Seussical at Eastern High School is a fun ramble through the quirky script by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, conglomerated from many Dr. Seuss stories, most notably Horton Hears a Who and Horton Hatches the Egg. 32 cast members frolicked/plodded/scampered across the stage under the direction of Mike Kinney, in fun costumes (Melissa Witmer) past rolling set pieces in the Seuss stye (Kevin Pfeifer.) Samantha Outwater produced and choreographed, with Kait Wilson as music director, using a prerecorded soundtrack.
Randy Donald was a personable Cat in the Hat master of ceremonies, helping Riley Leinbach as Jojo the “thinking” Who through the story of somber/loyal Horton the elephant (Julian Deines) guarding his clover which carried the Who-dust-speck — and the egg left to him by the self-indulgent Mayzie (Kaleigh Pfeifer). Clara Freeman had a strong singing voice and strong objections as Sour Kangaroo (and Ellie Pfiefer was super cute as her sidekick, Young Kangaroo.) Alina Levandowski was outstanding as Gertrude McFuzz, with great singing voice and articulation, dealing with her tail issues and sharing the happy ending with Horton.
Seussical has one more show tomorrow at 2 pm at Eastern High School; $10/8 at the door or at https://www.onthestage.tickets/show/nofeb/63c6b6908e82410e4b142083/tickets
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Not sure I’ll get to see it but note that Okemos High School is presenting The Wizard of Oz April 28-29 and May 5-6 at 7 and 2pm May 7 - Directed by Chad Badgero, it promises to be a crowd pleaser. More info at: http://okemostheatre.com