ANYway back the Seussical, the inaugural show of the new Midway Theater Company. It was a wow - one of those standing-ovation-worthy, cast-of-thousands (59 but with the multiple roles….) extravaganzas with a Seuss-worthy set and a truckload of fun costumes suggesting jungle animals, and citizens of Who-ville and many more. The nine piece orchestra ably backed the 27 musical numbers, under the direction of Sean Duffy. Choreographers Sara Grace Groot & Amy Duffy must have been very busy - along with director Cole Groot.
The plot is a delightfully convoluted mishmash of beloved Dr. Seuss books, mainly Horton Hears a Who and Horton Hatches the Egg — but with references to more. Our host was an ebullient Isaac Orr as The Cat in the Hat, an adorable ring-master of many voices and antics —and even tap dancing! He was the only performer I’ve seen before (at Riverwalk) — and ALL the major roles were outstanding talents, new to me: Janelle Curry as young JoJo the Who who Thinks; Nathan Hartges as Horton the Elephant, faithful 100%; Elise Alvaro as the endearing Gertrude McFuzz, with devoted determination and tail issues; Gianna Taracks as Mayzie La Bird, the soul of irresponsibility; John Yavruian and Mina Postman represented the parental generation very well; Heidi Olson was a formidable Sour Kangaroo with her sidekick Ava Giltner as Young Kangaroo; Nate Knobloch was militantly funny as General Genghis Khan Schmitz; Wickersham Brothers Charlie Beal, Chase Buher, and Benjamin Olson were simian acrobats.
With such a big cast, and the attendant friends/family, Hannah Center was pretty full, so I’d suggest reserving NOW. At the website, you can see which seats are still available. Shows continue Saturday, January 20 at 2 and 7 pm and Friday, January 26, 7 pm and Saturday, January 27 at 2 and 7 pm. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door. Learn more about this new company and get tickets at http://www.midwaytheatercompany.org