Seussical
Directors:
Directed by Samantha Pudlin
Choreography by Jordan Hahn
Vocal Direction by Kristen Long
Audition:
January 7th 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Prepare 30 seconds of a song from the show (please do not audition acapella – bring your own track as we will not have an accompanist)
– Please be prepared to learn a dance combination.
– Ages 12+ with the exception of whoever is cast as Jojo
THE STORY:
The Cat in the Hat tells the story of Horton, an elephant who discovers a speck of dust that contains the Whos, including Jojo, a Who child sent off to military school for thinking too many “thinks.” Horton faces a double challenge: not only must he protect the Whos from a world of naysayers and dangers, but he must guard an abandoned egg, left in his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird. Although Horton faces ridicule, danger, kidnapping and a trial, the intrepid Gertrude McFuzz never loses faith in him. Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family and community are challenged and emerge triumphant.
Rehearsals:
January 11th – March 29th
Most rehearsals will be on Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday
You will be called as needed.
Tech Rehearsal: March 30th & April 1st – 3rd
*Schedule is subject to change
Seussical Character Breakdown
Jojo
A “Thinker.” He’s a smart child with a wild imagination. JoJo can be played as being a little bit awkward, a little bit of a loner, or simply a rambunctious kid whose “Thinks” get him into constant trouble. By the end of the show, he learns what it means to be a responsible member of his community, using the power and possibilities of his own “Thinks.”
The Cat in the Hat
The essence of mischief, fun, and imagination. The Cat stirs things up and causes trouble but always sets things right again. He helps JoJo discover the power of his own imagination as they create the story of Seussical JR. together. Look for a physically adept actor (male or female) to play the Cat who is confident onstage, comfortable with comedy, and able to improvise with the audience if needed.
Horton the Elephant
A gentle giant. Think of Horton as a big-hearted, blue-collar guy who is steadfast, responsible, and always tries to do the right thing. He is sympathetic and receptive to the world around him. He believes in the inherent goodness of the world, so it’s no surprise that he always looks for the good in others. Horton goes on quite a journey throughout the show but stays true to himself, even when the going gets tough.
Mr. Mayor and Mrs. Mayor
Mr. Mayor and Mrs. Mayor are parents trying hard to raise a child with a big imagination. These Whos may get aggravated with JoJo, but they love him dearly. They try their best to make the right choices as parents, even if JoJo doesn’t always understand them. They are also upstanding members of their community.
Gertrude McFuzz
Very self-conscious about her one-feather tail. Gertrude gains confidence throughout the show, changing from an anxious, nervous, shy bird into someone whose self-worth doesn’t rest on her appearance. In other words, Gertrude realizes what’s truly important in her life.
Mayzie La Bird
Self-centered, vain, and manipulative. She ultimately means no harm, but she’s immature and makes selfish decisions. In giving up her egg to Horton once and for all, she has a moment of self- awareness – she realizes she isn’t the kind of bird who would be a good parent, and she does the best thing she can for the egg.
Wickersham Brothers
The Wickersham Brothers, including Wickersham 1, Wickersham 2, and Wickersham 3, are not bad guys! They tease, play pranks, and get a kick out of making mischief, although often at another’s expense.
Bird Girls
The Bird Girls, including Bird Girl 1, Bird Girl 2, and Bird Girl 3, are a fabulous group of birds who know everything there is to know about the goings on in the jungle and support Mayzie throughout the show.
Sour Kangaroo
Loud, brassy, and a lot of fun. She’s got a lot of attitude but isn’t mean – she’s just very confident and unafraid to tell it like it is.
Young Kangaroo
Sour Kangaroo’s feisty daughter. She may be pint- sized, but she’s got a big personality and is following in her mother’s footsteps.
Judge Yertle the Turtle
The authoritative judge who presides over Horton’s trial at the end of the show.
Vlad Vladikoff
The black-bottomed eagle who flies off with the Whos.
The Grinch
Arguably the most famous Seuss character of all! He has a brief, fun cameo in Seussical JR.
The Whos
The Whos (including First Who Family, Second Who Family, Third Who Family, Fourth Who Family, and Fifth Who Family) are the citizens of Whoville and they look a lot like you and me, only so small they are invisible to the naked eye. They are a tight-knit, supportive community.
Ensemble
The Jungle Citizens, Hunters, Circus Animals, Fish, Nurses, Courtroom Attendants, additional Wickersham Brothers and Bird Girls all help fill out the world Seussical JR.