarding an abandoned egg left in his care by Mayzie La Bird, a carefree and attractive jungle inhabitant. When other jungle residents hear about Horton’s vow to protect something no one can see, they think the elephant is insane and put him on trial. Throughout all Horton’s struggles, his friend Gertrude McFuzz never gives up on him.
On the surface Seussical JR. weaves a tale so fantastical as to appear ridiculous. Yet it ultimately delivers deep truths about friendship, loyalty, love, believing in yourself and fighting for your values.
“The real message for kids is it doesn’t matter what size you are; everyone is important. We can talk the talk, but we need to walk the walk. In cases of bullying, we need to stand up and say, ‘stop it.’ If we close our eyes, nothing changes,” said artistic director Janice Flower.
This is Flower’s second go at directing a Seussical extravaganza. The first was a two-act, full production in 2008 starring Erik Grice as the Cat, Stephen Angove as Horton, Madelaine Knight as Mayzie and Jamie Jukna as JoJo.
The current cast of 31, dressed in whimsical, cartoonish looking costumes and vivid wigs and feathery pieces, will perform a variety of musical styles. They range from Latin, pop and swing to gospel, R&B and funk. Some of the song favourites include Oh, the Thinks You Can Think, Horton Hears a Who, Alone in the Universe and The One Feather Tail of Miss Gertrude McFuzz.
“Kids have such a blast. It’s a bit like a modern opera. There’s very little text. Families will love this. It has heart and the show is very energetic,” Flower said.
Every young artist selected for a major role has cultivated strong skills. Em Cresswell, a Grade 11 Paul Kane High student, is the production’s narrator. As the Cat in the Hat, she has a robust voice and provides comic relief with mischief, fun and trouble making.
“She’s our most long-standing member and her role is very significant as the M.C.,” said Flower.
Connor Woodley nabbed the role of the compassionate and gentle Horton.
“Connor has a very nice voice. He’d taken a one-year hiatus from us last year. But he came back this year and his voice has dropped two octaves.”
As Gertrude McFuzz, Horton’s staunchest supporter in times of crisis, Madelyn Hartikainen takes on the role of a creature who is both nervous and naïve yet incomparably loyal.
“Maggie is a good fit. Her character is quite quirky, and it suits her personality. Gertrude likes Horton and is shy. She suffers from body image issues but gradually discovers herself.”
At the opposite end of the spectrum, Hannah Adamson’s Mayzie la Bird instead oozes confidence.
“Hannah moves really well. During the pandemic when nothing was happening, she focused on dance. She’s a great mover with a great voice.”
And nine-year-old Lilah Ouimet, one of the youngest actors, is cast as JoJo.
“She’s a spitfire and very energetic.”
In addition to Flower doing double duty as director and designer, the production team includes choreographer Rachel Ironmonger, vocal director Janet Nichol and costume designer Lieke den Bakker.
“Seussical is simple and joyous, and the messaging is positive. It evokes a simpler time, and it’s a real good feel-good show.”
St. Albert Children’s Theatre will perform seven shows in four days from June 1 to 4 at the Arden Theatre, 5 St. Anne Street. Tickets are $16. They are available at tickets.stalbert.ca or by phone at 780-459-1542.
