Seussical
at Herndon High School

Reviewed on November 17, 2013

Stuart Pratuch
West Springfield HS
Submitted for publication to Washington Post - Fairfax

A little boy picks up a hat. What could go under that? Maybe a flat or a bat. Maybe even a cat! Why, it is a cat! It's the Cat in the Hat! drawing us into the whimsical world of Dr. Seuss. And so begins Herndon High School's production of Seussical the Musical.

Seussical opened on Broadway on November 28th, 2000 at the Richard Rodgers Theatre with music by Stephen Flaherty and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens. The show closed after only 198 performances due to mediocre reviews. Since then, the musical has been heavily edited and become a heavy staple of regional, community, and school productions. It follows multiple storylines of well-known Dr. Seuss stories. These imaginative tales predominantly include Horton Hears a Who and Horton Hatches the Egg, but feature a multitude of other fantasies such as "If I Ran the Circus", "Oh, the Thinks You Could Think!", and "One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish".

The complicated storyline and troubles with characters were handled very well by Herndon's production. Drew Lytle's performance of the Cat in the Hat was completely committed, constantly reacting to those around him and always drawing the attention of the audience to his merriment. Lytle's portrayal was further complemented by sixth grader Henry Metcalf's Jojo. The two shared a fantastic chemistry with each other, contributing to an innocent charm felt throughout the play. Jojo also shared great chemistry with Horton the Elephant played by Hunter Robinson especially in "Alone in the Universe". Robinson further amazed by carefully crafting his approach onstage, taking on the role and preserving the energy needed to capture such a kind and caring creature.

The multiple ensembles also attacked this challenge head on. The Wickersham Brothers (Solomon Dixon, Nathan Burns, and Nathan Hawn) maintained monkey mannerisms persistently throughout their time onstage acting and reacting even out of the limelight or, rather, bananalight. Meanwhile, the Bird Girls (Veronica McGrath, Sarah Overton, Joy Collins, and Brooke Nyren) chirped and tweeted their smooth and tranquil vocal harmonies superbly while they flew about the stage.

Several of the technical aspects also stood out. The set was designed so that the childlike nature of Seuss's stories could come out in a fanciful manner, but also allowed functionality as each and every part was used by the cast. The costume department created a magnificent array of outfits ranging from zoo animals to a stout over-the-top general's uniform for a large and invigorating cast. Some distractions came from what appeared to be microphone problems, but the story still held up remarkably well. With over a hundred lighting cues, there were some falters in this daunting task yet the lighting crew handled the challenge very well. The thirty-six person pit orchestra never once overpowered the actors onstage and approached Flaherty's difficult score with outstanding ease as each and every note was audible.

The show closes as Jojo places the Cat in the Hat's hat on his head and the brim covers his eyes. He shouts "Think!" as the lights fade away. Herndon's merry production of Seussical receives thunderous applause as the parade of colors, imaginative creatures, and Seuss's concoctions leave the stage, revealing the powers of what can happen when you truly consider all the ‘thinks' you could think!

Kristen Popham
Chantilly High School
Submitted for publication to Washington Post - Fairfax

"I'm alone in the universe; so alone in the universe. I've found magic but they don't see it," sings wise Horton the Elephant, willing to sacrifice everything for a tiny speck of civilization or a single abandoned egg. Horton reminds us to be attentive to magic, because sometimes society allows us to ignore the enchantment present all around us. An entire audience was reminded of this essential sentiment, and charmed by air of innocence and jubilance in Herndon High School's production of "Seussical."

"Seussical," music by Stephen Flaherty and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, debuted on Broadway in 2000. Though its Broadway run was short-lived, "Seussical" immediately gained popularity among regional and high school theaters; subsequently, launching its reputation as a highly renowned community production. As a compilation of Dr. Seuss' acclaimed stories, "Seussical" follows the life of Horton, narrated by Cat in the Hat, and portrays the love, struggle, and perseverance of our favorite fictional elephant.

Herndon High School's production was blissful and endearing. The actors were committed and energetic, constructing their characters' reality from Seuss' world of fantasy. They were also able to harness the core of youthfulness with movement, facial expression, and full embodiment of their characters. Whether it be Cat in the Hat's jaw opened wide with excitement, or the longing vocal inflection of young Jojo as he wishes to find home, the cast was devoted to their story just as Horton was devoted to the task of saving innocent lives.

Drew Lytle's portrayal of Cat in the Hat carried the show. His powerful stamina and jovial persona was consistent throughout his performance. Lytle's facial expressions and hysterical comedic moments were imperative to the success of the show. His remarkable chemistry was prevalent with most characters, but most noticeably with Henry Metcalf's Jojo. As a sixth grader, Metcalf's performance was especially impressive, and the brotherly dynamic offered by these actors was very enjoyable.

Zach Klein and Sonya Keefer also offered an engaging performance as Mr. and Mrs. Mayor of Whoville, because of their humorous relationship and powerful vocals. Their dedication was clear, similar to Solomon Dixon, playing Wickersham #1. Dixon exercised his ability to stand out in an ensemble of people without taking away from the central focus of the scene. His subtle, though not distracting, comical moments complemented many numbers of the show.

The technical aspects helped transform the stage into the world of a storybook. The use of bright colors across the set and onto the costumes of the characters furthered the jovial feel of the show. Though a few microphones malfunctioned, the incredible orchestra balanced the sound appropriately.

"Seussical" was a delightful reminder to pay attention to every bit of magic in the world. As Cat in the Hat made evident, every once in a while, you should "tell yourself how lucky you are."

Emilia Brennan
Oakton High School
Submitted for publication to Red Apple 21 - FCPS

Are you about to pick up a Swiffer? STOP! Or rather—YOP! There could be a population of tiny, yet amazing people living on that very speck you're targeting. Just take it from Horton the Elephant, or JoJo the Who. Herndon High School's production of Seussical the Musical joyously proclaimed that a "person's a person, no matter how small" and, possibly, gave us an excuse for not dusting this week.

Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty's script of "Seussical the Musical" entwines many of Dr. Seuss's classic tales into an explosive and quirky stage production. Making its debut on Broadway in 2000, Seussical's amateur rights were released in 2004 and it became the most produced musical that year, especially among schools. Entertaining not only for younger audiences, the show's sentimental plot-line delves into a world where conformity is defeated—something all of us older "thinkers" need to be reminded of now and again.

The audience was immediately arrested by both the sheer size of Herndon's cast, as well as the visual impact of the whimsical costumes. With a constant multitude of happenings, it occasionally became difficult to focus on the main plot, but lead roles were certainly able to rise above the chaos of the jungle and take precedence.

The Cat in the Hat (Drew Lytle) wove in and out with a mischievous omnipresence. Lytle's vocals were strong, but the force of his stage presence is what really shone. He took on the role of auctioneer, doctor, and mime extraordinaire with great gusto and mastered the rhythmic aspect of his Suess-ian lines with excellent timing.

Horton (Hunter Robinson) immediately endeared himself to the audience with his bumbling physicality, large ears, and larger heart. Robinson's vocals were gruff at times, but in a way that actually served his character. Gertrude (Laura Millon) was Horton's equally bashful next door neighbor. Millon played the one-feathered bird with extreme sincerity, bringing the audience along for a romantic tangent that was, in the end, not entirely unrequited.

Impossible to exclude is Henry Metcalf who played JoJo, the great young thinker. A sixth grader, Metcalf was seamlessly integrated into the cast. His vocals were independently impressive, and his self-awareness on stage exceeded his years without a doubt. Other standouts included the three Wickersham Brothers (Solomon Dixon, Nathan Burns, Nathan Hawn) who added a devious thread of tension whenever they entered.

Despite minor sound issues, the technicality of Herndon's performance was notably strong. With over a hundred lighting cues, the audience was truly drawn into a cartoon-esque world with vibrant back washes and swirling graphics. Undoubtedly, the most intelligent technical decision of the production was the use of a mesh screen to separate the world of the jungle from Who-ville. The "scrim" provided silhouettes of cast members situated behind, allowing the ensemble-heavy cast to shine in striking tableaus.

Inhibitions were truly shed on the stage of Herndon's Seussical the Musical. To truly become so effortlessly joyful and vivacious goes against every cynical fiber of teenagers, and yet, Herndon's cast achieved just that. The magical stories of Seuss were not only brought to life, but our lives brought closer to the magic.

Kevin Buckley
Stone Bridge High School
Submitted for publication to ShowBizRadio.net

A bumbling elephant, a sassy kangaroo, and a sly cat all take center stage in the fight over the survival of a place called Who, a town the size of a dust-speck. As time passes, the lifespan of the town seems to be continuously shortening, as the only animal that can save the lives of the Whos is seen as insane. Who could possibly create such a ridiculous yet fascinating story? Why, Dr. Seuss of course! The world of the many Seuss stories came to life in the most enjoyable of ways in Herndon High School's production of Seussical.

Written by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, creators of the hit musical Ragtime, Seussical was initially a Broadway flop when it first premiered in 2000. Soon after the show's rights were released for public use, however, it became a national hit, consistently being named one of the most performed musicals in the United States, specifically among high schools. The musical is a conglomeration of the many Dr. Seuss books and tells the story of Horton (Hunter Robinson), an elephant who hears tiny voices coming from a speck of dust. Once it is revealed that these voices belong to an entire town, Horton becomes protective of its people, especially after Sour Kangaroo (Cassie Szymczyk) lobbies to get him incarcerated for his "insane" beliefs. As the story progresses, the battle over the Who people becomes increasingly more important yet increasingly more difficult, leading to laughter and heartbreak for those involved.

As the Cat in the Hat, Drew Lytle expertly crafted the most uproarious, nimble performance of the entire production. Narrating much of the show for the audience, Lytle marvelously created unique facial expressions, paid constant attention to detail, and had complete dedication to character that made him an audience favorite and extremely personable (ironic, considering he played a cat). His chemistry with Jojo (Henry Metcalf), son of the Mayor of Who, made the show even more enjoyable, especially when the two sang together, such as in "It's Possible" and "Our Story Resumes…".

In an ensemble often full of energy, it was the Bird Girls that dazzled. Although some of the cast sometimes seemed slightly off pitch, the Bird Girls harmonized beautifully, especially in songs like "Amazing Mayzie" and "Amazing Gertrude". Also delivering a powerful performance was Zach Klein who, as Who Mr. Mayor, delivered fantastic vocals in conjunction with strong acting.

The technical aspects of the show were unparalleled, specifically the lighting. Led by Alissa Clayton and Lucas Lauber, the lighting was spot on, consistently adding to the moods of the scenes, using intelligent lighting to create fun shapes and designs on the cyclorama and walls of the auditorium, and having over 100 lighting cues to make the show pop. The set was also of note, as its creative designs and sensible application was used well by the cast. The use of a scrim and a fountain on stage also added depth and fun to the performance that made everything more enjoyable for the audience.

All in all, Herndon High School's production of Seussical was a great success. Although there were some lags in energy, a fantastic set of leads and superb ensemble worked together to create a very comical performance. The technical element, in general, were tremendous, adding excitement and color to the show. In the end, there is perhaps no better description for the performance than something Seuss wrote himself- "From there to here, from here to there, funny things are everywhere!"

Laura MacDonald
Oakton High School
Submitted for publication to Patch.com - FX/HE

Imagine a whimsical world filled with color and joy, where journeys begin and dreams can come true. This is the world of Dr. Seuss, the brilliant place that encompasses some of the most familiar, heart-warming stories known today. Seuss' creations burst to life on the stage in Herndon High School's "Seussical," written by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, allowing the audience to take a trip back to their early years where, as the cast so proudly sang, anything is possible.

"Seussical," which premiered on Broadway in 2000, and later hit high school stages in 2004, mainly focuses on Horton in the Jungle of Nool and his encounter with the microscopic world of the Whos. The other jungle creatures mock Horton's belief in the small civilization, thus kick-starting Horton's whirlwind adventure through the fantastical world of Dr. Seuss. The story also includes stories revolving around the Cat in the Hat, acting as the host of the show, and Gertrude McFuzz among other beloved Seuss characters who all interact with Horton, blending all of Seuss' stories together in one extravagant musical.

The Cat in the Hat (Drew Lytle) was truly a pleasure to watch. His spectacular stage presence and unimpeded energy was not only consistent throughout the whole show, but his facial expressions and comedic timing were spot-on. Lytle's charming demeanor and whimsical voice brought each song joy and humor. Lytle commanded the audience's attention and was a powerful and hilarious addition to the cast.

Horton (Hunter Robinson) similarly shone throughout the performance. Robinson was true to his character in an endearing, convincing way that really brought the story to life. His dedication in conveying Horton's struggle was both evident and effective; the audience rooted for Horton as he overcame seemingly impossible obstacles.

Another excellent addition to the story was JoJo (Henry Metcalf), a young boy thrown into the world of Dr. Seuss by the Cat in the Hat. Metcalf, remarkably only in the sixth grade, performed beyond his years. His voice was strong and appealing, and his ability to capture the audience's attention was extraordinary. Metcalf especially excelled when paired with the Cat in the Hat, as their chemistry was believable and solid.

The performance was especially aided by Herndon High School's orchestra, which set the tone of Seuss' fantastical world with fast, fun melodies. The orchestra was flawless, never outshining any of the vocalists, while still carrying a perfect tune. The lighting also helped to set the mood for "Seussical," entrancing audiences with fanciful spotlights that made one feel as if they were in a Dr. Seuss story.

Herndon's colorful, intricate set was composed of platforms, a slide, and a swing, all which created an amazing view of Seuss' world. Not only was the set impressive, but well utilized as well. The slide and swing were incorporated seamlessly into the performance, enhancing the actors' movements throughout the stage. Another excellent addition to the set was the scrim, which created an interesting story-book-like image of the characters when lit from behind.

The actors' energy built throughout the performance, finally exploding zealously in the finale with the casts' rendition of "Oh The Thinks You Can Think." Despite some problems with the microphones during the performance, the ensemble sang harmoniously and each actor continuously stayed in character.

Herndon's "Seussical" was fun and lively, captivating the audience while transporting them to another world entirely in a way that was sure to make Dr. Seuss proud.

Sierra Carlson
Stone Bridge High School
Submitted for publication to Connection

Imagine a tiny world, smaller than the eye can see. Imagine it hurtling through space with no direction. Imagine this little planet, and know that it is possible. By just thinking, anything is possible. Herndon High School masterfully illustrated this power of imagination in their rendering of Seussical the Musical.

Seussical the Musical, written by the award winning Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, first made its debut on Broadway in 2000. Although unsuccessful on the Great White Way, this musical became a quick favorite among local and high school theaters. The main focus of the show is the story of Horton the Elephant, but that does not keep many of Dr. Seuss' revolutionary characters make an appearance.

Drew Lytle was excellent in his ability to bring the lovable character of the Cat in the Hat to life. Lytle's use of comical expression and appropriate overreaction created a character reminiscent of the childhood classic. He started off both the first and second act with a contagious energy that left the audience excited for things to come. Hunter Robinson achieved a similar task as Horton the Elephant. Even when behind a scrim, Robinson was able to affectively take the stage and capture the undivided attention of the audience.

The cast consistently created beautiful stage pictures with multiple levels that left every face visible. Nearly every performer had a defined personality that was crucial in representing the world of Dr. Seuss. An example of this was the memorable cleverness that Zach Klein and Sonya Keefer brought their roles as Mr. and Mrs. Mayor of Whoville. Both the physical and choral elements of their performance were consistent and, above all else, entertaining. The same is true with Laura Millon and her performance as Gertrude, which was full of creative physicality and vocal flair.

It was Alisa Clayton's work as light designer that really brought this production together. Each lighting cue, which numbered over 100, was generated with a specific purpose in mind and executed flawlessly. The set was creative in that it drew clear inspiration from the work of Dr. Seuss. The bold simplicity of the set offered much utilization from the performers and a clean switch from one location to another with ease. This was achieved with the use of a scrim to divide the many worlds of this production.

The cast and crew of Herndon High School's production of Seussical brought the iconic stories of Dr. Seuss to the stage with inventive imagination and notable dedication. Whether it's floating on a tiny speck of dust or dancing through the Jungle of Nool, Herndon High School proved that "anything's possible" if you just think.

Molly Magoffin
Loudoun Valley HS
Submitted for publication to Fairfax County Times

Imagine a lone red and white striped hat, center stage. What would you expect next? Probably not a small boy with a blue mohawk running towards it. These strange circumstances began Seussical this past weekend at Herndon High School.

Seussical is a show based on almost twenty of Dr. Seuss's books, including Horton Hears a Who and The Cat in the Hat. It was written by Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens, premiering on Broadway in 2000. Although it seems like any musical featuring Dr. Seuss would be enjoyable, however it was not received well and closed in 2001. In response to its lukewarm reviews, Seussical began an American Tour in 2003 with a largely reworked script. That time, its reception was much warmer so it is this version that is now performed in so many schools and amateur theaters throughout the country. It features Jojo, a boy from Whoville whose "thinks" often get him in trouble. The show circulates around the scenes that he imagines, beginning with Horton the Elephant and his quest to save the Whos. Plenty more of Dr. Seuss's stories are woven in to create a wonderfully intricate plot filled with exciting and fascinating characters.

Herndon High School's production was anchored by the incredible performance of Dylan Lytle as The Cat in the Hat. His comedic timing was exceptional. At one point, he stood behind the conductor and imitated his grandiose gestures, to the obvious delight of the younger members of the audience. Lytle's character choices and mannerisms were incredibly consistent and humorous, making it easy to connect to his character.

The bird girl ensemble really stood out in this production. Their melodious harmonies, creative makeup, and colorful costumes enhanced any scene they entered. Another great ensemble was the Wickersham brother ensemble, whose "monkeying around" brought energy to everyone onstage. Although sometimes difficult to hear, their interactions with each other and the other characters onstage provided constant entertainment.

The Herndon High School Seussical Pit Orchestra was a key feature in the show; its virtuosically blended melodies supported the actors and filled the auditorium. Even at some moments when it seemed as though an actor missed a musical cue, the orchestra blanketed over the pause. Their speed and energy always matched that of the actors, providing an incredible musical experience.

After seeing this interpretation of Seussical, Herndon High School will be one of the thinks I will think when I think about Seuss.