Visionary College stickhandles Seussical Jr.

St. Albert’s Visionary College is mounting one of the most performed shows in North America.

Seussical Jr., the successful Broadway production created by Tony Award winners Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, is running at La Cité Francophone from May 5 to 7 p.m.

“Visionary College gets bigger and better every year. Our cast is extremely responsible and talented and the repertoire reaches new heights every year. The response is great and we’re shaping a cast that can sing, dance and act and they are putting on a wonderful show,” said director Curtis Labelle.

For anyone unfamiliar with Seussical Jr., it is a delightful mishmash of Dr. Seuss’s beloved characters including Horton, the Elephant, The Cat in the Hat, Gertrude McFuzz, Mayzie La Bird and Jojo, the little boy with an extravagant imagination.

The plot centres on Horton, the heroic pachyderm that faces a double challenge by following his heart.

Horton endures ridicule, danger, kidnapping and a trial in order to protect his tiny friend JoJo and the invisible world of the Whos from every present danger.

In addition, the gentle pachyderm takes on the role of parent guarding a special egg abandoned by the negligent Mayzie La Bird.

Kickstarting the action is JoJo, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Mayor of Whoville. Jojo is being packed off to military school because his overactive “thinks” have gotten him into trouble at school.

Underlying this exotic, imaginative tale that transports us to the Jungle of Nool and Cirkus McGurkus is a heartwarming story that tests the powers of friendship, loyalty, family and community.

“The message is simple,” said Labelle. “Don’t change yourself to make others happy. Be yourself.”

Half a dozen budding St. Albert actors take a lead in this Seussian universe, each radiating their own brand of spunk.

They include Jonah Osborne (Horton), Makayla Barwick (Mayzie), Daphne Charrois (Gertrude), and Summer Fraliegh (Cat in the Hat).

“I’m so excited about this show. The music is catchy. The story is wonderful and it’s a fun, family show.”