Theatre IV has brought Broadway hit “Seussical” to Richmond, and it is a colorful, fantastical, musical extravaganza that will entertain the whole family.
When it comes to children’s stories, nobody did it better than Dr. Seuss. His books were magical, inventive tales woven together with important social and moral messages, and “Seussical” cleverly combines some of the best of Dr. Seuss’ stories and characters into one enchanting musical. “Seussical” follows Horton the Elephant, Gertrude McFuzz, Mayzie, and the people of Who-ville, as they try to find their place in the big world all while being poked at and egged on by the wily Cat in the Hat.
Timeless Seuss-isms such as “Oh, the thinks you can think!” and “Anything’s possible” are brought to life on stage, with the enduring Seuss themes of loyalty and tolerance highlighted in Horton’s famous motto: “A person’s a person, no matter how small.” (You find me a decade in American history where this motto was not relevant, and I’ll pull a cat out of my hat.)
Together, the inventive costumes, choreography, and the actor’s bright and playful performances create a whimsical Seuss World. But it’s the 
casts’ youngest stars who steal the show. Little Jo-Jo, the young son of Who-ville who struggles with grown-ups who tell him to stop thinking so big, is wonderfully played by Nicholas Caviness, and the sassy Young Kangaroo, played by Ellie Wilson, cracks the audience up every time she echoes the Sour Kangaroo’s catty taunts to poor, well-meaning Horton the Elephant.
But perhaps a more appropriate review would come from the ultimate Seuss reader, a child, and I happen to have one right here.
Lily, age 8 and in 2nd grade, has this to say about “Seussical”. (And she would like it pointed out that she has seen a few musicals in her day, and therefore can make a solid, objective review.)
“I liked Dr. Seuss books when I was younger, but when I saw Seussical, I was like, Oh, wow! The music is very catchy, and the costumes are really realistic, except for the Who’s, who are NOT tiny. (haha!) They seemed to have planned the songs very carefully. If you like Dr. Seuss’s books, you’ll find that “Seussical” goes along really well with the books. There were some really cool props, and some were glow in the dark!”
Spend a magical afternoon or evening with your family at “Seussical”, now playing at the Sara Belle and Neil November Theatre (formerly the Empire Theatre) through May 20th. Click here to order tickets.
(Theatre IV is an advertiser at RichmondMom.com. Ask for a free Savvy Saver Card to enjoy half price children’s tickets at Theatre IV!)
