ASH Theater Company is a Philadelphia-based non-profit organization that strives to entertain and uplift its audience while fostering relationships and meaningful experiences for its students. This month, ASH Theater takes a trip through the silly and stupendous world of famous children's author, Dr. Seuss, with the Seussical. This fun packed musical borrows from various Seuss books and twists them all up with catchy songs, memorable moments, and beloved story characters come to life.
The plot is propelled along by the mostly mischievous Cat and the Hat who is able to communicate with both the audience and the other actors on stage. Not only that, but he is also able to take on other personas in a flash to fill the roles of a cheeky extra soldier, or a circus ringleader, or even a Dr. Strangelove-ish bird doctor. He is quirky, quick witted, takes great delight in poking fun at the other characters, and the audience just loves him. The Cat in the Hat's ridiculous nature is best seen at the beginning of the Act 2 when the curtain opens to just him dancing all on his own for awhile - obviously taking great pleasure in the mess he's been able to contrive on stage so far.
Seussical has a assortment of other wonderful characters including Horton the Elephant who bravely takes on both his stories and tries to save all the Whos living on their speck, as well as take care of an egg abandoned by an irresponsible bird. Not only does he remain faithful 100% and is rewarded with friendship and love in the end, but his astounding singing voice rings of absolute sincerity every time he is on stage. We never tired of hearing Horton's impressive vocals. Other cast standouts for us was the Jungle of Nool's Sour Kangaroo who had quite the powerful voice (we didn't get to hear her as often as other characters, but when she was there, she owned the stage!), We also enjoyed JoJo, the little thinker from Whoville, both Gertrude McFuzz and Mayzie La Bird, and General Genghis Khan Schmitz.
The entire production was a delight to experience with a creative approach to set and costumes (don't think we didn't catch the Wickersham Brothers sporting Planet of the Apes and Donkey Kong tees). We also appreciated sounds of the live orchestra that set the mood as the songs jumped to different tunes like the inspiring Oh, the Things You Can Think to the heart breaking Solla Sollew. Funny, thoughtful, and entertaining through and through, Seussical is a show with something for everyone.
Tickets are still available for Saturday, October 21
and Sunday, October 22 at Venice Island.
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